Dear Blog Readers,
As we shed our winter clothing some of us feel that we are shedding our protective layers. This week Allyson shares their feelings about clothing transitions as the weather gets warmer.
I invite you to search for clothing that makes you feel good. Something that fits the way you feel most comfortable. This can be a daunting task and it can be helpful to plan a self-care activity for afterwards. Some people find someone who understands to come with them to support and encourage. I have heard from the community that it isn’t helpful to have someone tell them how they look in the clothing they have chosen to try on. Having a discussion ahead of time about what you want and what comments would be supportive can affect the experience. I prefer to suggest questions that a friend could ask me as well as to warn them that I will probably ask “how does it look?” or “does it look like ___?” and to give them ideas of how to talk around that question. Some ideas I give are:
How do you feel in it?
What is your favourite part of it?
Where do you see yourself wearing it?
I love it if it makes you feel good.
Pro tip: clothes are expensive. Especially right now. Thrift shopping provides options at more reasonable prices. It can mean multiple trips and big emotions. Try to make it fun. Make it about the pleasure of the colours and the feel of different textures and materials. Make it about self-love and finding what makes you feel good.
Take care of yourself and be sure to feed your body, mind and spirit.
Your Blog Moderator,
Kira
layers
my secret weapon
shirt, baggy sweater, winter coat, scarf, hat and mitts
changes to
sweater, jacket
changes to sweater
until it is
too hot
and the layers come off
shedding
the ability to hide
the safety
my shield from being seen
my version of covering my own eyes so no one can see me
i want flowing dresses with no sleeves in vibrant colours that make me the sun
i want beaches and walks and swimming
the layers shed
i don’t want to be seen
i want to be beautiful in my own eyes
the racks of fear on hangers overwhelming
how to choose
i love the sun and the warmth of it on my skin
and i want the winter back
where i can hide
where i can feel those protective layers against eyes that i know are not actually looking
where i feel wrapped and invisible
and i want the freedom of light, colour and of being the sun the earth and the air