Do you keep clothes in your closet that no longer fit? I know I do! Many of us hold onto items that are too small, too big, or no longer suit our lifestyle. While it might seem harmless or nostalgic, keeping these clothes can subtly undermine our self-esteem. Each time we open our closet, we see reminders of a past version of ourselves. I know that I have held onto a favorite pair of Levis jeans (way too tattered to actually wear) as reminders of who I once was (still back in college) or who I wished I could be.
These clothes represent an idealized version of ourselves- tied to a particular body size, weight, or stage of life. However, holding onto them can subtly reinforce feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction with where we are now. Why are we comparing our current self to an outdated image? This constant comparison can erode our self-esteem and create unnecessary pressure to fit into clothes that no longer align with our present reality.
I am a firm believer of a good closet clean out! Letting go of clothes that no longer fit can be liberating as well as can be a powerful step toward building a healthier relationship with our bodies. Instead of holding onto clothes that no longer fit, we should embrace where we are now. Letting go isn't a sign of defeat—it's an act of self-compassion. By decluttering our closets of items that don’t fit, we create space—both physically and emotionally—for clothes that make us feel confident, comfortable, and authentic in our current lives. And we can embrace a more intuitive, mindful approach to self-care and wellness. When we focus on clothes that fit and flatter our bodies as they are now, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude for our bodies and the experiences they’ve carried us through!
In the end, our wardrobe should reflect and celebrate our present selves, not serve as a constant reminder of what we think we should be. Letting go of clothes that don’t fit is a liberating process that allows us to build a more positive, nurturing relationship with our bodies and live fully in the present moment.
As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, I’m here to help you integrate these practices into your life. If you're interested in working with me, feel free to reach out at rachel@livehealthynyc.com.