Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Winter Rebellion



Winter isn’t coming this year … at least at my house. In fact, my children seem to believe they can ward it off altogether by starting an all-out rebellion against it.

The boys say they just won’t have it. And to demonstrate their dedication to the cause, they refuse to wear coats, shoes remain optional (let’s not start with the socks), and they burst into tears when I force them to put on pants.

And as all good rebels do, they’ve fought the system, and made way to bend — perhaps stretch — the rules as much as they can.

And by doing so, they’ve invented a brand new look.

My youngest actually coined the fashion statement, but my older son quickly followed suit. The sleeveless sweater vest — as a stand-alone clothing item — pants remain optional. They say it is all too practical, because they don’t have the bulk of long sleeves, but yet they’re kept quite warm by the weight of the sweater. In fact, they tell me, there’s really no need even for a jacket, because the vest is self-sufficient.
So they’ve been out on the town on multiple occasions in this wear (a fact they might not like that much when they get older).

But, I’m tired of the fight, and it’s clear to see they are truly proud of themselves.
They think that they’ve got swag, are sophisticated, and, ultimately, smarter than the system.

Added bonus, they get to show off their muscles all year round.

And who knows, maybe this will become a new thing; perhaps it will take off.

But I guess this is what I get for telling the boys to own who they are, whoever that may be.

Of course I want them to behave, but I’ve never had any problem letting them stand out in the crowd, and be who they want to be.

I wouldn’t say I encourage rebellious behavior, but I know the true leaders are those who aren’t afraid of what other people think. Ultimately, if what they choose to wear is somewhat practical (by argument’s sake), I give in and let them do it.

Confidence is all about attitude, and that has to come from within.

I figure there is never a better time to start building confidence than when they are young. Everyone talks about hard work and dedication when it comes to success. But you also have to have confidence sprinkled in there somewhere. It’s how we define ourselves, and become who we want to be.

You can’t go into a job interview without telling people why you should be hired.

When I was at my first job interview … I totally bombed it. Luckily for me, I was already an intern there, and had already proven myself, so I got the job.

But, let me tell you, I wouldn’t have landed it otherwise.

When they asked me what my strengths were — what I could bring to the company — I was lost for words.

You weren’t supposed to brag about yourself in my family.

But the real world is different. If you don’t brag about yourself, no one will. And you simply have to stand up for yourself at times, and say what you have that others don’t.

I’m pretty sure my boys are going to rock this look until it’s the new, must-have fashion trend for 2016.

And trust me, they can pull it off. Yes, I’ll admit, they’ve taught me something. You can get away with a lot — even fashion faux pas — as long as you have the confidence to back it up. Watch out Winter, the sweater vest troops are lined up against you.