Lessons learned

Since the last time I posted I have learned a few things...

These 2 courtesy of my son:

• I haven't missed anything by not trying papaya before the age of 36
• The smallest thing can bring the greatest and longest lasting joy - Nathan's first tooth peeking through a gum, watching him try and move now he's learned to roll over... I could list a hundred small moments, the memory of which makes me smile over and over

The third lesson is that I feel better when I think I look good (well duh!) but I worry too much what other people think. As a result I go for a safe uniform of jeans & t-shirt or something similarly bland.

When I'm out and about I quite often see someone and think 'Look at the state of that' and would hate to think someone else thought that of me. I also have a voice in my head telling me I might be over-dressed or inappropriately attired for the occasion (shopping/work/party) or just bring unnecessary attention to myself. That voice sounds a lot like Mum sometimes...

As a result I don't think the way I dress reflects the real me, at least not very often. I know Allan gets really frustrated by the fact I don't dress to take advantage of my figure (especially as I've lost around 3 stone, largely baby weight, since having Nathan). Every now and then he will try to give me a proverbial kick up the jacksy and take me on a shopping trip where the rules are that I must try on the things HE wants me to wear just to get me out of the rut I've fallen into.

The most recent trip was last weekend. He actually got me to try on some skinny jeans (despite my protest they'd make my bum look about a mile wide) and they fitted and (we think) they looked good, especially with the bargainous pair of platform sandals I also spotted. In fact it boosted me so much I had a mini spree (well the sales were almost too good to miss) and my confidence has had a much needed boost.

Now all I need to do is remind myself that I don't need an excuse to make a bit of an effort with my appearance. It makes me feel good and that's enough reason in itself.

And relearn to walk in heels so I can wear aforementioned vertiginous sandals...