It’s in the 70’s today, sunny, with a slight breeze. BEAUTIFUL! And what better way to spend the day than cleaning out my closet? Jen Hatmaker’s book “Seven” had me feeling inspired and empowered. I finished reading the clothing section while downing a pot of coffee….I was unstoppable! The next four hours consisted of me trying on every article of clothing that I haven’t worn in the last six months. This was equivalent to me running a marathon—both things I have absolutely no desire to do. Especially after carrying and delivering three babies. I’ve been in a three-year holding pattern when it comes to clothing. Two years of trying to salvage my pre-twin body, and one year of accepting the body I have. I’ve reached a plateau, and the “problem” area of my body (think stomach) isn’t going to change further without plastic surgery. I’ve mentally accepted this, and have even come to a place where I look at my squishy belly and feel the smallest amount of gratitude. The state of my belly is a result of having two perfectly healthy, full-term, full-size boys at the same time. I am blessed!
And so, I found myself, hunkered down in our master bedroom
with Natalie Merchant playing on Pandora, trying on everything: dress pants from my working days, fun tops
from my go-out days, and even a bridesmaid’s dress (I’m sorry Melanie, we were
both so sure I’d be wearing that red silk number so often, but it didn’t make
the cutL)! If it didn’t fit perfectly, or if I didn’t
love it, it was cast-off, never to return to my closet. I was absolutely shocked at the pile of empty
hangers and folded up clothes that resulted from this exercise: 9 skirts, 5 jeans, 11 dress pants, 4 shorts,
6 capris, 5 dresses, 16 tops, 3 blazers, 9 pairs of shoes, 9 scarves/belts, and
16 pieces of jewelry.
The process has left me feeling grateful for the beautiful
clothes still hanging in my closet.
Clothes that I KNOW fit (no playing Russian Roulette with picking
something that may be too tight and having to suffer through an emotional
breakdown). No more thinking I have
NOTHING to wear. The clothes that remain
have a spot of honor in my closet. They
will be seen and worn from here out.
And those castoffs?
It brings me such joy to imagine women who are going through a tough
time sifting through these pieces.
Articles of clothing that carried me through happy and successful days,
when my tummy was flat, and I had all the time in the world to mix, match and
accessorize. May they bring joy and a
new sense of confidence to their next owner.
Now that the dreaded task is complete, I’m left feeling more
confident and empowered. Who would have
thought? There were clothes I thought I
couldn’t get into that looked great on!
What a confidence booster (granted that little black dress will require
a new undergarment, probably costing more than the dress originally cost—HA!). It’s another perfect example of how God can work
all things for good. I’m left wondering
why I waited so long, and what project He has in mind next.
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