January 2nd, 2007
Clean Out Your Closet And Clean Out Your Life!
Do you wear the same thing over and over that your clothes feels more like a uniform than an outfit? Is your computer software more current than your wardrobe? The New Year is the perfect excuse for a fresh start. It’s time to clean out your closet and clean out your life. The two surprisingly work in tandem. The best way to teach confidence and a healthy attitude to your children is to first have one, then reflect it in the way you look, walk and talk. You should give your appearance the attention it deserves, because you deserve it! Clothes are the perfect tool for expressing your personality and boosting your confidence. Projecting an image of confidence sets you up for success and sets your children up for success. Let’s face it: it’s hard to feel hot when you are covered in head-to-toe sweats. Now, I’m not suggesting you prance around all day in heels and a gown, but let your outside reflect your inside. Wear clothes that show off who you are!
Right now, go straight to your closet and take out everything you haven’t worn in a year. It’s time to clean out! Take an afternoon and really comb through all the stuff that has built up over the months or years or… decades!?! Don’t be afraid; it’s actually liberating. So go ahead and get rid of that blazer with the big shoulder pads, or those “mom jeans” that snap so high it would make Urkle jealous. I’m quite sure they aren’t coming back in style!!
Its okay to keep things with sentimental value, but don’t be scared to let go. Getting rid of the old makes room for the new. Be brave! You’re a Hot Mom and it’s time to recreate your self. Style is all about knowing who you are, being proud of that person and expressing her in any way you feel comfortable. It’s okay to treat yourself to some new things—you deserve it! So quit feeling guilty. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you can’t keep up or create a new sense of style. Hot Moms try new colors and cuts, new jeans and new dresses. Don’t ever let “I’m a mom” or “I’m too old for that” stop you from buying something you really like. Your wardrobe should reflect your attitude, your confidence, and your sense of fun and adventure. And remember that you can baby-proof any outfit, so find a way to let who you are shine through any clothing choice.
If the thought of paring down your prized possessions is a little too overwhelming for you, host a “Clean Out Your Closet” party. I throw one every season! I give all of my friends two weeks notice to go through their closets and drawers. Then, we all get together at my place with our bags of clothes and exchange. It’s a blast! We have a little wine, some chocolate and a lot of laughs. Everyone ends up going home with something “new” to add to her wardrobe. Whatever is left over is donated to a women’s shelter. This turns a tedious task into something fun to look forward to.
Just as you assessed your closet, now it’s time take a look at your life. How many times a day do we tell our kids to clean up their messes? Stop and take a look at what’s messy in your life. It may be a relationship with your sister, mother, in-law, co-worker, friend, husband or ex. You fill in the blank: whoever, whatever. Do what you need to do to heal and get over it, move on and let it go. Often we hold on to things because we are afraid we don’t deserve more. I urge to trust and let go. Release anything weighing you down or holding you back, it is impossible to be free and confident if you have negative energy surrounding you. A Hot Mom doesn’t have time for drama, so clean out your life!
Same as your closet, keep only the relationships that make you feel good. It is so important to surround yourself with friends who are positive and fun. You become who you hang out with. Make room in your life for wise souls and people who inspire you. Just as you wouldn’t encourage your kids to hang around with anyone that isn’t good for them, make sure those closest to you have traits and characteristics that motivate and propel you forward. Decide what (or who) needs to go in your life and make room for more of what you want. And as with those new clothes you’ll purchase, don’t be afraid to befriend someone colorful and new.
We are who we choose to be, life in turn reflects those choices. The closet is a seemingly small place to start but can have a huge impact on your life. May this year behold many occasions to wear all your new clothes and enjoy all of your close friends and family.
Jessica Denay
