Day 102/366 days Towards Self-Mastery. Mood: Frustrated
Geez this part of the 366 day journey is proving to be a major challenge!
Okay the book was written 20 years ago and I probably did it justice then. The purpose of this exercise is to record my experiences... some 20 years on. Let's keep that in mind.
Fashion! We're talking again about fashion.
So back to presentation we go to take another look at an as yet, unturned stone. Accessories!
"Accessories define you," says Sarah. They are just as important as our clothing, and then some.
Let's see what I can say about accessories.
My style is fairly minimal. Only occasionally do I break out with rings and necklaces when the mood takes me.
Basic black stylish shoes with a neat heel and a high ankle feel very elegant to wear. Funky ankle boots complete me for a casual look. Having moved away from leather handbags I sport a tidy and stylish woven black synthetic, practical and reliable, a smart look.
My jewellery pieces are works of art. Crafted silver rings from an artist in New Zealand, moulded glass Murrano bead necklaces and bracelets. Excavated Roman glass and silver earrings and chocker from Italy. A few bohemian pieces crafted in Auckland NZ.
Half a dozen simple and carefully chosen evening bags, a collection of wrap around scarves, and a couple of pairs of stylish glasses, and a gorgeous Louis Vuitton watch which I rarely wear.
I keep my hair shoulder length and natural silver grey, my nails short and groomed, free from nail varnish though buffed and polished.
There are even a few gorgeous sun hats that I love to wear to the markets on Saturdays. Well, that's Saturdays when I'm allowed out of the house! We're still on house arrest! Okay, self-isolation they are calling it.
In the scheme of things as I reflect here I suppose I can concede that my accessories are certainly a celebration of my personality and style.
Back in the day I did enjoy the money and variety that was available to me. Dressing well was something that brought me a lot of pleasure, though accessories were minimal and reflective of my lack of confidence at that time.
The desire to experiment with necklaces arrived with my developing authenticity and after the healing of many traumatic memories and stories that stopped me from speaking my truth, which in turn made it very uncomfortable to wear jewellery around my neck.
Pieces that I had stored away for decades suddenly surfaced as favourites to be worn proudly. I'm very happy about that.
Here's what I've really discovered. As my authentic self becomes more known to me and I become more visible, the inner joy, confidence and truth that I experience is the most attractive accessory that I own.
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?)
I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.