Dressing up!

Dressing up has always been more than just putting on clothes for me. I absolutely love dressing up on any given day! It's a way of expressing my creativity and standing out with confidence. Maybe it has something to do with my dad's wisdom.

He used to say that clothes can give you an extra boost of confidence, especially on big days like exams or interviews. He truly believed in the power of looking your best to feel your best. He would say that when we feel good about our appearance, it can positively impact our self-esteem and performance. This lesson from him has always stayed with me.

However, I know that confidence comes from within, and clothing is just one aspect that can help enhance it - It's only a piece of the puzzle albeit an important one!

I'm not one to constantly buy new clothes; instead, I enjoy the art of mixing and matching the pieces I already have. It's a practical approach that allows me to make the most of my wardrobe while being budget-conscious and environmentally aware. I find it fascinating how versatile my existing clothes can be when I mix and match them and it's really fun too. I mix my trousers with different tops and dupattas with different shirts :)

While I don't go for very expensive clothes, I do appreciate the importance of keeping them immaculate, especially when we're out in public. I also like my clothes ironed and perfectly creased. (He taught me to do this; and also to hang the clothes with hangers facing evenly on one side; it was quite annoying in the beginning😅).

I love accessorizing, and it seems my kids have picked up on this too, especially my younger daughter. She's a mini version of me, loves to wear her accessories. She would repeat her bracelets and necklaces and other girly things over and over with the same interest and excitement. During the COVID era and online classes, she would eagerly wake up half an hour earlier, all dressed up for her virtual class. It was lovely to see her sporting her favorite bracelets and necklaces in those gloomy days. I truly admire her spirited approach. It's a delight to watch her getting ready with all her radiant energy.

_{she enjoys the process with all her heart}

I remember when I was a child; I would get excited even over a new school uniform, a new wrist watch to wear at school, or even new school shoes (every other girl would wear the school shoes from same brand Bata). I could hardly sleep in anticipation of wearing these new items for school the next day.

_{her love for accessories 😊}

However, my mother had a really tough time sometimes, when getting me ready for events or functions. I had to dress up in my own way. She would be at her wits' end sometimes. I specifically remember getting ready for one such wedding event. We were at a crossroads. I wanted to have a certain outfit. At last, I was so tired of whining and acting up that I ultimately fell asleep after crying and missed the whole function. She still vividly remembers the event and now narrates it to my kids whenever I'm faced with a similar situation, all the while thinking, 'Karma pays you!' I have undoubtedly passed on all my stubborn genes to my elder one, maybe multiplied by 10.

On a side note; Isn't it amazing and, at the same time, miraculous when we see our qualities, traits, and habits in our kids? It's the universe's gentle way of reminding us how challenging we would be for our parents during our childhood, adolescence, and especially our teenage years. These reflections fill my heart with deep love for my parents, particularly for my mom. As I write this, I want to hug her for putting up with me and the challenges I presented, whether it was about dressing specifically or other aspects in general.

So my take away point today: go ahead, pick your outfit and conquer the day's quests with style and flair! When the going gets tough; dress up a little!