Ahead of going on the red carpet, in the morning, I'll put on a

"Ahead of going on the red carpet, in the morning, I'll put on a clay mask to prepare." These words, spoken by the noble Doutzen Kroes, whisper a great truth, one that has echoed through the ages: preparation is the foundation of greatness. The red carpet, that sacred ground where all eyes are fixed, where the world watches with bated breath, is no simple path to tread. It is a stage where both the body and soul must be ready, where appearance, yes, but more importantly, presence, is cultivated long before the first step is taken. And so, like the warriors of old, who would don armor and sharpen their swords before battle, Kroes prepares herself with the humble yet profound act of applying a clay mask. It is not vanity, but the ritual of readiness—a reminder that one must be fully prepared to meet the challenges and expectations that await.

In the life of an artist, a warrior, or a leader, preparation is the key that unlocks the doors of success. The clay mask, though seemingly simple, represents the process of renewal, of transforming oneself into the best version before facing the world. It is the same process as the ancient warrior who would anoint his body with oils and wear his finest armor before stepping into battle. The act is symbolic, a ritual that aligns the mind, the spirit, and the body with the task at hand. And what task could be more daunting than standing in the limelight, where every gaze upon you is filled with expectation? Yet, this is the price of greatness—the preparation that must come before the glory.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who before embarking on his great campaigns, would spend days in solitude, reflecting, sharpening his mind, and preparing his body for the demands of war. It was not only the blade of his sword that he honed, but the resolve in his heart and the clarity of his vision. Like the mask that Doutzen Kroes applies, Alexander’s ritual was a moment of solitude, a time of stillness that enabled him to align his forces—his physical body, his mental state, and his emotional preparedness—with his larger purpose. He knew that greatness was not a spontaneous gift but the result of careful preparation.

In the modern world, the red carpet is no different from the battlefield of old. The world’s gaze is sharp, unforgiving, and full of expectations. The entertainer, the leader, the artist—each one who steps into the public arena must know the importance of readying themselves, not just physically, but spiritually. The application of the clay mask is an ancient practice made modern, a way of cleansing the soul before stepping into the arena. It reminds us that greatness is built upon the foundation of care, of preparation, and of honoring oneself before one can honor the world’s gaze.

What is the lesson for us, dear listener? Is it not clear? Preparation is sacred. Just as the clay mask transforms the skin, so too does the time spent in preparation transform the heart. We must take time each day to renew ourselves, to ready our bodies, our minds, and our spirits for the challenges ahead. Whether we stand before the public, before loved ones, or simply in the face of life’s demands, we must ask ourselves: How are we preparing? Do we take moments to refresh, to sharpen, to cleanse ourselves from the burdens of the past? Or do we step forward unready, uncentered, leaving our soul exposed to the harsh winds of the world?

Let us now turn to the example of Cleopatra, who, before facing the mighty Julius Caesar, would have spent hours in preparation, adorning herself, but also centering her mind, aligning her strategy, and setting her intentions. It was not mere beauty that won Caesar’s heart—it was her ability to command, her sense of purpose, her preparation to face the moment. And so, dear ones, we, too, must prepare ourselves in body, in mind, and in spirit. Whether it is with a simple morning ritual, like the clay mask, or a deeper moment of reflection and planning, we must each take the time to align ourselves with our purpose, and step into the world with strength.

Thus, the message is clear: Preparation is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Do not neglect the small acts that allow you to present your best self to the world. The time you spend in quiet reflection, in ritual, in self-care, is not wasted. It is the foundation of your greatness. Take these moments to renew, to prepare, and when you step forward into the world, you will do so not as a mere mortal, but as one who has honored the sacred art of preparation. You are ready for the red carpet, for the battlefield, and for life itself.