I’m going to start off by saying I’m not particularly devout. I’m a Methodist, and, well to be honest, the whole organized religion thing has always been a struggle for me – I didn’t start going to church until 2011. In fact, the first time I went to my church, it as also the first time I’d ever been to church. That being said, I am a spiritual being, as we all are in our own various ways, and like many who follow Christianity, I’ve been thinking about Lent.
A friend of mine posted the following on Facebook:
“Sincere, mini reminder for those of you giving up things for lent: the point is to make a sincere sacrifice as a gesture; giving up something you don’t really enjoy doesn’t quite count. I’m seeing a lot more of the latter than the former lately.”
She is right. Lent is a time for reflection. While many people do give up things like drinking or eating meat during the Lenten season, others give up things like wearing ugly pins that they wouldn’t wear otherwise. That’s cheating.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about something I read on a blog recently – that even if you’re a stay at home mom, it’s important to get dressed each day – not only for your husband, but more for yourself.
You see, I’ve been working at home since 2008. Even before 2008, when I was a grad student and an undergrad, days I don’t leave the house are days I spend in pajamas, with my hair pulled into a messy bun (un-brushed), and without makeup on.
I like it. It’s comfortable. It seems odd to me to do housework in nice clothing.
But there’s a problem. Sometimes I go days without putting real clothes on – I’m talking about jeans or dresses or even just nice t-shirts that are ironed and not stained! I always wear my trusty, comfy pajamas.
Needless to say, when this becomes reality, looking in the mirror does not make me feel good about myself. In fact, even though I write all about a fabulous lifestyle with wine and good food – I don’t myself feel fabulous.
I think part of the problem is that I spend most days looking like, for lack of a better word, a slob.
However, I’m not a slob. I am a work at home mom who has been running a writing and editing business for six years, co-authored a book on acheiving personal success, and walked across fire!
Staying in pajamas every day is seriously hurting my psyche and my self-esteem.
Strangely enough, every morning of her 11-week old life, I’ve dressed my daughter in actual outfits – because I don’t want her in her pajamas all day!
This will be difficult. As I sit here, typing in a dress, with my hair done and makeup on, I desperately want to run into my bedroom and put on some comfy pajama bottoms and an old well-worn t-shirt. The temptation is strong.
So, my dear readers, I will tell you what I’m giving up for the next 40 days – and I hope permanently: I am giving up wearing pajamas past breakfast.
Wish me luck.
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You can do this. You are a wonderful, beautiful lady, and you deserve to feel good about yourself. You have my strength and support, as always, but you also have your own strength. I know you can and will use that strength to boost your self-esteem and continue to grow and thrive as a person!
Thank you for your support! It means a lot to me that I’ve got you in my corner! I couldn’t do it without you.
[…] McCall’s 7059 – This is a nice set of knit coordinates. I particularly like the gored skirt and the 3/4 sleeve top. These would be great clothes for working at home and feeling comfortable – without wearing pajamas. […]