Finding Comfort Where it Counts
On recent solo retreats and scouting trips to Mexico and Portugal, I planned for comfort. From the aesthetics of the accommodations where I focused on what would make me feel “at home”, to the clothes and shoes I packed. I kept in mind what would make my body, skin, feet and back feel comfortable away from home.
Planning for all aspects of life including travel for work or pleasure has become something I spend time thinking about and executing. Here are some of the parameters I use:
accommodations must be light filled and open with more neutral colors on the walls
clothing must have some give or stretch, breathable fabric and feel good on my skin
shoes that are low heeled, breathable, supportive and wide across the top of the foot with padding at the arch
Have You Ever Felt Uncomfortable in Your Clothes? The Back Story
I distinctly recall when I turned 50, I was feeling a little stuffed in my clothing. Shirts, blouses and pants didn’t zip or button up so well. Dresses didn’t have the smoothness I liked due to a few bumpy places. During this time, my shoes were too high and I felt clumsy. I wasn’t feeling so cute in those high heels and pointed toes anymore. I shook and wobbled at each step taken. I’d look in the mirror and wasn’t so kind to myself or the image reflected. I literally stopped looking in full body mirrors rejecting my body and the shape it had taken. I was a mess.
I realized I didn’t FEEL comfortable in my skin. It was then that I decided that I had to find something to like and ultimately love about my appearance. Sure, I’d gained and held on to weight. My clothes were tighter but it was the fabric that was also uncomfortable. It was abrasiveness causing itchiness. There was no give and take to the texture and I either felt hot or cold in anything I wore.
It was soon after becoming aware of how I was feeling in my clothes, I started shopping and replacing my clothing with fabrics that felt comforting to touch. It didn’t matter how cute, fly or attractive it was, the priority was “feel” - softness, cool and loose.
This became true of shoes as well. As a shoe hog, the pointed toes, 4-5 inch heels no longer cut it. I found comfortable shoes that just so happened to be attractive.
TRAVEL SHOES
These Shoes Are Made for Walking, Hiking and Dining
As a walker and novice hiker, planning for walking is a big deal. Whether it be in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Newark, Mexico City or Lisbon - the shoes that carry you through the day and protect your feet make a difference! With cobblestones (dry or wet), uneven pavement, stairs and hills that ascend to the heavens; the design, fit and feel make a difference.
Once a consumer of lots of shoes, I now prioritize those that will make me happy and add interest to my clothes even if they are sensible.
Prior to getting to Portugal, I was scrolling through social media and got stuck on a post for some “bad” brown boots. I bought them! Yea, I got hooked. No regrets. I wore these boots to carry me up and down hills, stairs and long days touring. I also dressed my clothing up for evening events and meet ups with those boots. These display below are my go to comfort shoes.
Houseless But Not Homeless - Comfort Away from Home
Since January 2021, I’ve been moving around without a dwelling of my own. It’s part of a new and exciting lifestyle shift that does not include being a homeowner or even a renter in some instances. I’ve decluttered, minimalized and gained clarity by living intentionally in this new “book” of life.
A great friend of mine told me to envision the type of space I would find happiness in wherever I go. At the time she provided that advice, she meant my Newark, New Jersey apartment which was the most beautiful and happy space I envisioned. Since then, I’ve envisioned places for where I would spend significant time to work, create, read , watch Netflix and live. These spaces include the rooms, lofts, apartments and studios where I have traveled or moved to.
Aesthetics, design and light help to create clarity of mind, energy when needed, relaxation as required and comfort for ease. These places I’ve found myself have been home even if temporarily. A view of a body of water and mountains are always a plus!
Simply, home is where you are content, happy and heart centered.
COMFORT during this continued period of isolation both working and living at home has been a priority. We have moved through these most uncomfortable times and have learned to adjust whether it be the chairs we sit in, clothing we wear, food we eat and the lighting we have to accommodate the lifestyle we find ourselves in.
I suggest that all things must fit as we transition in this new normal including our bodies that may have transformed from that cute size 5 to that size 16 Love the body you are in, take steps to ease through the uncomfortable times and environment. Awareness of your discomfort is a signal to make a change and find what will make you feel better.
Wellside Retreats UPDATE
In the coming months, Wellside Retreats will make a few changes. As part a pivot there will be a refurbished website, new workshops, book club discussions, writer’s space and retreat programming.
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I invite you to catch me on my YouTube Channel where I talk about various wellness perspectives of body mind and spirit through the lens of change and transformation. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC853pYj3CM6SwzFZ31uAUeg
