A new way of life was just thrust upon us without much warning. We’re all at home riding out a storm with no defined ending. But hey, how are you looking in all of your zoom business meetings and happy hours? To feel good in these times we must look good, right?
Looking at life in a new way!
I think we are all looking for new ways to conduct business, shop, and connect with friends as we navigate this “new”, yet temporary, normal. I’m saying temporary, because I have to believe it.
I’ve always called myself an extroverted introvert, and boy, have I found out how true that is. I need people; I think that is why I love my job so much. Meeting and connecting with people through styling or shopping keeps me going. Now I schedule walks and phone calls, and shop online.
Change Can Be Good? Heck Yes!
There have been more than a few times in my life when I had to change course and think in a new way. I had a mentor, Jacqueline Murray, who thrived on change. Jacqueline passed away last month, so she’s been on my mind lately. She challenged each of us to shake up our worlds, and to believe that anything is possible.
Jacqueline encouraged us – almost demanded – that we get out of our comfort zones. She suggested that if you were a night owl, go to bed early. If you were a late sleeper, set your alarm for 5:00 am and watch the sunrise. Sleep on the opposite side of the bed than you usually sleep on. Give yourself less time to ponder and prepare for an appointment, then go out there and wing it! Get uncomfortable, she would say. I was blown away at these crazy ideas; frankly they made me break out in a cold sweat! What she was doing was making us believe in ourselves.
Working from Home? What’s That?
My office location before “the virus” was in a shopping mall or your house! Now much of my day is spent behind a computer. What am I doing you ask? Well, online shopping of course.
While at home one evening during week #1 of the shutdown, I got a call from a client. She works for a bank, an essential business, and was explaining to me her frustrating attempts to do her spring shopping online. Timing is everything! I was having my own frustrating day trying to figure out how, when all of the shopping malls were closed and we’re ordered to social distance, I was going to reframe how I do my business. So, we chatted, made a shopping list together, and I started shopping.
Within a week I was on my way to her Bloomington home to deliver the goods. As I sat on her patio on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, she modeled her new spring clothes and sandals, and we made wardrobe decisions, just as if we were in a fitting room at the mall or in her house – and all the while, keeping our social distance!
I think I need one of these for my desk!
From Antropologie!
I know a few of us have a little extra time on our hands. Maybe you have even organized a few spaces in your house! Spring is here (thank goodness) regardless of the situation going on in our world!
When things open up again here are a couple of resources to donate your gently used clothing: