Anyone who knows me at all knows I always have my nails painted. I literally cannot remember the last time they were not. Picking out a color has always been the best part. I typically go with variations of pastel pinks, blues, or purples; as a child, I would even get white polka dots. It's one of the few times I don't feel stress or pressure, only peace of mind. When I was younger I would admire my grandmother's perfectly painted nails, so when she agreed to take me to get mine done, I was ecstatic, to say the least.

I got my first manicure when I was not even 3 years old, and since then I have been hooked. It started out as something trivial, but over the years it has morphed into something so much more. In the same way, people enjoy working out or playing the piano, I relish getting my nails done. To some, it may seem materialistic, but to me having freshly painted nails represents one of the only things in my life I have total control over.

Getting my nails done has become something special that I do with my mom. All throughout my senior year of high school, we would go religiously every 2 weeks to get a fresh manicure. When I began my freshman year of college last August I remember it felt so strange getting my nails done without her, there's no-one to talk to and it's not nearly as fun. Now it makes when my mom and I are able to go to get our nails done together, that much more special to me.

I will never forget the time when I picked neon orange nail polish. Immediately after the person started painting my fingernails, I knew it was a mistake. I have no idea what compelled me to choose that color, but I am glad I did. In many areas of my life, I am very reluctant to go out of my comfort zone, but this is not one of them. Knowing that the nail polish is only temporary, I am much more inclined take chances with it and occasionally get colors that I am not generally used to.

Being an indecisive person, I can never make up my mind. Getting my nails done is one of the only times I don't have this difficulty. Majority of the time I dread making decisions, but when picking a nail polish color I look forward to it. This has helped me realize that making choices can be fun and even rewarding, it does not always have to be so intimidating. Having my nails painted also makes me automatically feel more confident. I find myself feeling very self-conscious when they either aren't painted or have grown out. Whether I am dressed up or down, freshly painted nails make me feel like I can conquer the world.