Dear Beautiful | June 2026 Letter
Dear Beautiful,
I'm writing this letter to you from a lounge chair beside a swimming pool. (Diet Coke in hand.)
Together with a group of my friends, I've been enjoying a game of Mahjong in the pool—playing, laughing, and talking about everything and nothing.
It's been one of those ordinary summer afternoons that, somehow, feels extraordinary.
As I took a second to pause and simply relish the moment, a realization came to me: my soul has been craving more play.
I can see that I've started giving myself more permission to do things that don't accomplish anything... except making me happy.
Every morning begins with my New York Times word games. They're hardly life-changing, but they've become one of my favorite rituals. Before the emails and meetings and responsibilities begin, I spend a few quiet minutes solving puzzles simply because it's fun.
A few months ago, I learned Mahjong. I didn't need another hobby. I certainly didn't need another thing to learn. But what I did need, apparently, was another reason to gather around a table with women I love and play.
Last month, I bought myself a bicycle for the first time in almost 30 years. Thirty years! There's something about riding through the neighborhood that makes me feel like I'm nine again. A beautiful summer night, wind in my hair, on a bike ride just because it's fun—magic!
I've also been more intentional about scheduling dates with my husband, signing up for craft and art classes, planning dinners with friends, and making room for little adventures that don't have a purpose beyond enjoying life.
All these little moments have made a surprisingly big impact.
Why is it that, as we get older, our calendars fill with appointments and obligations, but not nearly enough delight? We tell ourselves we'll have more fun when work settles down, when the kids get older, when the house is cleaner, when life gets less busy, or when we can afford it.
When will we realize there will never be a moment when everything else is done?
What are we really waiting for?
"Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
— Gordon B. Hinckley
If we wait until life slows down before we allow ourselves to enjoy it, we may be waiting forever.
Children don't struggle with this. They instinctively know that play matters. They laugh often. They chase delight. They don't apologize for enjoying themselves.
Maybe today, your inner child is simply asking you to come out and play. I hope you say, "YES!"
Enjoy today,
Darcey, CEO
Shine Cosmetics
P.S. What is the last thing you did, just for fun?
