I woke up this morning and began my daily rituals before heading to work. Shower, eat breakfast, put on make up and straighten my hair. All the time I am avoiding something bigger, something that wraps up the finishing touches before I venture out for the next portion of my day... my dreaded closet. Don't get me wrong, I love clothes and shoes. Oh, especially shoes! But thinking about the intense process that I am about to endure, picking out that perfect outfit that everyone is going to study and criticize as they pass through the doors of my employmment. I know the days that I look better than others because they let me know. Those judging eyes and slight off handed comments on the way my belt accentuates the ensemble or my jewelry is a bit eccentric. The men are worse than the women. We think they don't notice, that they over look the little details that we work so hard to perfect to be what the media deems as beautiful. But they do notice. They notice the hair changes or the fact that you are wearing the perfect heels that compliment your dress, the dress that bares a little leg.

We women go to great lengths to look acceptable not only for the other sex but for our own as well. I decided just a short time ago to let go of my fear of the closet and the long process ahead and rather I chose to embrace it. Be daring a little. Wear those purple shoes that are gathering dust in the corner of your shoe rack begging to come out and show the world their beauty. Wear that crazy patterned tunic you've been scared to try on in fear that people will think it's too daring. Play it up with leggings and a big belt and they will think you are a super model. The world really is your runway so play. Media creates this image that we are supposed to obtain but who wants to be a barbie when they can be an individual!

Next time you find yourself dreading getting dressed, challenge yourself to get creative and I bet you'll be surprised by the response that you get.