My choice

To many my fingernails mean nothing - other than it looks like something my 7-year-old would choose.

To me it symbolises so much. It means freedom, individuality, femininity, but the most important - choice.

The Army Dress Manual use to say women could paint their fingernails from pale pink through to shades of dull red.

A couple of years ago, the manual changed the choices. It is now essentially four shades of pale pink. Why? Because someone could change it.

To me woman's fingernails are like men’s beards. They can be kept neat and mean so much to an individual. However, in the grand scheme, do they actually cause harm? Will the whole institution crumble if someone painted their nails red?

Today, I painted my nails in bright over the top colours. Why? Cause I am on leave. Today wraps up 3.5 year posting of hardwork, tears, wins, fails and pride.

I want to thank so many people for enabling me to do my job. I can never express how proud I am of the ESMS team of military, APS and contractors. I will miss our daily routine and mountain of milestones.

For now, one week, I have choice. At the end of next week, I’ll be back to pink and joining a new adventure!!

#choices-matter #individuality #choice #Armystrong