I am just figuring out my shape, but I don't get frustrated with what I am shaped like, it's more being able to find clothes that work. It's feast or famine, I think!

But I am enjoying experimenting and coming up with outfits that make me happy. And I try to push myself out of my comfort zone every once in a while because I think that is important too.

I think I've become much less strict about what I'm "supposed" to be wearing for my body type and more open to experimenting with a different silhouette now and then. For the most part I do dress for my shape, but I think it's ok to not dress for figure flattery once in awhile. For example, I would have never worn flat oxfords with a skirt a year ago - short stumpy legs here - but I do it every so often now and while my legs certainly look better with heels, I don't care. I rock it and love it and I can wear heels the next day.

I need to apologize for my negativity. When I start feeling down on myself, I know it's time to look deeper at what's going on with me. When those old "I can't" or "I'm not" thoughts creep in, it's a signal.

I just gave myself a few moments to think about what's going on and surprised myself by dissolving into tears. I think it's a couple of things. This weekend I'm going to meet a few dozen (!) family members I've never met before -- all from my late mother's family. It's kicking up a lot of memories and feelings about her. Secondly, I'm having anxiety about a medical issue that will require surgery this spring. I'm scared, and again it comes back to missing my mom and wishing I could talk with her about it. So funny that no matter how old I am, when I'm frightened, I still want my mommy.

So yeah, I think my problem is more my mind than my body. I'm going to go get some work done and take a nice brisk run, which always helps.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Aww... I'm sorry.

Hang in there, Janet. Not to sound all shrink-y but knowing what your feelings are and what causes them is the first step to dealing with them, right?
xo

I used to complain ALL THE TIME about this quirky little body of mine and wish I was taller/thinner/bustier/prettier blah blah blah blah....

But the last year I've really figured out alot on how to dress my figure. Sure...I still whine from time to time about my mid section, or am drawn to an outfit that really suits someone who's over 5 feet tall, but that's becoming less and less all the time. I'm having fun with fashion and even though there are failures here and there, I'm still having a good time.

Let's be grateful for our strong and healthy bodies and those "quirks"? That's what makes us unique.

To answer your question...Not at all. The idea of having to start over trying to find what works for a different body type is more than I want to think about.
Hugs, Janet.

This was GREAT soul searching, Janet. Emotionally intelligent and I am proud of you.

(((HUGS)) xo

Janet - what a wonderfully scary thing you're in for. I hope this weekend is great for you.
I think you are an incredibly talented, smart and beautiful person and I know your new to you relatives will be enamored as well. Your mom is with you in spirit and this is a great opportunity to reconnect to her on another level.
We should have a pre and/or post op get together for a little extra spirit!

Janet - I just came back read your thoughts on why you're feeling the way you are. Sending you a whole bunch of hugs!

Janet I just wanted to send some more hugs your way!

*HUGS*

Already PM'd you, but just wanted to add this: think HOW MUCH BETTER you will feel once the surgery is over. Not long now.

And I am so, so sorry about your mom.

Oh, Janet, I am so sorry about your mom. Good for you for getting to the bottom of your feelings, though that doesn't necessarily take away the apprehension or fear. I hope you have a wonderful time this weekend, and while I don't know anything about the surgery you need, I wish you the very best with that. I understand how scary it can be. And regarding your shape: It's perfect!

You're so insightful, Janet, to realize the feelings were coming from something else! I hope you found some relief from it all with your run -- it always used to help me feel better too

Your meeting new family members sounds like a great opportunity, and wouldn't it be wonderful if you see bits and pieces of your mom in them?

Remember to take good care of yourself with rest, exercise, nutrition to stay strong and feel strong. Every little bit we 'can' do to keep from feeling down helps. . .

Just wanted to send along a hug and best wishes for a wonderful meeting with your family members. I hope it goes beautifully, and although it's bringing up feelings of loss and pain, it might actually be a very happy and joyous occasion - to reconnect with people that you share a common bond with.

Meanwhile, I think you're very wise to clue into how deeper emotional issues can sometimes translate into feeling dissatisfied with some other thing (ie. feeling negative about one's body shape or what have you).

Thing is? You are just *fab* - I love your style and I think you look very beautiful, so please don't worry too much about feeling somewhat stuck in terms of body shape, versus some of the styles you'd like to wear. I'm almost 100% positive that Angie and the rest of the YLF'ers will find a way to make the latest and greatest styles work for every body shape. There are so many things I used to think I "couldn't" wear, and time and time again - YLF proves me wrong!

Hang in there Janet, and here's hoping you have a *wonderful* weekend - may it go well, and may it bring you all kinds of joy, even amidst the sadness. I hope you meet some great people, and feel a whole lot better about things.

Janet -- I'm sorry to hear about all of the stress in your life. Sending you a big hug!

Janet - HUGS!!! No wonder you were feeling low.

Try on some possible outfits for the family meeting for us so you can go in full confidence that you are the absolutely stunningly gorgeous woman that you are!!

Aww, thanks, everyone! I really did not intend for this thread to take this turn, but there it is. I did feel better after "talking" to you guys here, getting some hugs from my husband, getting some work done, and going for a nice 4-mile run around my chilly, beautiful city, admiring all the purple lights.

I finished packing tonight since I leave early in the morning, so I had no time to take pics of my travel outfits, but they are pretty much repeats of things you've seen that I feel good in.

I am looking forward to the reunion. Actually, my sister is more nervous about it than I am, but I figure we'll be there together, and we're all family, even if we don't know 80-90% of the others!

After the reunion, I fly to New Orleans for the Super Bowl! I'm not the biggest football fan in the world, but I gotta say it was quite a season for Baltimore, so I've caught a bit of Ravens fever. So we're really looking forward to New Orleans too.

Thank you all for the lovely words and thoughts, and for enduring my tangent-laden thread! You all are THE BEST!