Remember When We Had to Fit Into the Little Box?

Remember when we had to fit into the little box?

Remember when we played nice?

We crossed our legs, wore hose with our tiny heels.

We said thank you and please, we waited for permission to speak, and sometimes didn’t speak at all.

We made ourselves small.

Unheard.

We didn’t bother anyone, and that was great…for them.

Along the line, we forgot who the hell we were.

We looked in our closet and saw a sea of black and beige business casual clothes that felt more like paper bags or straitjackets than fashion.

As time went by we disappeared.

Have you been at the grocery store, waiting at the deli for your damn chipped ham (gotta love a chipped ham Sammy with butter like Momma made!) and they waited on everyone…but you. They didn’t even notice you were there! It’s like you just blended into the dull, scuffed floor tile. Until you finally blow a gasket and demand your freaking food. Then everyone looks at each other, uncomfortable. Someone mutters, “such a Karen!”

How did this happen?

It happened slowly, insidiously.

It happened from years of people-pleasing. Taking care of others and “letting yourself go.”

Now there is nothing wrong with taking care of others. In fact, I think it is essential to a full and healthy life.

What is wrong is taking care of others at your own expense.

They say you can’t fill from an empty cup.

Honey! My cup is as bone dry as my mother-in-laws roast beef dinners!

I’m here to tell you, no more!

You don’t need permission to be yourself.

You don’t have to be quiet, play small, and fit in.

You, my dear, are here to shine.

Show the world the beautiful, magical, weird, and wonderful you.

Do it with sequins and feather boas, or with black goth eyeshadow so dark they can’t find your eyes.

Do it however you like, but DO IT!

Do it now!

And if you want, share a photo of your fun, fabulous, and weird self below.

I can’t wait to see you!

XOXO
The Gnarly Crone