Life is an unpredictable journey filled with joyous moments and challenging experiences. During difficult times, such as coping with loss or enduring life-changing events, it is essential to prioritize self-care and healing. While fashion may seem like a superficial pursuit, it can be a powerful tool in helping individuals rediscover themselves and regain their inner strength. This blog post delves into the significance of fashion as a means of self-expression and healing, emphasizing the importance of being kind to oneself and taking time off when needed.
Fashion: More Than Just Clothing
Fashion is often perceived as a means to showcase one's style, taste, and identity. However, it goes beyond just the surface level. When we undergo significant life changes or lose someone dear to us, it is common to feel lost, disconnected, and unsure of our identity. Fashion can serve as a canvas for self-expression and act as a tool to rediscover who we truly are beneath the weight of our experiences. As we carefully select the colors, patterns, and styles that resonate with our emotions, we begin to rebuild a sense of self. My parents taught me a lot of about fashion and the example my mum set was flawless.
The Transformative Power of Clothing:
Clothing can significantly impact our emotional state and mindset. The simple act of dressing up in an outfit that makes us feel confident and comfortable can uplift our spirits and boost our self-esteem. In moments of grief or turmoil, wearing attire that represents our inner strength can help us carry ourselves with grace and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
Additionally, fashion provides an opportunity for catharsis. Experimenting with different styles and trying out new looks can serve as a metaphorical shedding of old skin and embracing a fresh start. As we embark on the journey of healing, fashion allows us to symbolically step into the future with hope and courage.
The Necessity of Kindness to Yourself:
When we are faced with loss or life-changing events, we might feel pressured to suppress our emotions and carry on as if nothing happened. This internal struggle can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Being kind to ourselves during these times becomes crucial in the healing process. It's essential to acknowledge that grief and healing take time, and it's okay to take a step back and allow ourselves to process our emotions.
Kindness to oneself also involves practising self-compassion. Instead of being overly critical of our choices, appearance, or progress, we should embrace our imperfections and recognize that healing is not linear. Fashion can serve as an avenue to nurture self-compassion by choosing clothing that makes us feel comfortable, beautiful, and authentic, irrespective of societal norms or expectations. It didn't matter if I was looking a mess while playing with my son, he doesn't care, so why should I?

Taking Time Off for Healing:
In a world that often prioritizes productivity and hustle, taking time off may feel counterintuitive. However, it is crucial to prioritize our emotional well-being. Taking time off allows us to focus on ourselves, process our emotions, and gradually rebuild our lives. This period of reflection and healing can enable us to emerge stronger, more self-aware, and better equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead. I took about 6 weeks off, and the world kept spinning, I even found the mindset I came back with was more productive, cause my tolerance for mess was reduced and my layer focus enabled made me more efficient.
To Conclude:
Fashion, when viewed through a lens of self-expression and healing, can be a powerful tool in helping individuals navigate through life's most difficult moments. It is not the only tool, and maybe not a fit for everyone - but fashion is mine and helped me grieve through the passing of my dearly beloved mum. So I am glad I have fashion as a pathway to recovery.
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