Reflections of wadrobe Happiness...

I started to think about this sparked by others like the beautiful thread Sterling wrote.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-happiness

My work clothing as professional as it is for my career is both armor and uniform. While it is serviceable neat and clean. It sparks not one ounce of joy or happiness. Because I have to tone down who I am at work. It's a professional environment and that is what I have to be.

On the other hand.

When away from work and on weekends LEDONNA IS IN FULL BLOOM. That is the real me. The Quirky creative happy joyous one whom is loud and vibrant. I express all of this in passion in my clothing and how I live my life.

I bring elements of who I am to the table at work but not my full self.

My career can be very stressful and very demanding. No place was this more evident than when I became pregnant. In a classic male dominated field. I was transfered "for my own good" an extra 1hr commute away. Making my drive time 2 hrs. Bringing on high blood pressure swelling daily and streefull responses such as frustration and a bit of anger and resentment.

As soon as I was assigned bed rest. No working. My stress went away not really overnight but because there was no pressure I was able to do and wear what made me feel happy.

My BP again comes to mind. My Dr's the nurse and even I was suprised at how low my pressure was and how content and happy babby nugget was also.

So in retrospect i know i cannot let my job stress me and find a way to incorporate a bit more fun into it. Maybe now having a baby will also expand my joy.

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7 years ago

Lucy

Veteran

Oh my gosh I thought this was your birth announcement! But I did enjoy reading it.
Though I am quite career orientated, children undoubtedly make you slow down and look for the daily pleasures. What a joy!

Ledonna N.

Oh Lucy. Almost. Trust and believe ill be shouting it from the mountain top. "look what we did" lol. Im sure children will change the whole dynamic.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bed rest is JUST what you need, vibrant and vivacious Ledonna. I'm waiting to see how you'll dress Nugget. And whether baby will match your style in some way. EXCITING, and we are right here to support and share with you. Much love to you, sweet lady.

Barbara Diane

It seems the unexpected grace of the last few weeks has been to realize how stressed out you were and the effect on your health. One time I didn't realize how stressed my husband was until he didn't complain when we spent an hour or two going into cute stores while on vacation.

I like the idea of letting a little more of you out at work. But also, in addition to love and joy, the little one may wear you out. So, I'd plan on cutting yourself some slack in all aspects of life.

rachylou

What you say about work and wardrobe is true for me...

RobinF

I'm glad to hear that your stress decreased after you stopped working. All this discussion of wardrobe happiness has made me think about what I need from mine to make me happy. I have never liked to stand out but I do want to look good, if that makes sense. And I think I usually succeed at that but maybe a little boring. Your personal style is definitely an inspiration.

RobinF - I understand what you mean about standing out. I think that you can be happy and joyous in a quite way. Just as I am loud and brash. It's how it makes you feel.

Rachylou tell me more. Yet I fully understand.

Barbara Diane how wonderful that you and your husband were able to be stress fee. It makes a world of difference. I see that I need to give myself some grace and mercy.

Angie I've been blessed with so many gifted clothing for baby nugget. She will be a chameleon. My sister has her idea of how she wants baby to dress. I'm looking forward to her picking out her clothes at 2 or 3 to see what she comes up with. I cannot wait to share our journey together.

approprio

I hear you - I've been the only woman among Manly Men and I know how stressful that can be. And I've done the 2h drive time too and it's punishing. I hope things get better for you once the Nugget is on the outside at last.

I've never had to wear a uniform though, not since my school days. If I did I'd probably look to The Expanse and go searching for my inner Naomi Nagata. I will never in my wildest dreams be this cool, but I can always pretend.

viva

I found this so interesting and really provocative for me: When away from work and on weekends LEDONNA IS IN FULL BLOOM. That is the real me.

I get a lot of my identity from the work that I do, and I put most of my style effort into dressing for work. In some ways, I feel most "me" when I am dressed for work. But I wonder if I should perhaps meditate on this. Why aren't I making more of the time when I am not working? Shouldn't I feel "in full bloom" (adore that phrasing) in my off hours, and shouldn't I take as much care when I dress during those times?

This is really, really interesting to me. Thanks for sharing LeDonna. As always, you shake things up in the best possible way.

ETA: Can't wait for the nugget to arrive!

cindysmith

I love it when LeDonna is in full bloom, and I hope you find some way to incorporate that into your work life. I also hope you find a way to reduce the stress levels from your job so that you can spend that energy having fun with your little bundle of joy.

Jaime

Yes full bloom Ledonna is a wondrous thing and it is a shame that your work commute makes her wilt. Do you get maternity leave by the way? Nugget will increase joy, but decrease sleep so be prepared!

Shevia- I'm taking vacation days until the baby is born. After that i will be on 12 weeks maternity leave with full oay and benefits. Nugge had me on a full sleep schedule now. I'm awake from 10:30 at night until 5:00 in the morning. I think I'll be able to adjust. Lol

Cindysmith-I think I take work way to seriously. It's been my main focus for 25 years. I just started to get my life about 4 years ago. I think the baby will helo me refocus and shift my priorities. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Viva what a great observation. I think lime life we try go find that work/life balance. This time with clothing and how and why we choose to wear what we do. Im sure you will find yours.

Approprio- you get me. Ive been in uniform of some type most of my life. Schooling Catholic, the Army then my current position. While not a uniform i pretty much wesr the same thing everyday. I just read up on Naomi she is really kick butt. Thank you for the link.

Let's see after my 12 week maternity leave i will only have a 1hr drive back down to my work site in Chicago. Baby Nugget has given me reason to stop and breath. My new priority will be her mist likely school meetings and events vacations etc. Children can rock our world.

I love ledonna in full bloom ill have to help ease her into my worklife more.

Joy

Your little one will enrich your life in so many ways. You will help her bloom. I hope that she will help you reduce the stress. You will have lots of fun seeing the world through her eyes. DGS ( 28 months) giggles with delight now days over rhyming words. We must have sung The Name Game a zillion times. ( this is a great activity to amuse little people being potty trained while they sit on their potty. Practice making up songs about "poop" and "pee" and flushing).

Joy such wisdom. Your DGS sounds amazing and I cannot wait for those experiences. Something about the fresh innocence of the young makes you see things with new eyes.

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