For the month of December, I’ll be participating in #WEverb11. Each day gives a new prompt, each of which is a chance to reflect and look forward.
December 21: Ripple
The butterfly effect posits that a small change can ripple across whole ecosystems. Who do you credit for the small action that made all the difference in your life this year? Contributed by Zak.
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This one was difficult for me to answer because I see many small actions that made a difference in my life, but if I have to choose just one thing, I guess it would be my OOTW posts.
It seems silly that posting about the week’s clothing choices on Friday would make such a big difference in my life, but hear me out. I started to take more time to put outfits together this year, especially when school started – I carefully selected my accessories, styled my hair, and put on my makeup. I’d always tried to look my best in these areas, but this year, something was different.
I took up the challenge of putting together really thoughtful outfits and something incredible happened along the way – I inspired myself to keep up with my weight loss, because I wanted to see myself look even better in that dress, or to be able to have that top glide over my hips instead of get stuck on them. I saw my face getting slimmer as the weeks went by, and I was re-inspired to continue my efforts. If I was tempted to eat something that wasn’t on my plan, I tried to ask myself how it would affect that photo I was going to take tomorrow morning.
And the most important thing was that by looking at the photos and seeing the clothes on me the way the world sees them, I started to develop more of a sense of my personal style. I’m still working on it, but I have started to recognize the clothes that are “me” and the clothes that aren’t. And I’m not going to buy clothes that aren’t, just because they fit. I really want to make sure that as I buy new clothes (in smaller sizes!), I only select things that exhibit my own fashion sense and style.
They say clothes don’t make the (wo)man, but I’d have to argue that this year, clothes made all the difference.
What was your “ripple” this year?
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Bella on the Beach 
Wow! who would have thought that something that seemed almost superficial… to me at least, would have such a profound affect.
I like it and maybe will consider something similar next year. There is nothing like seeing ourselves how others see us. I think it could be a major wake-up call for me. Not to mention inspiring and encouraging too.
Wishing you and your family, especially little Sofi a Very Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Blessings
I love your personal sense of style. It’s classic, with a little funky contemporary, you carry it off so well! You’ve inspired me so much, that I plan on working harder on my appearance in 2012, I’ve already started it!
That makes me feel great, thank you so much. I’m still wondering what stores I’ll be shopping in, once I can wear standard sizes. It’s going to be fun figuring it out.