Going Back

This is the time of year that everyone is motivated to purge, clean closets and rid themselves of burdensome material things that no longer serve them.  I've been doing the same around here and have already tackled the master vanity, my accessories drawer and my nightstand.  During my pregnancy last year, I did some SERIOUS nesting, but there are still some places that I need to revisit such as my closet.  My dreaded closet. 

In my "previous life" before children, I worked as an advertising Account Executive and later a Medical Sales Representative and because of that, I have a closet full of suits, blazers, blouses and slacks that now just sit there....for four years now.....collecting dust.  

For some reason I've had a difficult time "letting go" of these items because they represent a life (and career) that I was actually pretty good at!  So for the past few years, I've just ignored them and each time I go to clean out my closet, I tell myself "not yet."  

A few weeks ago, I stood in my closet just staring at my "previous life" and asked myself why I felt the need to hold onto these things.  A dozen thoughts raced through my head, like the idea of returning to work outside the home one day, the amount of money I spent on each piece, the confidence a suit gave me while pitching an important client and so on.  

Then it hit me.  I realized that letting go of these clothes was symbolic of me completely embracing my current role.  Since I put my career on hold, I've always told myself "I can always go back.  It will be right there waiting for me, along with my wardrobe."  

The more I sat there and thought about it, the more I realized that I don't want to "go back."  I want to move forward.  I don't know what the future holds for me career wise and that's both exciting and scary, but right now, I'm happy.  I wear jeans to work,  I have the best boss in the world, everyday is a new challenge, I love what I do and I'm actually really, really good at it.  The best part about where I'm at right now is that I can go any direction I choose.  I may explore off the beaten path or try new things and fail, but I know I'm not going "back."  

And so this week, I'm dry cleaning my "past life" and donating it to Dress for Success.  Besides, my husband reminded me that if I ever did "go back," I'd probably want all new things anyways.  He's probably right.

By the end of this closet purge, I'm hoping my space will look something like one of these.

1*2*3*4

Well, not quite but here's to moving forward or sideways or any other direction other than back!