Just because making a certain decision makes you sad does not mean it’s wrong. No matter how it affects our lives, change can hurt because it makes us uncomfortable. We get used to our environment, this includes the work we are doing, the people we see, and our daily routine. We often associate negative emotions like sadness or guilt with making decisions that may go against our personal desires or values. However, this statement suggests that sometimes, making the right or responsible choice may lead to negative emotions, such as sadness. In other words, the presence of sadness should not automatically lead you to believe that your decision is a bad one. It's possible that the decision is difficult or emotionally taxing but still aligns with your principles, goals, or the greater good. In such cases, it's important to consider the bigger picture and not solely rely on your emotional response as the sole determinant of whether a decision is right or wrong.

This quote has helped me over the past few years throughout college. When we are in college, a new chapter starts every three months. It seems like there is no stability in our lives. We go from the fall semester to winter break, then the spring semester to summer break, which usually involves an internship or work. So our routines are constantly changing, and for me, that gets kind of annoying after a while and also sad because there are so many fun things from these periods of time you don’t want to give up.

During my Sophomore summer, I had an internship in California. Before I left, I was insanely scared, and nervous and did not want to leave my comfort zone at home in Pennsylvania. However, this was probably the best decision I have ever made. In the summer of 2022, I made an amazing group of friends, explored California, and learned much about myself. The decision not to return to California was really hard for me to make, but I knew my goals did not align with living there full-time in the future. This quote helped me work through that feeling of sadness after making that decision.

Keep this quote in mind when you are making some of the harder choices in life.

Why you should avoid fragrances

Fragrances can potentially harm the endocrine system and disrupt hormones due to the presence of certain chemicals within them. Here's how fragrances can affect the endocrine system and hormones:

1. Endocrine Disruptors: Fragrances often contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These substances can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. Endocrine disruptors can mimic, block, or interfere with hormones' production, release, or action.

2. Parabens: Many fragrances contain parabens, which are synthetic preservatives. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin and linked to endocrine disruption. They can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances.

3. Phthalates: Phthalates are another common group of chemicals found in fragrances. They are used to make scents last longer. Phthalates are associated with endocrine disruption and can affect hormone balance, especially reproductive hormones.

4. Synthetic Musk Compounds: Synthetic musk compounds are used in fragrances to create a musky scent. These compounds have been found to accumulate in the body's fatty tissues, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and hormone balance.

This article, Not So Sexy, highlights concerns regarding the undisclosed and potentially harmful chemicals in fragrances used in various consumer products. The fragrance industry often uses a blend of over 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, and these blends are not required to be disclosed on product labels. As a result, consumers are typically unaware of what chemicals are present in their perfumes, colognes, and other scented products.

Key points from the article include:

1. Hidden Chemicals: Lab tests conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 38 undisclosed chemicals were present in 17 name-brand fragrance products. These undisclosed ingredients were in addition to the chemicals listed on the product labels.

2. Health Concerns: Some undisclosed chemicals have been associated with health issues, including hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and the accumulation of certain substances in human tissues.

3. Lack of Safety Assessment: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not assessed most of these secret fragrance chemicals for safety when used in personal care products.

4. Loophole in Labeling: Fragrance ingredients are exempt from full disclosure on product labels due to a loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973. This means that companies do not have to specify which chemicals are used to create the fragrance in their products.

5. Accumulation in the Body: Some fragrance chemicals can accumulate in the human body over time, raising concerns about long-term health effects.

6. Widespread Exposure: Many people are exposed to fragrance ingredients on a daily basis, and these chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. This exposure begins in the womb and continues throughout life.

The article calls for increased transparency and regulation in the fragrance industry to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with undisclosed chemicals. It also emphasizes the need for changes in labeling laws to ensure that consumers have access to information about the chemicals in the products they use.

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