It’s hard to believe that today is Fat Tuesday and spring is almost here. I don’t know about you but I am excited to see that flowers will be blooming soon and each day the light lasts just that little bit longer. All of this has got me thinking about the art of embracing. Embracing all that has been there but may have been covered up by thick winter clothes. Embracing ideas of what I should or shouldn’t do, be, eat or even wear. Here are some of my thoughts on how I plan to spring forward and bring more of my personal style to each and every moment. I’d love to hear some of yours.
1. Add more color. What is my favorite color? Red! Why don’t I wear it more often? Because in the past I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself. This season I will wear more red.
2. Shape. What are some of my favorite shapes and how can I use them to show more of my authentic self? I love more flowing skirts and thin, soft drapey sweaters. I’ve had a tendency over the last 4-5 years to only wear these types of things outside of work. I think I’ll bring them into my every day more often.
3. Tell it like it is. The winter season had me cocooning a bit and getting my new house in order. It had me dealing with a personal loss and holding a lot inside except in some very safe situations. As the equinox gets closer, I have committed to telling it like it is even if “it” is bold, daring and scary for me to do so.
4. Change one habit. Earlier this year I wrote about my snacking habit. I am trying to only eat a savory snack in the afternoon for the month of March instead my usual sweet one. It’s not a rule, it’s not a punishment; it’s just to try something new. Let’s see how it goes.
5. Feel good in it. Similar to #2, many of the clothes I most enjoy have a flowing cut and fabric and yes, they tend to feel really good to wear. So, why not feel good in everything I wear and still look pulled together and professional? Sounds fun.
6. Get some help. Okay, this could be an easy one with the right approach or more spendy if I want to hire a personal shopper or consultant. I’ll start cheap: invite a couple of trusted, opinionated friends over and try on things in my closet with them. I want a real opinion on whether that pink shirt really works for me or not. So, my wardrobe gets a once over, I will have a clearer view of what really suits me and the rest can go to a good cause.
7. Try something different. Never wear scarves? Try one on for a small burst of color. Always wait until someone speaks up first? Go first next time. Take a Zumba class. Mix it up and see how you and the world respond.
8. Play with your hair. I know you probably used to get in trouble for that but why not try pulling it back if you wear it up, or going with the natural wave some days instead of using the flat iron? I try going with my real wave sometimes and it is fun to hear the responses of many yet day after day I resist doing this unless it’s a non-workday. I am going to stretch myself to try it more this month.
9. Lighten up. Laughter and silliness will get me a long way so I am going to play more Wii, read less serious news, and go for the comics and comedies more this month.
10. Dance and even sing, whether anyone is looking or not. And why? Because it feels good so why not do it?
Here’s your challenge: pick 1-3 things from the list above and try them out this month. Just see what happens.
