Dre's Takes: Life is Messy, So Is Your Bun

The messy bun, everyone’s favorite go-to hairstyle, is an unapologetic reminder to relax, breathe, and accept life as it is; messy yet meaningful. It perfectly embodies our CEO Andrea Nucete-Elliott’s take on life, self-care, and the world around us. 

In the last Dre’s Takes blog, we shared 3 critical self-care rituals to help you feel like a champion. Today, we remind you that self-care isn’t about achieving perfection. Let go of unattainable expectations and be comfortable in your own skin. Self-care and wellness are deeply personal journeys, unique to each and every person. So take a deep breath, relax, and keep your focus on what truly matters in life.

Falling Into the Social Media Comparison Trap

We all do it—scrolling endlessly through Instagram or TikTok, convinced that everyone else has their life perfectly figured out.

But here’s the thing no one talks about enough: social media is a highlight reel. It’s curated.

 

Behind every polished post is a person.

Behind every smiling selfie is a story.

There's so much more beneath the surface, both in others' lives and your own.

Research has shown that spending large amounts of time on platforms like Instagram may negatively impact self-esteem, particularly for women and teen girls.

Don't get stuck comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. Your life is layered, complex, and so much more than what could fit into a 30-second TikTok.

Take a step back and ask yourself, "Am I focusing on living, or on how my life looks to others?" If you walk away with one mantra today, make it this one: your worth is so much more than anything you could post on social media.

The Oxygen You Didn’t Know You Needed

Take a deep breath. No, really—do it now. Feels good, doesn’t it? It’s easy to underestimate how crucial (and calming) something as simple as breathing can be.  

We can't live without air in our lungs, and similarly, we can't thrive when we're constantly stressed. Humans weren't designed to live in a perpetual state of tension and anxiety.

When life feels overwhelming—when the mess piles up around you (literally or metaphorically)—pause. Breathe. Take a moment to practice mindfulness. 

If things around you aren't perfect, that's okay! It just means you're beautifully, authentically human.

Remind yourself of what really matters. Focus on the bigger picture, and ask yourself, "What am I truly striving for?"

Self-Respect: The Foundation of Self-Love

Self-respect comes *before* self-love. You can’t build a sturdy house without a strong foundation, right?

When you respect yourself, you begin to cultivate self-love. And self-love is powerful.

But what exactly do we mean by self-respect?

It’s an internal sense of knowing your worth. It’s in the choices you make, the goals you set, the way you treat yourself. It’s acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses while accepting that your imperfections don’t diminish your value.  

Unlike self-esteem, which can fluctuate based on external factors, self-respect is rooted in our own values and actions.

Validation from others will always pale in comparison to the strength that comes from within. Build that inner strength by recognizing your value, celebrating your victories (no matter how small), and giving yourself grace when things go wrong.

Embrace Life’s Beautiful Mess

Life isn't perfect, and that's okay. You, however, are perfectly imperfect.

Your unique quirks, your occasional chaos, your messy buns on days when there’s no time for flat irons—these are the things that make you you.
We at TIY encourage you to focus on the forest, not the trees. You’ll be surprised at how much simpler everything becomes.

Austin Marathon 2025: A Celebration of Human Spirit

Speaking of embracing life's beautiful chaos, we were thrilled to be part of the 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K last week. The streets of Austin were alive with energy as 24,000 registered runners from all 50 states and 52 countries came together, creating an unforgettable experience.

Events like the Austin Marathon remind us of the importance of connection—not just with others, but with ourselves. Each runner out there embraced the messiness of the grind, the imperfections of the process, and focused on their goal. It’s a lesson we can all take into our daily lives.