White Trash Wardrobe

I hate shopping.

I shop for things only when I need them.

Today, I needed only four things:

Dishwashing liquid, bananas, asparagus, and almond milk.

For some reason, known only to the gods of life lessons and comic relief, my record-breaking dash down the aisles of my neighborhood Winn-Dixie supermarket was interrupted only by the sudden realization that I might run into someone I know.

And my nanosecond decision to take a break from my writing to buy those oh-so-important items, would turn into a Facebook-haunting, lifetime-regretting moment on social media.

Now, I’m not a celebrity — nor do I play one on TV — but my wardrobe of choice as I stood in the dairy aisle would leave any publicity-seeking celebrity salivating with envy. And her profit-seeking paparazzi would be well paid for being at the right place at the right time.

As I reached for the container of 50% more calcium than dairy milk almond milk, I realized I’d left the house wearing this: A pair of camouflage capris, a bright orange T-shirt from my trip to Croatia, a black Nike cap, and white flip flops.

In my defense, my pedicure looked quite hot in those flip flops.  Otherwise, I was quite the hot mess.

It was quite possible that I might run into someone who might use my shoes and wardrobe of choice to judge me.

But you know what?  I didn’t care.

A few days earlier, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in a few months.  She gave me a great big hug and told me something that sums up how I’ve been feeling …

“I love your Facebook posts,” she said.  “You look so happy!”

And for the first time — in a long time — it dawned on me.

She’s right.

I am happy.

I can go out in public knowing that what’s inside will more than make up for what’s outside.

Real happiness speaks louder than whatever distractions we use to cover up our doubts and insecurities.

I can’t wait to see what I’m wearing tomorrow.

Author: Barb Besteni

I've been in a writer long enough to know that change is not only inevitable, it's what keeps us going. Don't fight it, don't fear it. Embrace it and have fun. View all posts by Barb Besteni