I’m squishy and I know it

I have to admit, I’ve been feeling pretty neurotic about my clothes in the weeks leading up to the Titanides Live event and Bootcamp.

I mean, it’s a professional event where you want to stand out and get clients. And so… I should buy new clothes, right?

And that was what I planned to do. I had my eye on a black and white dress with a cool gold zipper down the front. I tried it on. It fit like a glove, showing off all of my curves. Nice!

But when I walked out of the dressing room the sales lady told me that I really should wear Spanx with that dress, or some other type of supportive hosiery.

Rather than give her $200 of my hard-earned money, I left in a huff. I’m not going to buy a dress from someone who tells me that I look fat and gross in it.

So I spent the next week stressing out about my body. Was my midsection so out of control that I needed control top nylons? Should I buy a corset on my way to the airport? Why, oh why didn’t I work harder cutting carbs?

The event was drawing nearer, and I didn’t have any time to buy new clothes. And I didn’t have any opportunity to buy any highly restrictive undergarments to help me suck it all in. How on earth would I be able to present myself in public???

Then the night before my flight, I was in the tub. My three-year-old burst into the room threw off her clothes and did a belly flop onto my soapy body.

(Moms have no privacy.)

“You are so squishy!” she squealed with delight. And I could see in her face nothing but pure joy and love. I was so focused on hiding my squishiness, but my daughter thought it was wonderful.

I so needed that. As women, we’re constantly told we need to be smaller, flatter, thinner or whatever. I need to buy more clothes and completely change the shape of my body.

But that’s complete bullshit. I’m squishy. Ella thinks its awesome.

I showed up to the Titanides retreat with my normal clothes. I hadn’t lost an ounce. I don’t look perfect.

And the day was amazing. The women talked about how to find a good mentor, how to get the readers heartstrings involved, how to write for a conscious consumer, how to renegotiate contracts when things have gone off the rails.

We talked about telling stories that move people and how to tell the difference between a professional transition and a transformation.

Sorry, this is kind of a jumble. I’m taking it all in.  I enjoyed the powerful messages from women who all seem to truly understand that life and business are never perfect and yet we need to learn how to get what we need.

The day was a blessing!

Talk to you soon!

Mandy

P.S. I have a busy few days ahead of me. If you need me to write some copy, the best way to reach me is to send an email at [email protected].