Cleaning Out My Closet & Embracing the New Me
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I’ve been doing some serious closet clean-out over the last few days. If you’re interested in shopping my closet, you can checkout my Instasale account here! I’m posting regular clothes in addition to a few maternity pieces. I’m still hanging on to a few of my favorite maternity pieces to save for future pregnancies, Lord willing. 🙂
You may (or most likely not) be wondering why I’m doing such a huge closet clean-out. After all, most people say to wait at least 6-9 months post-partum before you try and fit into old pre-pregnancy clothes. Nine months on, nine months off.
But, the fact is, that all those pre-pregnancy clothes are doing are just making me sad. Sure, I seriously miss my pre-pregnancy body, but I’ve come to realize that I love this new one. This new body did something amazing. Sure, it’s got stretch marks, and it’s a little wider than I’d like, and I’ve got a belly I’d like to get rid of, etc. etc., but it’s my new body and I’m learning to love it.
I mean, this body housed and built a miracle. It was home to my sweet girl for almost 10 months. Of course it’s not going to look the same.
So, instead of feeling frustrated, sad, and depressed every morning when I try and get dressed, I’m starting over.
I’m embracing this body I have NOW rather than waiting for the one I want.
So, I’m cleaning that closet out. I’m donating a lot and I’m picking some pieces to sell – and then I’m taking what I make from the sales and buying pieces that fit me NOW, fit this body NOW, and make me feel confident and beautiful.
Why be a slave to clothes that don’t fit and don’t make me feel good? That’s the worst.
I’m being intentional this go-around. I’m buying pieces that will serve me in many ways. I’m buying pieces that I can mix and match. And most importantly, I’m buying pieces that will be that confidence boost on those mornings when I just don’t have time to shower and I’m feeling just that tinge of “woe is me.”
Because there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on that blouse, dress, or skirt that just makes you FEEL like you can conquer the world.
Is this WAY too deep of a post surrounding a closet clean-out?
I mean sure, there are a few pieces I’m selling or getting rid of that just break my heart to part with… but that’s okay. At the end of the day. They’re just clothes.
Onward and upward. On to loving this body God gave me and the body that built a baby human.
Because that body is pretty awesome.
In the meantime, go shop my closet! 🙂
What are YOU doing lately to boost your self-confidence?
Hi Molly,
I am having the same closet issue. 🙂
I have made it back to pre-preggers weight, but my proportions have changed! I am not sure what to do. Also, with the changes of style in 18 months, how much should I purge.
I don’t have a ton of disposable income for a new wardrobe, so what is the best method for not replacing too much, but still feeling good in my older (maybe not so stylish, maybe not the perfect fit) items.
Thanks,
B
my biggest suggestion would be to try and sell what you can of what you don’t want anymore and then shop second hand 🙂
What an amazingly powerful post! I am JUST finding your blog from a picture I saw on Pintrest. I had my Lily four months ago, and I’m so sad looking at all the clothes I _could_ be wearing if I would just get back to the “old me”. But, I like me. I love my daughter. My body grew her. Thank you for posting.
I think that’s a great idea! You can always clean out your closet and buy more fitting clothes as you change size. Best to wear what fits. Clothes are clothes and no matter the shape or size, there are so many super adorable things out there! Good for you! 🙂
Great perspective! I think well fitting clothes help so much postpartum. Even after loosing the weight, I have found dresses (and it seems to specifically be dresses for me) that don’t fit me correctly anymore. It is as if my rib cage expanded or something. Good luck selling your clothes!
Love your perspective. As Clinton & Stacy from “What not to wear” always say – dress the body you have, not the one you want.
What great perspective!
Applause!!! You are doing the right thing for sure. . .”Loving Yourself Right Here, Right Now”. I cannot buy anything without getting rid of something (1 in 1 Out policy) and I’m still carrying around my post-pregnancy weight of 20 years, but I love ME right now and I still get dressed!
Love your mindset, embrace it girl! I think you look fantastic.
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
You go, girl! I feel so cheesy writing that, but seriously. That’s what I’m feeling right now after reading this post!
Smart idea about getting useful things instead of shiny ones! My body is still changing! Maybe once I’m done having to pick everyone up for whatever reason, it’ll stay the same! I’d get some cute gym clothes while you’re out shopping-so much more comfortable on those long walks and you’re not in schlumpy clothes. And on days when getting dressed is not an option, you can do yoga-chic! And for the no shower thing-I’ve found that bangs are strangely more versatile. I can put on a wide headband and just wash them in the shower. Takes an extra three minutes, including blow dry!
I’ve already started looking through my closet thinking about what might need to go after baby. It is so sad to let things go simply because you’ve entered “mommyhood,” but such is life. And you’re right! Our bodies are amazing and we deserve to feel amazing.
i just wrote about the exact same thing. http://mrsagaba.blogspot.com/2013/10/so-like-i-mentioned-here-when-my-sister.html.
thanks for your honesty, i just bought some ‘my new size’ pants yesterday and i feel great today!
You go, girl! You have the best mindset and you look GORGEOUS now. Your daughter is so lucky to have a Mamma with such a healthy outlook–that will shape her forever!
You go girl! What a great outlook and attitude to have. We all need to remember to love ourselves like that.
Just think – the bodies we’ll have in heaven are going to be pretty frickin’ amazing. And we’ll have those a whole lot longer than the temporary ones we have now. 😉 I admire you for embracing the post-baby changes, it’s not an easy thing to do.
I think that’s a really smart idea!!!!!!!! Definitely good to have clothes that make you feel good and happy now 🙂
This is such a great mindset. Keep focused on the miracle your body just went through and less on the size! When I start to get down on myself, I try to think about how strong my body is and how it allows me to run distances that most people can’t. I may not think my body is perfect, but it’s pretty darn awesome the way it is today.
You go girl. Man looks at outward appearance, but God judges the heart! Your willingness to embrace the body God gave you proves that your heart is his, and it’s in the right place! 🙂
Love this Molly! You will not regret starting over…you’ll feel so good every day knowing you have a closet full of clothes that fit and make you feel good! 🙂
You go Molly! I am a strong believer in accepting your body and moving forward! My weight has not fluctuated from the miracle you created but it has changed the older I get. I love my body now and have given up trying to squeeze into pants from 2 years ago!
xo, Lee
Good job! I sat around in sweats and over sized t-shirts for way too long after my first was born. Good for you for not falling into that trap 🙂
I applaud you for loving your body the way it is now. Good for you.
Molly! I’m so proud of you. I just did this, 14 months after my son was born. I’m proud that you’re taking over now. Clothes make a huge difference in how you feel. Sweats and tees are comfy but so are jeans and a blouse. You’ll always rock if, girl. Love.
amen sister! and you look amazing.