For several years now, I have not liked myself.  It's true.  That sounds harsh, and maybe even a bit new age (gotta find myself - yuck), so let me explain.

Wardrobe.  The baby years.  Feeling like there's no time to shop.  Wearing "whatever."  Never having time to even think.  I used to have clothes that I felt comfortable in.  Clothes that were a style that was feminine, modest, and good.  Then I went to sacks.  That I could nurse in.  Then the Laura Ashley look that had no waist - jumpers.  It has been a long, long, long, long time since I've bought clothes that I shopped for, took time to decide, etc.  Who has time for that?  Not me!

So my daughter gave me a gift card for a clothing store that she felt was "me."  She also says that she doesn't think I've been "me" for some time now.  The store is Coldwater Creek.  OK, I'm back.  I got lost looking at the Outlet section.

My daughter insisted she go with me shopping, and so she did, and it was a first in a very, very , very long time.  So long, that she didn't even know I wouldn't fade out and not be able to even shop at all.  In fact, that was news to me too ... because I don't shop, so I didn't know I had changed either.

It was such a blast.  The first challenge was to actually get into the dressing room.  I usually look at clothes and just think "yeah ... nah ... dont' know ... let's leave."  I actually tried clothes on.  And they actually did look good.  I have not liked modern styles for such a long, long time.

I have an idea that soon, I may recognize myself in a mirror again.  "Hey, I remember her!"  I don't think we should get caught up in styles and shopping.  But I don't think we should let ourselves go either.  I'm kind of excited.