I had just begun my journey as a single mom when my grandmother died. I’d been working hard to build a business to support myself and my son and felt like I was getting no where. Winter was coming and I had two new bodies to clothe–my newborn and my new figure. That was long before I became an image consultant, but it was when my mom taught me one of the most important rules of image.
“You need a good, quality overcoat.” She said as she took me shopping with her inheritance money. I know Gram didn’t leave much but my mom was spending what she had on me and I felt so loved. Together we picked out my “statement piece” that would cover my misfit outfits and help me look professional. Mom taught me that “first impressions are lasting impressions” and she was right. It didn’t matter how much I hated the outfit underneath, my new overcoat made me feel confident enough to keep meeting new people when I was in such a difficult season of feeling ugly and unwanted. It wasn’t just the quality and fit of my coat that gave me confidence, it was the emotions attached to it. Mom–and Gram–had wrapped me in love.
The coat didn’t fit me long because I lost the baby weight, and with the turmoil of my divorce I went from a size 12 to a size 4, so the next winter the coat that once brought me confidence instead made me feel dumpy because it hung loosely. For awhile I would still wear it because I cherished my mother’s gift and I didn’t want to seem ungrateful by replacing it.
Clothing often has an emotional attachment, but emotions change and so should our wardrobe. Perhaps you have some items in your closet with an emotional attachment like my beautiful coat. If the thing that once made you feel good inside now makes you feel guilty for not wearing it, don’t leave it hanging there bringing you shame for years like I did. Instead, give it away! I know that sharing my blessing with a new friend who was also in need of a coat of confidence, was a truly satisfying feeling. My grandmother’s inheritance went a lot further than I bet she ever dreamed it would have.
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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.
Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com