However, in my time away, I did learn a few wonderful lessons, and one in particular, I would like to focus on today: Adorning thyself.
To often, we women run out of the house in whatever is comfortable. We have too many things on our To Do list to actually consider ourselves, so we throw on a pair of sweats or a comfy pair of jeans and an old, worn out top and head out to accomplish whatever we put in front of ourselves that day. Only when an important meeting or social event calls do we actually dress ourselves up. Only then do we dress up - and note - it is always for someone else, never ourselves.
A month or two ago, after two solid months of sulking around in sweat pants and Hanes men's cotton v-neck tees, I decided that I deserved to dress myself up. There was no one else around me. No one I needed to please with my dress or hair style. No one who would constantly ridicule me with "Are you really going to wear that in public" or "You're so weird." I just got to dress for me.
The pledge to myself created a self-absorbed monster for a bit, but it was just what I needed. I took myself, my authentic self, shopping. She rejected yet another pair of jeans or another bad t-shirt with a kitchy saying on it. She wanted dresses and heels, and eventually demanded a new hair cut. She further went on to enjoy a full, blown photo shoot of just herself on one beautiful spring day.
And when the self-absorbed phase faded out, my authentic self remained. I fell in love with myself again. I continued to dress myself up - and still do to this day - and because of it, I feel better about myself. I walk with greater confidence. I am more articulate. I even turn heads and command a greater respect - both of which I am not necessarily used to. I even had a friend tell me I looked the best she had ever seen me, and that she couldn't believe how much weight I'd lost - when in reality, I had gained 10 pounds since the last time she saw me. All of this because I chose to dress myself up for me.
I have never been one for clothing, jewelry, and shoes. Generally, this is not where I choose to invest my hard earned money. However, with a $150, some sewing skills, and a few leisurely shopping trips, I was able to express the inner me through clothing. I was able to adorn myself with beautiful things, and, after experiencing the joy and pleasure it has brought me, I believe that I deserve to do so.
Now, I'm not saying that you should never wear sweats again. I'm simply saying that for one month, you should dress for just you. Dress yourself up, and treat each day like you are taking yourself out. There is nothing wrong with doing so. What is wrong is not being able to remember the last time you took pleasure in dressing up just for you - dressing up without wondering if your hair looks just right, if the other ladies will think your dress looks cheap or is of last season's fashion.
We all have wonderful personalities and beautiful bodies, and we deserve to compliment them by dressing them up to be uniquely us as we desire to be. So adorn yourself with something beautiful everyday, and do it without thinking of those around you. You deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and sexy - even on casual Fridays, even during soccer practice, and even while having a night in with only yourself, a movie, and a package of Milano cookies.
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