Inspiration from “What Not to Wear”

Years ago, my sister got me hooked on the TV show “What Not to Wear”. If you’re not familiar with the premise, two fabulous New York stylists help women ditch their frumpy, inappropriate, outdated wardrobes, and not only overhaul their closet, but also confront issues of self-esteem and body image.

This show is junk food for the mind, and I watch it to unplug. But without meaning to, I received a moment of inspiration while vegging out recently.

In every episode, the hosts review the guest’s wardrobe and proceed to throw away every article of clothing in it. It’s often quite emotional for the guest to let go of their familiar yet ill-fitting clothes. In one episode, the hosts asked their guest if she was having a hard time with this process of letting go, to which she replied, “I guess you can’t get something better if your hands are full of something else.”

I found this image so clarifying: hands full of some grubby old sweatshirt, safe and familiar, but ultimately no longer in alignment with who she is and what she wants.

So as you set your goals this year, I highly recommend you also root out your own version of the cruddy sweatshirt. Make room for something truly stunning!