Feeling Unsure and Invisible in Life

When I was a much younger woman, I felt unsure and invisible.

I was in my thirties and both of my children were in school. So, I was venturing into a new field as a professional storyteller in the local schools. Hawaii was a very casual place at that time. There were no designer shops, only a local department store Liberty House and certainly no big box stores. The dress was also very casual. Not even understated, just shorts, tee-shirts, and flip-flops with a bathing suit underneath. I was one of those young women who ran around like that.

Why Change?

We saw no problem with this style of dress, it was standard and where were we going anyway? To the store, beach, picking the kids from school. No need for any other fashion statement. But then life changed. I joined several organizations that met at the local YWCA. This was a beautiful building and the architect was Julia Morgan who went on to design Hearst Castle in California. It was a meeting place in the community.

As I started attending meetings, I found that no one was paying attention to me, even when I had something of value to add to a discussion. I was perplexed. When I got home, I remembered a beautiful leather briefcase I had been given and found it in my closet.

Making a Change

Inside were pictures that the kids had drawn. For the next meeting, I dressed in a dress with fashionable sandals, put on some makeup, and did my hair, and took the kid picture-filled briefcase with me to the meeting. I was taken seriously!

That briefcase became my signature and I went on to be not only an important member of these committees but a professional storyteller, a theater director, and a member of several influential statewide committees.

An Experiment

At about that same time, I ran another experiment. I went clothes shopping exactly as always shorts, tee-shirt, etc. and found the salespeople not that interested in helping me.

One day I put on a nice outfit, did my hair, makeup, and accessorized with jewelry. I had all this in my closet and my family owned a department store; I just didn’t take advantage of it anymore. So, I went shopping and found that the sales staff was really interested in helping me find just the right thing every time I went shopping.

Why am I writing this old story when I’m well over fifty? Here’s why…

Changing the Outside to Match the Inside

From that time on until now, whenever I feel invisible, out of sorts, not there, I go into my closet, pick out something stylish, contemporary, or vintage; slip it on, do my hair, add makeup, beautiful shoes, a marvelous bag, and some outstanding jewelry. I’m always present, there, visible; I am a presence, someone who knows what’s going on. Oh, and I’m so happy with my life.

Simple Ways to Stop Feeling Invisible

So, if you are feeling invisible or not there, take a little time to spruce up. Go shopping for stylish clothing, new shoes, maybe a new bag. Get a new hairstyle and rethink your makeup. You will feel great, improve your outlook, and look current. Trust me, this will feel exciting and “with it”. Oh, and maybe you will be happier! Who can ignore a happy, well put together woman of any age?

Do you feel unsure and invisible in your daily life? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page. I would love to discuss more with you!

 

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