Today I had the most interesting experience. There are five or six posts in varying stages of completeness, but this idea is so fresh and transient that I need to catch it.
I just came back from an appointment with a personal shopper. I can't even believe I said that. But, if you are lost, doesn't it make sense to consult a professional?
Last year I lost 38 pounds, fasted tor two weeks, gained 6 back because people said I looked too skinny, was diagnosed with low thyroid and fibromyalgia, then gained 10 more from taking Lyrica. I had a serious identity problem. I'd look in the mirror and say who is that? Not, what an ugly girl or look at the wrinkles and flab, just, who is that? Then I got a bad haircut. Things had reached critical mass. Something had to be done.
So I went to my local professional, Lucy the Personal Shopper, and spent a few hours discovering the answer to my question. When I arrived she had seven outfits arrayed around the room. It was great, and also a bit disappointing. They were a little 'meh.' Kind of everywoman's outfit. Nothing special. But she didn't know me, so maybe there was more. We spent a while discovering sizes and tastes, but things still seemed to be so bland.
Turns out, this time of year is mostly wardrobe staples, so the clothes in stock were fairly vanilla. And that was a good thing. Who knew?
When Lucy had to leave to take care of another client, I had a few moments alone in the room. I sorted through the clothes we tried out. Which would I really wear with confidence? Which made me smile? I changed the arrangement on the bar several times and finally ended up with four disparate pieces that actually told the story I came in to hear.
A coat. Athletic pants. A striped t-shirt. A dress.
Not the coordinated wardrobe I purchased last time. The coat reminded me of a robe my sister in law had years ago, that I always thought looked so warm and cozy. The pants were like some that I had worn holes in years ago. The t-shirt was similar to the one I walked in wearing. The dress was a grown up version of one I wore to a party just after graduating college. They were better cut, one step (or many) above their predecessors. Definitely had the same DNA.
I am the same person I've always been, just a more refined version.
Just like I tell my clients.
How had I missed it?
*Author's Note: I wrote a month or so ago about the prevalence of 'sorry' in my writing and speech. Apparently I didn't do a good enough job rooting it out on my own. Now, at a gathering I go to each week, there is 'Pam's sorry jar,' a mason jar for me to put money into each time I say sorry. Thank God for sending friends to help me along the way.
