The day draws closer when the Dey household is going to be an empty nest. We took one step closer to saying goodbye to our little boy. Sorting through his cupboards, I was struck by the reality of his growing up. He has grown so much in the last year, literally none of his clothes fit him.
I found a whole set of clothes with their price tags still on them that he has outgrown. I felt angry for a few seconds and then I smiled. Instead of focussing on the fact that he did not care to use them, I reminded myself that he does not care what brand of jeans or what logo adorned his t shirt. Don’t get me wrong. He is very particular about what he wears. There are things he likes and those that are absolutely ‘not him’. In that distinction the label and the price tag does not find a place and that according to me is a happy place to be in.
How little we need to be happy.
I found an old jacket of mine that he wore for a while, it took me back to my school days. I held onto a yellow half sleeve sweater that my grandmother knitted and was transported to a time and place far, far, away. The suit he wore last year when he went to MIT, to pitch his start up idea, is two sizes two small. He wore it once. In this case once was enough. That is a memory he will carry with him for a lifetime.
Some of the clothes that no longer fit him, he still wants to hold on to. Most he was happy to give away. In the give-away pile it struck me that there are so many new memories waiting to be made for their next owner. Smiles of joy just waiting to be tried on. A good reminder to anyone who has been putting off going through their cupboard. Do it this weekend and pass on a smile to someone in need.
Sorting through a cupboard is also a great reminder to put on your best outfit. Don’t save it for a special day. Wearing it is what makes a special memory. Some of the smartest and spiffiest outfits in his cupboard had no meaning to him because he never used them. In the end all that dressing does is to add a layer of meaning in the story of life. Puts some Colour into the black and white picture and maybe years later when you pick up that piece of clothing, it will transport you to a special place.
Dress up for everyday life. Wear what makes you happy. Wear what makes you feel good. Because when you feel good, you look good. To yourself. That’s what matters the most. I delved into a cupboard full of my son’s clothes and found 18 years of memories. A new chapter is about to begin and I am glad I am helping him pack his bag and fill it with another set of clothes that will dress up his future. Time to dress up and push forward into the next adventure. As Dr. Seuss said “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” Oh the places you’ll go!
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
Be the first to comment on "A cupboard full of clothes and nowhere to go? Oh the places you’ll go!"