Battle Wounds

What is the poetry of your closet? That is, do you find self-expression in your wardrobe?

I’ve gone back and forth on whether I should care about being comfortable in my closet. And then I discovered something else. I know why most people in my life cannot relate to my connection with textiles.

If you understand, if you connect with this poetry I speak of, then you know. You have experienced being uncomfortable in your own skin. And in being uncomfortable in your own skin, you know the discomfort of being uncomfortable in your clothing.

I have a love for fashion, but I am not talking about fashion.

I used to think that when others didn’t understand my message - the message was wrong. I have believed this for twenty five plus years.

Then I realized maybe the message isn’t wrong, maybe it’s just not their message.

Here’s why.

It makes perfect sense to me that clothing can be protective, integrative, and grounding. It makes perfect sense to me that the connection we feel to our own skin and how we express it in dress is an art form. It’s a creative process for how we not only heal, but in how we live and connect with others.

And so, maybe my message isn’t wrong. Maybe if clothing is superficial for you, maybe you’ve never been stripped of it.

One can always, always argue that true self expression comes from within. True.

But when you are dying… and even fabric hurts your skin, and your eyes don’t express your true self anymore, and you are left with only the quiet breath of your soul…as you are told to say your goodbyes -

You have to reconnect to this world.

And so clothing is not superficial to me. It’s a gift. A reminder that I am here in soul AND BODY.

My love for styling is the narrative of my healing. It’s practice. I’m grateful for this life. I love bringing comfort to the everyday experience. I love helping others embrace their same passions.

The next time you find yourself wandering if your passion is superficial, look a little deeper. Maybe it’s the reason you are here. Maybe it’s part of your purpose.

I love beauty. I seek it. In all forms. That’s what I know, from when I was alone, with the breath of my soul.

Amen.