The process of identifying one’s values, understanding likes, loves and passions, happily letting go of dislikes, unfulfilling obligations and societal responsibilities.

Since 2007 I started on a personal journey both consciously and unconsciously. In 2011 I will be turning 30 and lately I’ve noticed I’ve been experiencing some internal conflict. My intentions and messages to the universe do not always align. I do not want to wake up one morning when I’m 54 and say what the hell.

Noticing and trying to map together the interconnectedness of all the things in my life I’m serious about making a BIG change. The type of change that moves mountains, think Eat Pray Love meets The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. I sometimes say things with the best of intentions but end up with unfulfilled vows and a bucket full of excuses and I’m genuinely tired of traveling the same circle. Am I alone?

I’m craving…

1. A deeper journey of inward reflection.

2. Connecting with the right people.

3. Taking more worthwhile trips.

4. Getting clearer…ensuring my intentions align with my message.

5. Making a couple of steps everyday (forward or backwards as long as it leads to some kind of learning) 

6. Making a genuine difference, touching a soul.

7. Basking in true beauty

And when I say beauty, my definition of beauty may be slightly different than the one you’re thinking of. I perceive beauty to be multidimensional. It is everywhere, in the act of unconditional kindness, in the shape of clouds, in the memory of an encounter many years before, in the smiling face of a loved one, the magic of dance, in the colours of a painting, in an elegantly worn outfit, in the smell of a flower, in the experience of walking barefoot in grass or sand, in a dream…

And when I made a post about my vision for The Real Beauty Journey, it was my intention to capture this beauty that exists around us. But I’m starting to realize my journey is deeper than that.

What kind of journey are you on?

For those of us without a natural love of shopping, it can be easy to drift into the scary depths of style lag. What’s style lag? It’s when you’ve found yourself with a closetful of clothes and a look that’s just not right for where you’re at in your life right now. It happens to the best of us. The years slip by, and suddenly you’ve gone through a life change. Maybe you’ve graduated from college, and your drawers full of tank tops don’t exactly make you look and feel like the young professional you are. Or, maybe you’ve come to middle age, and you’re not ready for mom jeans, but the current fads aren’t designed for women who are a little older. Evaluating your personal style at every stage of your life will keep you looking and feeling your best, and help prevent this dreaded style lag.
 
While the clothes you have from five years ago might still be functional, they probably don’t reflect the authentic you and where you’re at right now in your life. Clothes are a huge part of how we view ourselves, and the face we show to the world. While that face doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive or updated every three months, holding onto a look that doesn’t reflect who you are today may subconsciously be holding you back.
 
No matter how smart and savvy you are, you’re not going to feel like a businesswoman if your clothes are presenting the wrong image to your clients. Likewise, if you’re a new mom trying to fit into the clothes of your college days, you’re going to be hurting your self-esteem for no reason at all. You’re at a new life stage, and you need clothes that highlight who you are right now; it doesn’t make sense to be grasping at the high style moments of your younger years.
 
Letting go of the style you developed as a younger you and embracing where you’re at right now will leave you with a new, invigorated energy. Choosing a look that is suited to your current life stage will help you discover clothes that fit both with your physical body and your spirit. Facing the day in great-fitting clothes will always make you feel better, and make it just that much easier to show your true self to the world.
 
Joy Paley is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on Online computer science degree for Guide to Online Schools.

Tell a story, win a prize.

What did you love or hate most about your childhood fashon?

Did your parents force you to wear clothes that weren’t authentic to your personality? Was it your head to toe plaid outfits that makes you laugh when looking back at family photos? Did you have one outfit that you wore over and over again because it made you feel amazing? 

Share your fashion moments by leaving a comment and you could win a pair of tickets to this Sunday’s Retro Style Lab hosted by Shop Socials taking place at the Bezpala Brown Gallery. For information on the fabulous event visit http://www.shopsocials.com/ss/retrostylelab.html

Winners will be annouced on Thursday November 18!

Style Snaps, a quick and easy fix so that you pants can work with every shoe in your closet! It is an adhesive snap hem that allows you to simply SNAP under your long hem for flats & UNSNAP to slip back into heels. You can change your shoes, not your pants, to get the look you want. It’s also a fabulous solution for fussy lapels, shirts and long belts, securing them in place so you don’t have to re-adjust or fix yourself every 5 minutes. For approximately $20 CAD you’ll receive 32 reusable snaps allowing you to be your own tailor, saving costs on unnecessary alterations.

I decided last minute that I want to participate in a great event next month called One Love Toronto and help raise money for a very deserving cause. With less than a month to build my donations I have a goal to raise $250.

On Sat Dec 4th I am doing 108 sun salutations led by 12 inspiring yoga teachers to help raise money for South African humanitarian efforts focusing on children and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are supporting a halfway house, a community center a bakery and an orphanage.  By supporting me you are changing the lives of children in South Africa.  

Every little bit helps, if you’d like to donate (no obligation) I’m collecting money (cash or cheque made out to The Engage Network) or you can donate online with three simple steps.

Thank you in advance for your support, it is much appreciated. 

http://onelovetoronto.org/Donate_Now.html  - click Donate Now button

Step 1 – choose Global South Africa from the first pull down list.

Step 2 – Put SAFINA KHIMANI in the “Comments” Section

Step 3 – choose One Love Toronto from the second drop down list

Tired of switching between comfy flats and your heels after arriving at work?  Shoe designer Kenneth Cole aims to solve this problem through the patent pending 925 Technology.  Named for its 9am – 5pm wearability, this heel is made up of two layers of foam: one is a shock absorber and the other is a poron memory foam that molds to the shape of your foot. A pillow in the arch cradle is designed to support the foot and soft rubber sole enhances flexibility. Basically, the technology is designed to marry fashion with practical functionality.

From October 25 to December 24, 2010 for each article of clothing brought in store, receive a 25% discount on the purchase of an article at regular price. Give something back to the community making a woman in need happy and receive something special.

TSS- TORONTO SAMPLE SALES

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8432 Leslie St (Leslie and Hwy 7)
ThornHill Ont

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Info: 416.399.9959 or www.torontosamplesales.com