There is a new rule in my house: if an article of clothing makes me feel uncomfortable, unattractive, or itchy it does not reenter the closet. I hold on to clothes thinking that eventually they will fit better and I know I am not in the minority. By Christmas, that sweater will fit better and won’t make me look pregnant. Before summer, those pants will not be compressing my organs and bulging my back fat out of my shirt. This bra works well with that shirt, I can live with the wire poking me every once in a while.
Stop the madness! If I am constantly pulling a sweater out or down, why I am wearing it? If I can’t wait to unbutton my pants, I definitely should not be wearing them. And an undergarment that hurts me? What the hell am I doing to myself?
Sure, I could keep them as motivation to work out and restrict my portion sizes but if I ever get rid of my Drew tummy, I want to reward myself with new clothes rather than my old clothes and their negative energy and stretched out fabric.
As part of my new regulations, I would like to put in a request to Santa Claus, if he is reading this. I need a new Dallas Cowboys hooded sweatshirt because the one I currently wear, and love, I also consistently wore and loved while pregnant with two of my children. The fabric has retained the pregnant belly shape and makes me feel supremely fat and grody yet I continue to wear it because it is so comfortable and perfect in every other way. Well, perfect if you disregard the green paint on the sleeve and phantom pregnant tummy.
Getting ready for bed each night, I take a moment to evaluate the clothes I am taking off and decide if they made me feel good about myself or somewhat uncomfortable. Either way, they go in the laundry basket (unless they are jeans because I believe in wearing jeans until they can hold themselves up while I slip my legs in) but I make a mental note about the future home of each piece. As I transition to winter clothes, I am making quite a pile for Goodwill, the women’s shelter, and Stuff, Etc. If I’m not careful, I’ll have to buy some new clothes…shoot.
In the same vein, I am trying to apply the same rules to my life in general. I don’t need people or activities that make me uncomfortable or cause me pain. Granted, it is much more difficult to get rid of friends or family that are not good for you but I can at least limit my contact and prepare myself for those encounters with clothes that make me feel strong, secure and comfortable.
Just as I might need some new clothes that compliment my current wardrobe staples, I am in the market for activities and people that compliment my current activities and people staples. Volunteer opportunities, more friends, freelance jobs….any ideas?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »