December 9, 2021

Keeping clothes that don’t fit (especially if it hasn’t fitted for a few years) are preventing us from accepting our body for what it is today. But still, we all do it. I also have clothes that I have been hanging onto in the hope that maybe one day I will be able to fit in them again … and look what I used to look like back then. We are holding onto past glories of thinner bodies and youth.

But what I have learned over time is that a lot of the clothes that I have been hanging onto that I wore when I was a different size, are either no longer in style or no longer MY style. How is that for wasting precious mental and physical space on an idea that no longer exists?

We all change and grow over time, no matter our size. We all deserve to have clothes that we like and that fit us well, regardless of our current weight. We should be able to feel good about ourselves now, instead of believing that we will be happy once we fit into that pair of jeans again.

Hanging onto all these old clothes keeps us in a sense of bondage to who we were and our past. It is an indication that we are not truly happy with who we are and how we look right now. And with that, I have a HUGE problem.

I am not saying that it is never necessary to lose weight, but there is no reason why you cannot feel good about yourself in the process.

And I am also not saying to throw everything out. It can be a good idea to keep some items that are about one size down or up from what you currently wear. That way you won't have to shop in a rush if you should fluctuate a size.

I usually keep the pieces that I absolutely love and are unique. Those pieces that I am pretty sure I will never be able to find anything similar again. The rest must go.

This includes basic items like a pair of well-trusted black pants that used to look great on me. But by the time I will most probably fit into them again (if ever), my shape will have changed a bit and they will no longer be as flattering even at my goal weight.

Remember, you can always sell your clothes that don’t fit anymore that are still in a good condition. You can then either save that money to buy new clothes once you have reached your goal weight if you are planning to lose weight. OR you can rather buy something you can wear now and that makes you feel good now.

Society has put so much value and importance on our outward appearance that it makes it difficult to accept or love our physical bodies for what it is. We are so forever focusing on our flaws that it is almost impossible to get to a place where we can be truly happy.

But the truth is that if you can redirect your focus from your flaws and onto everything that you can be grateful for, for example, the fact that you can still walk, hold your partner's hand, give your child a hug, stand up and sit down, go to the shop … you can get to a place of new appreciation and respect for your body and end up happier and healthier.