Turning a "bad xyz" day into a "good xyz" day

I am happily at a good place in regards to my body image, but of course we all have those days when something is "too this" or "not enough that". Yesterday morning I pulled out a pair of skinny pants I hadn't worn in a month or so, and found that they were too tight; they looked like they were painted on, and not in a good way! I lamented how large my thighs were, how I hadn't gotten rid of the holiday weight yet, how bad those pants were making my legs look....

For all of 30 seconds, then I made a decision. I took the pants off, folded them nicely, placed them right on top of my jeans pile, and immediately put on something that SHOWED OFF my legs and made them look as fabulous as they are: winter short shorts, tights, and high heels, all in gray (miles long!). So that every time I passed my reflection I'd see those pretty legs and thighs, and be confident that these feelings were true. My bad legs day turned into a good legs day, and all I did was wrap them in flattering clothing. Sometimes you just need to show off a little, and that's okay.

Thank you, YLF, for helping me to have the knowledge-of-how-to and the wardrobe-with-which-I-can flatter or detract from whichever little part of me I feel like on those days when I feel I need it. But even more so, thank you for helping me realize that sometimes the best option is, in fact, to give those parts a little extra love, and that a little flattery goes a long way <3

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

32 Comments

  • Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

    Fabulous post Aida! And good for you for not letting that first outfit get in your way. I think that's why it's so important to have items/outfits in your closet that make you feel fantastic every time you wear them. So when you're having one of THOSE DAYS you can turn to it and know you're good to go.

  • Nakidra replied 12 years ago

    Thank you Aida! You did the right thing. We all have those days, we just have to figure out a way to make things work for us.
    You are a ROCK star! :)

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    {{{{{WARM BEAR HUGS}}}}}}}}

    This is a thread we all need to post in our closets.

    And, Aida, you are awesome!

  • Debora replied 12 years ago

    And this is the best thing I've heard all day! Thanks so much for posting this, Aida!

  • Di replied 12 years ago

    LOVE.

  • jayne replied 12 years ago

    what a great attitude! Thanks so much for sharing because you are so right, in the end it is up to us to decide how to approach the day!

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    Way to turn a possible negative feeling into a positive one!! Great idea to not just 'hide' what is giving you wardrobe grief, but instead flaunt it in the best possible way. Kudos to you and your mile long grey legs! ;)

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Y'know, there was a time when I would have told myslef that being happy despite weight gain was "denial" or a sign of "settling" for a lower standard... sounds awful, right? I'm so glad those days are over, and I'm happy you've shared this great strategy with us!

  • kellygirl replied 12 years ago

    Great story, Aida, that I can totally relate to : ) Thanks for sharing!

  • Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

    Love your post! I get self-critical and then need to remember that I wouldn't think that way of a beloved friend, and I should be my own BEST friend. It's all about loving and honoring the body we have at any age or weight and dressing to show that love.

  • Suz replied 12 years ago

    Where is the LOVE button? Such a great post, Aida. Thank you for sharing this.

  • replied 12 years ago

    aaauhhh, that made me cry a little ( and smile too) : )

  • replied 12 years ago

    Good job Aida! That's much different than just trying to find something that would *hide* your legs. I love it!

  • Carole replied 12 years ago

    I love your positive outlook and way of looking at things! We could all take a lesson from you. I hope next time I'm self critical I remember this post, and turn my negative self talk around.

  • sarah replied 12 years ago

    Kudos to you, Aida!

  • christy replied 12 years ago

    Great post Aida! And congrats for getting to that place where you can feel it, recognize it and then adjust your way of thinking. It can be so easy to wallow even though it does us absolutely no good!

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    Can I clone you, Aida?

  • AJ replied 12 years ago

    How did I miss this post? Thanks so much for sharing this, Aida!

  • krishnidoux replied 12 years ago

    WAY TO GO!!! Good for you. And what a fabulous idea. Next time I'm in that place, I'll remember this.

    Aida, this is fantastic.

  • Sona replied 12 years ago

    what a great post. I'm going to come back to it when I'm having a bady 'xyz' day and read your words again seeking inspiration from them!!

  • Jaime replied 12 years ago

    You are wise beyond your years. Loved reading your post.

  • Amy replied 12 years ago

    Aida, you are an inspiration. Rock on, girl.

  • Jonesy replied 12 years ago

    What a fantastic post, Aida. I LOVE it!!!

  • Marley replied 12 years ago

    Aida - you are just the best. Thank you so much for posting this! I love the way you reframed the entire "problem" and made it something positive - something that you were proud of! I'm proud of you - and amazed by your wisdom.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    You ROCK. I am going to try to remember this every morning as I dress...

  • Vicki replied 12 years ago

    Aida, I am so glad you referenced this post from your WIW 01.28-02.05. This is a brilliant strategy and I loved how you were totally in control and in the moment as you folded your jeans away and moved on to the monochromatic gray "shorts" and tights with high heels. This is stellar YLF work. Thank you for giving extra love to yourself and showing us how! ;)

  • Adelfa replied 12 years ago

    This is so beautiful. I'm trying to learn "it's not me, it's the clothes" and it's a slow process, but I'm working on it. Trying to remind myself not to wear clothes that don't fit! Thanks for a vivid example.

  • Katiepea replied 12 years ago

    Oh, I love your attitude. Glad you ended up having a good day!

  • LoP replied 12 years ago

    Great attitude and you deserve it. Taking notes here. Please send me some self love. :)

  • Aunty replied 12 years ago

    Yay " doing the happy dance" for you!!!
    Did you spend the day with a face like a bull dog chewing a wasp? oh no, you have those demons beat!!!!

  • Jem replied 12 years ago

    Yay for good days! :-) Love your attitude!!

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Thumbs up Aida! Love your self-confidence and positive attitude! You always look fab!

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