As children we possess a sense of self that often is untainted and beams with uninhibited self expression. Over time self confidence can wain as we try and “fit in” or make new friends…sometimes it eventually becomes contingent on what those around us think and feel about us. I’ve been tossing this around and even read a wonderful post recently by The Mumsy Blog, which solidified my thoughts and ever-changing heart about who I am.
Though as a society we encourage others to be unique and thrive on individualism, we are somewhat the same in many ways. Whether through fashion, beliefs, struggles – you can find a common ground in some way.
Recently I started thrifting for clothes with a coworker of mine and to see some of the things she picked out for me I initially would never think to wear! Mind you I don’t really do fashion (translation: it’s an interest of mine, but I don’t ever think I can wear what I see on others). So my style has always been quite simple, never too bold, but enough to feel like I have a small sense of style. I’ve always watched my figure knowing that I am quite blessed with curves and Mike always points out that I wear “farmer pants” (nothing against farmers)… I just don’t really do form fitting, or so I thought.
Our first thrift finds felt like a door of confidence opened up to me that I hadn’t stepped through before. To wear bright gorgeous colors in addition to my thriving head of hair (it’s hit an upswing on growth), I just couldn’t believe who was staring back at me in the mirror. Sometimes you just need someone else to see in you what you can’t see in yourself – and that may not necessarily be who you expect.
I’ve continued to find new items here and there and have been exploring this new confidence I feel inside. When writing my thoughts down I couldn’t help but think of how many times I’ve looked at friends and even other women and wished I looked like them… or even could pull off what they do. Even on the flip side I’ve passed judgments out of my own lack of confidence in who I am.
It’s such a gift as a woman to wear your confidence boldly and often our best accessory. I’ve been finding it little by little as I’ve stepped outside of my box and embraced the bright and bold woman I am. My closest of friends I have always admired their style and yesterday we were able to celebrate a college friend’s wedding. I thrifted this J Crew dress for $13! I absolutely love how it fits and I felt so gorgeous. I even painted my toe nails…if you know me that’s a big deal.
No clothes don’t make you beautiful, but feeling confident about what you wear sure can! It’s the greatest thing you can possess and I hope to share that with my own daughter one day.
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