So…I always tell my clients to wear the clothes that fit and get rid of the skinny jeans. Too 0ften, we put the ill-fitting (usually too small) clothes in a Sterilite bin marked size 6 or 12 (or whatever your old size was), 0r we put them all in the guest closet so they are unseen and are not a constant reminder of frustration and anxiety. My advice to clients is always the same: Look good at the size you are now. Let the past go and concentrate on the moment and your current reality.
Since I moved to Richmond a year and a half ago from New York City, I have put on between 10 and 15 pounds. I went from walking everywhere–up long subway stairwells, downtown 30 or so blocks from my office to my home and to my trainer two times a week–to being in a car full time and not walking anywhere past my mailbox. I went from a fridge with water, salad dressing and mustard in it to a fridge with enough food for three meals a day for three people, plus snacks of all kinds. I quickly discovered the miracle of Costco and buying in bulk, and then I suppose I started eating in bulk too.
As my pants were tightening, I started wearing leggings full-time and sometimes dresses, but I started hiding. My jeans had been patched several times, and I began complaining to my boyfriend about the way I looked. He told me I was beautiful many times. Then, he said I should get some exercise. Then, finally he told me to shut up!
I turned 40 on the 19th of this month, and my gift for complaining is 14 sessions with a personal trainer. I am thrilled at the prospect of my more fit future self, but I still had a lot of holiday parties to get through back in New York where my boyfriend and I were spending the holidays.
So, finally I did it. I listened to my own advice. I practiced what I preach. I went to my favorite discount store and laid out $562.00 for a new wardrobe–a wardrobe in a size 10, not an 8. I let my past self go and bought clothes in my size and ya know what? I look great. Even better than that, I feel great. There’s no longer a mushroom hanging over my pants. There’s no more humiliation every morning waiting to see if the zipper will go up or not. I am feeling a new sense of self and rejuvenation.
I may lose weight and find a new enthusiasm for getting in shape, and frankly I may not. However, I do know my relationships are already better, as I have stopped irritating everyone around me and started feeling attractive and like myself again.
Hello, my name is Ranee. I am 40 years old. I currently wear a size 10. And I feel great!
Stylist Ranee Kamens with Simplify Me shares her secrets for taking your every day pieces from ordinary to extraordinary for the 2012 holiday party season!
