Something to Keep
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers
A Second Look
For the last couple of months, I’ve been trying to dress better. More specifically, I’ve been trying to build a capsule wardrobe (a minimalist collection of clothes that combines seamlessly). For this purpose, I’ve used a variety of resources, including blog posts, books, and videos.
Soon after I started my research, I realized that there are some definitive resources out there that teach you everything you need to know. For some reason, though, I always find myself looking for more content. And in some cases, the content finds me.
I came across this Matt D’Avella video where he talks about rebuilding his wardrobe with the help of a stylist. More importantly, he talks about the reasons behind this. In his case, rebuilding his wardrobe had nothing to do with the clothes. He wanted to reconnect with his wife.
I appreciated the honesty, and it made me realize how most projects aren’t as transparent as we might think. Working out might be a way to attract other people. Similarly, buying a car might be a way to acquire respect or social status. And let’s be clear, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re honest with yourself about it.
So back to my reasons why I started a capsule wardrobe. At the time, I told myself it was because I wanted to look more mature or more put together, but maybe, like Matt, there’s something deeper at play. Maybe it is about social status and respect. Maybe it is about attracting others. Hell, maybe it’s a combination of both of those things.
We’re more complicated than we’d like to admit, but I think it’s important that we spend time thinking about the motives behind our actions. What we find might make us uncomfortable at first, but at least it’s the truth.
Something I Liked
For the longest time, I tried to get into photography, and for the longest time, I failed at it. The desire is still there, and as someone who’s been trying to find devices that do one thing well (such as the Kindle or an iPod), this video about old cameras was fascinating.
The video reviews the best-selling cameras of the past 50 years and shows what the pictures they take look like. Personally, I don’t think I’m ready to get a film camera (at least not yet), but I used to have a PowerShot very similar to the one in the video, and the pictures it took looked great.
Before I tackle that project, I intend to figure out what’s behind it.
