It's amazing being able to walk into any store and know that there is something in there that's gonna fit. It's even more amazing being able to walk into any store knowing that most things will fit. I'm geeking out over discovering my personal fashion and exploring my tastes, now that I can actually do that.
After so long being in plus sizes and having to find attire by scouring the deep corners of the Internet or remaining a hostage of every big girl's love-hate relationship with Lane Bryant, it still hasn't fully clicked that I have options now. I've even had the totally unexpected experience of browsing the clearance section of the Kohl's website for workout gear, only to feel frustrated that only the plus sizes were discounted and they were all TOO BIG. What an awesome problem to have!
Yesterday, as I was getting ready in the morning, I saw a sweater hanging in my closet that I didn't recognize. I wondered if I had ever worn it, and if not, why? I pulled it off the hanger and immediately understood: it's a size L. I don't remember ever wearing it because it was an oh-honey purchase from years ago. Well, it's an oh-honey article no more. It had its grand debut yesterday. It was a pretty rad day.
As I was walking around in my L sweater, I peeped my reflection in every mirror I passed. I kept thinking, "I look thin today!" That thought was validated early on, when I went to pick up a package from the mailroom at my office. I was talking to the receptionist about I don't even remember what, but told her, "I like it!" One of the mail guys had strolled to the counter at that point and said to me, "I like that," with at hand gesture that captured my general space. "You like...?" I asked. He said, "That. What you're doing. You're going all the way, aren't you?" Oh. That. I laughed and said, "That's the plan!" (Quick holla at 6-months-ago me who would have turned tomato-red and deflected the hell out of that compliment.)
Beyond changing the way I dress and the way I've begun to accept affirmations, I've also changed the way I change. Before, when I would get to the gym, I would take my exercise clothes into a bathroom stall with me to change, out of modesty and embarrassment. Somewhere within the last 10-15 pounds, I stopped doing that. I change with the people now. Don't get me wrong, I'm never gonna be one of these fully naked people lettin' it all hang out as I plod around the locker room, but I'm finally comfortable taking my shirt off with my back turned to the rest of the room as I change my sports bra over my bra-bra. It may sound silly, but when you started in the realm of self-consciousness and self-body shaming where I did, you'd have to give me props for this tremendous progress.
So, less than 3 weeks away from my one-year anniversary on this wild ride, that's where I'm at. Can't complain.