Why I Dress Up

I've been thinking about writing this post for awhile but feared that some would think I'm on a high horse or stupidly vain or something {please don't think I am!}. But after chatting with some friends and gaining some encouragement, I decided to go for it...and here we are.

Yes...I am a mom of 6 and every day, I dress up.

Why when I have so much to do, so many kids to get up and ready for the day, do I take the time to not only fix my hair & makeup...but what possesses me to choose stilettos rather than more comfortable park-ready, chase-after-the-kids-type shoes? Why a dress over yoga pants?

Toward the end of my freshman year, I had my 1st all-nighter while studying for finals. I could hardly function by the time the sun came up and I knew sleeping would have to wait. So I took a {{looooong}} hot shower and rather than pulling on pajama pants or sweats like every other sleepy-eyed exhausted student, I decided to dress up. Slacks, heals, pearls...the whole bit. I hoped to convince myself I was awake.

{sadly don't know the source of this cute photo}

And you know what? It worked. I was able to draw myself out of being fuzzy-brained and had a fantastically successful day of exams {and those of you who know me well, know I'm a HORRIBLE test taker anyway ...so this was huge for me and resulted in the 1st time ever getting on the Deans List}.

Now don't get me wrong...I have my yoga pant wearing days. I have my wearing gym clothes, yet didn't actually get to the gym days. I'm not saying I'm dressed for the prom every day.

But I will say that most of the time I am and on those days, I get so much more accomplished.

A friend mentioned to me once that she wakes every morning with enough time to get ready before the kids rise because that's what she did when she had a corporate job. Now her job is at home and she takes it every bit as seriously. Being a mom is her dream job...but every mom will agree...it's still a job!

My friend Penny and I were joking the other day that, "If you want something done, ask a busy person".

Similarly, I have found...for ME {again, this is MY experience. It's ok if this isn't you!} that if I have an entire page of to-do's whether it's laundry, errands, etc. I get the most done when I'm dressed in a way that I don't just want to curl up on the couch with a book and let my kids run wild through the house.

It really is that simple. Yes, I grew up in a family who believes you dress nicely when on an airplane or when having lunch downtown. Yes, I don't think I've ever seen my dad in sweats {really dad, I don't think I have!}, but I also grew up in a family who are efficient and incredibly hard workers.

Again, please {{please}} don't take this as me saying only moms who dress nicely get things done. NO! Oh goodness no!

BUT if you're struggling and don't feel like there are enough hours in the day, I encourage you to try these 2 things.

ONE: get up early and have some quiet time to prepare your heart & mind for another chaotic, busy day.

TWO: take an extra few minutes and get dressed up more than normal. Put on some mascara, a quick swish of lipstick. Put on your favorite heels.

So there you have it. Now you know something more about me {and how weird I am}. xo

Would love to hear if it works for you, too!