Someone I know online was complaining about how they looked. I know those words too well, the ageing appearance that creeps into your vision, noticing not so much as how you are, but how you are no longer...
The irony is, she put up a really lovely photo. Not false modesty but not seeing herself as the rest of the world sees her. I had said to her 'We judge ourselves more harshly than reality, so don't listen to that a$$hole in your head!'
My body shape has changed with age, and for once I carry weight on my waist. I puff up and down on a daily basis it seems. Making decisions on what to wear always a last moment choice if in the evening.
Hilariously, it is 22 years old. How do I know, you ask?
It's a maternity dress.
I actually wanted to let BellyBasics know how excellent their quality as it's still in pristine condition but it appears they are no more. The dress outlasted the company.
It's my go too whenever I decide I am too fat for all my clothes. Or if it is super hot and I just want something loose. I always put it on, feeling depressed and thinking I look ridiculous. Then someone at the party or in the line for the bathroom will come up to me and tell me I look great and ask me where I got it. And that is the lesson that what we see is tainted by what we think.
If only we always saw ourselves through other people's eyes....
Linking with #TalkaboutitTuesday #SeniorSalonPitstop #Stylewithasmile #WWWhimsy #TrafficJamReboot #MondayMusisMovesMe
Oh that inner critical voice. I know it well! That dress looks really cute and not like a maternity dress at all. It's sleeveless - I don't do sleeveless in public anymore (except at the beach maybe or if it's killer hot & humid). See - I know that inner critic well! lol It would be very interesting to see myself through the eyes of others I must say! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy Lydia! xo
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia I wrote my newsletter around how much emphasis we put on aging, how we look because of the pressure from social media, rather than living life which could be snatched away at any time. Most of us can relate to your friend looking in the mirror and not seeing the beauty that others see in us. It is a shame really. I'm 68 in a few months and have finally let go of it all. I still take care of myself by staying active but what you see is what you get and I'm proud of who I am. Have a lovely week and thanks for highlighting this never ending issue. Sue L xx
ReplyDeleteAs I know it is hard to like yourself when you feel uncomfy in your clothes...but it seems we are our harshest critics. I am learning to be less critical and kinder for my emotional health's sake!
ReplyDeleteGreat story Lydia, great to hear the dress is going strong, unlike the company!!
ReplyDeleteOh so very true! I think that is a riot that the dress has outlasted the company and that it is obviously still stylish too.
ReplyDeleteOh yes I know that nasty inner voice. I do love the way you solved your problem. If I’m worried about what to wear I just remind myself that I’m old and invisible and nobody will even notice me much less notice what I’m wearing. By the way there’s no way I would fit into anything that I wore at 22
ReplyDeleteI wasn't 22! The dress is 22 - I was much, much older than that! Ha!
DeleteCute dress. Looks comfy. And I’m sure you look great in it.
ReplyDeleteI shed the caring how I looked years ago. I haven't even dyed my hair (I was already turning grey in my 30's) in perhaps twenty years. You made a great choice with that dress 22 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI had gotten rid of all of my maternity wear eons ago. I held on to the first dress DH got me while expecting our first. I passed it on to her when she was expecting. Maybe, she'll do the same with her daughter. Thanks for joining the party. Have a boogietastic week, my dear! xo
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you have had that dress for 22 years. Great music.
ReplyDeleteThat voice i know all too well. Even when I was way too thin..116lbs, i still had a bif, aka bum in front. My.lower tummy has always been there and that was bothersome. Now I stick my tongue out at the.mirror and do my best to dress well. Your dress is a perfect little black dress that you can wear ro any occasion. The music..not my cup of tea...too noisy. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting quote! Im saving it in my quotye collection book. I loved reading your thoughts on appearances. I am aging as I'm in my 70s,. My mirror reflection surprises me at times, but I try to remember those that did not live to be my age and be grateful for my grey hair and wrinkles.
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