Good "Buys"...Good "Byes"

If you have gone shopping since Christmas you know that there are some good “buys” out there that are not easy to pass up. Perhaps your shopping bags contain new items that are replacing that which you already have and therefore it is an equally good time to say good “bye” to the things that no longer serve us.


People have different reasons for keeping things, and when we talk about wardrobes some may be…
· Its still good…or I spent a lot of money on it,
· I may need it, wear it, find someone else who may need it or wear it some day,
· It was a birthday, Christmas, gift from so and so.


If you have been freshening up your wardrobe here are my favorite ways to keep the energy flowing in and out of the closet.

If I buy something new then something has to go: This can be a tricky idea but one worthy of consideration.

Reversing your hangers: If you are unclear as to what should go then turn your hangers the opposite way; when you wear something and return it to your closet hang it back the proper way. Over the course of 6 months you’ll have a clear idea of what you have worn and have covered 2 major weather seasons.

If I were buying this today would I?: This is my favorite question to ask. This prompts the consideration of the:
· Clothing size; is it too big or too small,
· Color; how does the color make you look and feel,
· Style; is it current or dated,
· Shape; how does it affect my self image,
· Condition; is it well loved and no longer looking its best? Tags still attached and never worn? Needs alterations or mending?
· Vibeage; if you are not feeling good about what you are dressed in, this can and will affect your energy for the day.

Kicking around the house clothes: Just like comfort food everyone has their comfort favorites for laying on the couch, cleaning the house, working in the garden and overall veggin’ in your space uniform. Its almost like those clothes are energized with the vibe and once on, it can be like a switch was hit and you are in the zone. Even these clothes can use a second look, you may wish to ask yourself…”If someone came to my door right now, how would I feel about being seen in these clothes?”

The Unseen: Even the clothes that are not for public consumption need attention. Check out your pj inventory, yes I know that is just for sleeping, but really, if you’ve got that outfit on for 8 hours a day; 7 days a week you are absorbing that energy as well. Lingerie; ladies do the girls need a fresh lift? Oh and let’s not forget about the old adage about underwear, check those out too!


Follow Through: Decide who is getting the clothes that are still wearable, set an expiration date to get them to the charitable organization, the tailor, or friend and stick to it. The sooner the better.


Statistics: We wear 20% of our clothes, 80% of the time. Hmm that is something to ponder.


Therefore if you have recently bought something new that you love and can't wait to wear, simultaneously there is something in your closet that you no longer feel that way about anymore. I’m not suggesting that everyone needs to go on a marathon shopping trip to replenish their entire closets, however, if the clothing that we are holding on to doesn’t emanate the same energy it did when it was in our 20%, its not a reflection of where you are today and where you are going.



With Grateful Ch'i,