While some women are born to shop, I find no joy in the hunt for items that fit my budget and my body.
To make the fitting room (a.k.a. the room of doom) slightly less demoralizing, I recently decided to take the advice of a professional stylist and do some research on dressing for my body type. A quick Google search turned up ample advice to help any woman pick the best bikini or pair of jeans for her figure. Well, ALMOST any woman…
While the guides I found offer recommendations for an entire fruit salad of body shapes from apple to pear, I’ve yet to come across any suggestions for my particular form.
Behold, the Grinch body:
YOU’RE A MEAN ONE, MR. GRINCH BODY
Like the Grinch, my middle has a tendency to swell when left unchecked by proper nutrition and exercise. Yet no matter how hearty my midriff heft, my arms and ankles remain two sizes too small.
This anatomical anomaly makes it practically impossible to find a pair of pants that fit just right – particularly the ever-popular skinny pant. If I purchase a pair that leaves adequate room for my bloated belly, they’re too baggy around my tiny ankles. If I buy a size that hugs my legs, it strangles my middle. (Ironically, this causes me to be more Grinch-like mentally. Seriously, there’s nothing that makes me more irritable than a tight pair of pants.)
THE NAKED TRUTH
The challenges of my unique physique have led me to a love/hate relationship with pants. I love how they look, but I HATE how they feel. My line of work involves styling myself for speaking engagements and photo shoots, and many of my very favorite looks have included pants. I suppose sometimes good things come from uncomfortable situations, but discomfort is also an indicator that something just isn’t the right fit.
So here’s the bottom line I’ve learned from my bottoms: When I’m uncomfortable in my britches, it’s usually because they aren’t big enough. Believe it or not, the same is true of our goals.
Do you feel uncomfortable in a particular area of your life? It’s possible you’ve let yourself settle for something that’s too small to pack in all your potential.
At the end of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Dr. Seuss wrote that the Grinch’s heart “grew three sizes” when he discovered the true meaning of the holiday. Maybe it’s time to size up your aspirations, grow and discover your meaning too.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Consider an area in your life where you feel uncomfortable or restless, and set a bigger goal for yourself. Write it down and share it with a friend (both of which are proven to help you get to your goals!).
P.S. I’d love to be your accountability buddy and help you reach your big dreams! Shoot me an email, comment below or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram.
