It’s been awhile since I first seen this statement from Meryl Streep, and from time to time it does find its way back into my mind. I think it takes courage to live sometimes, but I also think that you will feel utterly empowered if you can manage to go for it and take a leap of faith. We often focus on the unknown and what we have to lose, instead of having faith and believing in the things we have to gain. If we did, would there be really anything we’d lose? Perhaps we’d be richer in many ways, if we kicked the habit and the familiarity of the things that no longer serve our lives. We seek comfort from what we know, but this is all we will ever know unless we take a walk on the wild side. I think we all can use a little gain, so dig deep because you already have everything inside of you to make the change. All you need to do is have faith and tap into it. Things will always work out, one way or another.
Meryl’s words resonated with me and I think back to Germany when we would wear our “Sunday best” for church. These were our best clothing, only to be worn for special occasions such as family gatherings and these. I grew up with that concept and I still remember it all too well. The European in me has a sense for fashion, and clothing is my weakness. It’s a means to transform and raise your vibrations/mood. You know how it feels when you wear that favorite outfit and your self esteem goes through the roof. Not because your vain or have to be a show off to compete, but because it truly makes you feel good. My job these days requires a uniform and let me tell you that the black slacks and polyester blue shirt, put a major kink into my fashion attire. Haha. On my days off, I’m on the trail and it’s not exactly a place you go with your “Sunday best” either. Back at home, it’s comfort I seek and honestly at times the fashion sense falls short when doing chores. I haven’t considered vacuuming in heels just yet for the sake of being stylish, lol, and so it is unchanged that I have a closet full of “Sunday best” that haven’t seen daylight in quite some time. The bottom line is that between work, my life on the trail and the little time spent at home, it looks pretty grim for my “Sunday best”. I need to make some changes. Let’s start it off with a smaller one first….
My mind is turning and I’ve made a pact with myself. A tiny little thing that might have a big impact and might make me feel like I live a little more. Not because something is missing, but because I’m adding a little more sunshine to my day. After all, I own my moods and it is me who is the constructor of my happiness. It’s great if others contribute to it, but it is for the most part dependent on myself. I’m going to start wearing some pieces from my “Sunday best” in the house. I will remember that you only live once and if I choose to vacuum in heels, so be it. At least I will feel pretty darn fabulous doing so, although it’s very unlikely that I will do “that”. The sweats might be comfy and I won’t turn my back completely, but there will be a time and place for all. Just because the piece is still in good condition will no longer be a valid point. You can be comfortable in style and it will match my mood, instead of suppressing the vibe by feeling ordinary. There is nothing ordinary about any of us and you should always know it. If it takes that special outfit to remind you, so be it as long as you remember that every day is special and that you are given another chance to be your best. There is no need to save your “Sunday best”. Wear it! If you want, you can always save a few pieces for an extra special occasions.
Be weird and be yourself. Have the courage to live and follow your own drum. Don’t be afraid to be different and remember that you bring something new to the table. Be unique and raise your flag high, you’re amazing just the way you are.
Great advice coming from someone who wears a war bonnet every once in awhile to channel her inner warrior, but it works for me. I know that it can work for you too, not saying you have to wear a war bonnet. For me it merely resembles the fight we all fight, my inner warrior that can’t give up, the artistic fairyland and vision I often reside in and of course my love for Native American wisdom. So, don’t be afraid to follow your heart, it already knows the path even if your mind doesn’t. Trust the journey and be enlightened by what’s in store for you.
I’m off to a good start and four hours later, I’m noticing that I put my sweater on backwards. It’s a little tight around the neck and the kangaroo pockets are in the back in case someone has to add something behind my back that I forgot, hahaha.
Words by Meryl Streep and me
What if your fairy godmother is the wisest, smartest version of your self -whispering from the future?
What would you tell your younger self about life and what would be your advice?
“Stop treating yourself as an afterthought.
Eat delicious food,
Walk in the sunshine,
Feel the wind and listen to the silence,
Jump in the ocean.
Do the thing that scares the heck out of you, chances are it will become one of your fondest memories.
Take a leap of faith instead of living a life full of “What if’s” and regrets.
Say the truth you are carrying in your heart like a hidden treasure.
Be silly, be kind, be weird.
Don’t be afraid to make a fool out of yourself, if it made you laugh, you hold a treasure forever.
Take time and remember the things that matter most.
There is no time for anything else”.
And wear your “Sunday best” 💙🦋
