I often say that your clothing choices can tell a little about your life choices. Sure consistency is key in understanding what kind of choices we tend to make. Yet, just as our fashion choices can tell others about us; the season in which we choose certain clothing pieces can teach us something about ourselves.
I bought my first crushed velvet jacket from Forever 21 on an impulse buy. Actually, there was more intent than just impulse. I wanted to update my fall wardrobe with something colourful and different. Only thinking that it be a part of my next fashion post; I did not think that it will become a catalyst for life reflection.
In sewing class, I learned that velvet is one a few fabrics that have naps or brush grooves. Crushed velvet is velvet with the groups of naps that are in different directions. Meaning if you brush over the material in one direction not all of the naps will be dark or shiny in that one direction. It’s going to be spotty like in this photo.
Also because of the sewing class, now I’m always thinking about how I can make the things I’m thinking about buying. And while I’m applying my entry-level knowledge of clothing construction, I’m lead to think about how it parallels with my life construction up to this point.
At this point I’m reviewing being okay with life’s seemingly random brush strokes. By random I don’t mean without order. I mean not going according to my logic or expectation. As I grow older I understand the value of looking for cues to life by watching and listening to other’s lives and experiences. With that comes the understanding that your life, my life, may not require those cues. Very much like the nap pattern of crushed velvet, we all will have our own naps that make up our life’s fabric. In many small ways we are all cut from a different cloth.
Being cut from a different cloth doesn’t mean that you don’t pair well with others. The opposite is true. There are so many uses for your individual experiences, thought patterns and skill and talent based contributions to other peoples lives and goals. It is okay to assimilate in some situations. It’s just as valuable to be separate but together. Think of it like an outfit. A pair of crushed velvet pants paired with a crushed velvet jacket may not be the best fit for a late summer early fall look.
And if what you or I bring is truly exceptional. We may be in a statement piece season. When this is the case, we have to understand that what we bring is not a fit for every situation but it is for the right situation(s). This where we see the battle of not being chosen come up. (I’ll unpack that in a later post) Be cool. Be cool with going in season and out of season with your gifts and skills. Anything over used becomes dull, even more so for things that aren’t meant for everyday use. I have noticed that when it is your time, your gift will make room for you. To Translate a lot of others and other things will take a back seat to the part you have to play in that window of time.
The height of your effectiveness is seasonal. Meaning, for some of us, it’s rare that we will be in many people’s lives for a long time. We are the one’s seemingly often being removed from people lives. In this case, you are the type of person people want to keep around and you could walk back into people lives at any point. However, their progression would be stunted and so would yours if you hung around. That’s why your life’s brush strokes may seem random.
The crushed velvet life is about playing your part and taking the bench or your leave when it’s done. Recognizing your time of worth, functioning in it and taking ownership of it is crucial. Be okay with the experiences that life is equipping you by. It’s not going to look like everyone else’s from the perspective of the inside looking out. (I’m telling my self this in my attitude right now.)
Be not weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9
