Beyond Appearances: Using Style to Boost Confidence & Mental Wellness in Parenthood, with Heather Riggs
Finding Your Style: A Path to Confidence and Fulfillment for Busy Parents
As a parent, have you ever found yourself staring into your closet, feeling completely uninspired and disconnected from your personal style? It’s not just you! Many of us get stuck in a fashion rut, especially after having children. We prioritize comfort and practicality, often at the expense of feeling confident and put-together. But what if I told you that rediscovering your personal style could be a powerful tool for boosting your confidence, energy, and overall sense of fulfillment?
In a recent episode of Fulfillment Therapy, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Riggs, a certified image consultant and color specialist. Our conversation opened my eyes to the profound impact that personal style can have on our mental health, self-image, and ability to show up fully in all areas of our lives.
The Connection Between Style and Self-Care
As parents, we often put ourselves last on the priority list. We're so focused on taking care of our children, managing our households, and balancing work responsibilities that we forget to nurture ourselves. But here's the thing: self-care isn't selfish. In fact, it's essential for our well-being and our ability to care for others effectively.
Heather shared a powerful insight during our conversation:
"When you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, when you're confident in your own skin, it enables you to really take that time and focus out on others. So it's worth a little bit of time to pour into yourself, to be able to give a lot more time and attention to the other people in your life."
This perspective resonated deeply with me. By investing a little time and effort into our appearance, we're not just improving how we look – we're cultivating confidence and energy that ripples out into every aspect of our lives.
The Power of Intentional Style
One of the most eye-opening parts of my conversation with Heather was learning about the concept of intentional style. It's not about chasing trends or completely overhauling your wardrobe. Instead, it's about understanding your unique preferences, lifestyle needs, and personal coloring to create a wardrobe that truly works for you.
Heather emphasized:
"It's really just about taking a little bit of time to think about it because again what you feel good in when you leave the house and what works for you. And if you take five minutes to do my personal style quiz, or just start looking around on Pinterest for outfit ideas that inspire you or taking five extra minutes in the morning to style your hair and makeup, like just a little bit of time can really go a long way."
This approach to style isn't about adding more stress to your life. It's about simplifying and streamlining your wardrobe so that getting dressed becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Overcoming Style Challenges as a Parent
Let's be real – as parents, we face unique challenges when it comes to personal style. We're often dealing with changing body shapes, limited time, and the practical demands of caring for children. But these challenges don't have to define our style.
Heather shared some practical tips for parents looking to refresh their style:
Start with a wardrobe audit: Take some time to go through your closet and identify the pieces that make you feel great. These are the foundation of your personal style.
Invest in versatile pieces: Look for items that can be dressed up or down and work for multiple occasions.
Embrace your current lifestyle: Your style should reflect your current needs and activities, not an idealized version of your pre-parent self.
Don't be afraid of color: Wearing colors that complement your natural coloring can instantly boost your mood and energy.
Make small, consistent efforts: You don't need to spend hours on your appearance. Even small efforts, like putting on a piece of jewelry or choosing a top in a flattering color, can make a big difference.
The Ripple Effect of Personal Style
One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation was realizing how personal style impacts not just us, but our entire families. When we feel confident and put-together, we model self-care and self-respect for our children. We show them that it's important to value ourselves and take pride in our appearance.
Moreover, when we feel good about ourselves, we're more likely to engage fully in activities with our families, pursue our own interests, and maintain healthy boundaries.
As Heather pointed out:
"I think for women, when we're not feeling like ourselves, when we're in those ruts, it can be really easy to withdraw and isolate ourselves from people and maybe not want to step out into social situations."
By investing in our personal style, we're not just changing our outward appearance – we're nurturing our inner selves and creating a positive ripple effect that touches every aspect of our lives.
Finding Balance in Style and Self-Care
It's important to note that focusing on personal style doesn't mean becoming obsessed with appearance or spending excessive time and money on clothes. The goal is to find a balance that works for you and your family.
As parents, we're constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and roles. Adding "fashion icon" to that list isn't necessary or realistic for most of us. Instead, think of personal style as another tool in your self-care toolkit – something that can boost your confidence, save you time in the long run, and help you show up as your best self.
Remember the words of author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar:
"You cannot perform in a manner inconsistent with the way you see yourself."
By cultivating a personal style that makes you feel confident and authentic, you're setting yourself up to perform better in all areas of your life – as a parent, partner, professional, and individual.
Taking the First Step
If you're feeling inspired to refresh your personal style but don't know where to start, don't worry. Small steps can lead to big changes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Take Heather's free personal style quiz to gain insights into your unique style preferences.
Set aside 15 minutes to go through your closet and identify your favorite pieces. What do they have in common?
Next time you're getting dressed, take an extra minute to add one element that makes you feel more put-together – whether that's a piece of jewelry, a swipe of lipstick, or a colorful scarf.
Pay attention to how you feel when you wear different outfits. Start building your wardrobe around the pieces that make you feel most confident and comfortable.
Remember, this journey is about you and what makes you feel your best. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to personal style.
Embracing Your Unique Style Journey
As we wrap up, I want to emphasize that rediscovering your personal style is not about conforming to societal expectations or trying to look like someone else. It's about honoring your authentic self and creating a visual representation of who you are and who you want to be.
This journey of style discovery parallels our larger journey of personal growth and fulfillment. Just as we evolve and grow in our roles as parents, partners, and individuals, our style can evolve too. It's a dynamic process of self-expression and self-care that can bring joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of energy to our lives.
So, the next time you stand in front of your closet feeling uninspired, remember that you have the power to change that narrative. Your style is a reflection of your unique story, and it's never too late to start a new chapter. By investing a little time and thought into your personal style, you're not just changing your outward appearance – you're nurturing your inner self and creating a positive ripple effect that touches every aspect of your life.
Let's celebrate our individuality and use personal style as a tool for self-expression, confidence, and fulfillment. After all, when we feel good about ourselves, we're better equipped to show up fully for our families, pursue our passions, and live our most fulfilling lives.
Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.
Thanks for reading and listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends!
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