Following a chat with a client this week something she said really stuck out in my mind - especially as it's not the first time I've heard this during a consultation -
"I want to be a good role model for my daughter".
What a beautiful thing to say. She was telling me how since becoming a mother she had become aware of being a good role model for her daughter. I know she's not alone in this sense of responsibility one feels when in a role of influence - at home or the workplace. She was conscious that her daughter could pick up on any body insecurities
she might have and so she (the Mum) was making an effort to work on her own insecurities as a good example to her children.
I remember a similar thought I had myself when my son was little. I was putting on some make up in the bathroom and he was helping himself to my blusher (and putting it on his ear!). I questioned myself on whether this might look like I was unhappy with my appearance - admittedly he was too young for this, but you get my point.
I decided there's a distinction to be made between allowing yourself to do what makes you feel good and hiding away from, or covering, something. For instance, in my case I was quite happy to leave the house without any make up - and often did and still do. However, I knew and know now that if I have a little make up on it helps me to feel more myself (ironically!) and actually better about myself. It lifts my mood and I feel a bit more confident as I go about my day.
I've always truly felt that what we're wearing is more than the superficial. It's not just about fashion trends or following the latest celeb on social media. It's a feeling. What we wear can give us that extra edge as we step out from our front door. It can be the difference in how you walk into a room, the mood you're in when you meet your friend and that spring in
your step. And we know that being in a better mood can affect decisions we make - be that work decisions, showing kindness to a stranger or just being a nicer person for your family to be around. The consequences can be tangible and real.
Conversely, if we're not feeling quite right in what we're wearing - it can make us feel out of sorts all day. I know I've felt it where my trousers are just a bit too tight, I don't like the itchy feeling of a jumper or my bra is "digging in". It can irritate you all day and you're just desperate to get home and change as soon as you get in the door.
I was struck this week by what my client said as she is the second female client I've worked with recently who is making a conscious effort to be a great role model for her daughter. We know that children see everything. They can pick up on the tiniest of things. So what we're wearing, how we're presenting ourselves, carrying ourselves, talking to ourselves, showing ourselves acts of kindness, etc. have a real impact on our interactions with others. They can make a difference to our everyday life.
Does any of this resonate with you? Or maybe you'd never thought about clothes in this way? I'd love to hear your thoughts - you can always get in touch by replying to my email.
Otherwise, slán go fóill (bye for now),
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