One Try

Today I wanted to try a new arrangement in my wardrobe. Every time I want to try something new I have my share of excuses ready. Also, even louder is a remainder from about 10 years ago.

Nearly a decade ago when I started working, I got an opportunity to travel abroad after few months of joining work. 

When my manager encouraged me to ask any travel queries, I immediately asked him if I could wear Indian formals even in a foreign place. The open minded person that he is, he more than happily said yes and assured that it was entirely my choice.

On my way back home that day, I questioned myself as to why I asked the question to my manager.

Was I not comfortable wearing western business formals?

Was I going to be under confident wearing something fully new to me?

Was I way too conscious that I wouldn't be as impressive? 

So on and so forth. 

I was so relieved that my manager agreed that I could wear Indian formals. In reality, it is not that I chose to wear Indian formals wholeheartedly but I preferred Indian formals over Western formals because I simply was reluctant to even try wearing Western formals.

The next morning I told my manager that I would love to explore Western Formals which perhaps could help me emulate and be in sync with the local crowd and if and when I desired, I would happily wear Indian formals too.

He smiled and acknowledged my spirit.

Looking back, I reminisce a life lesson here. Every time we want to try something new, there is going to be hesitation, some fear, few doubts, lack of perfection et all. All of this is normal. Yet time and again we humans fail to try enough new things in life. Until we try we will never know how good we can be in the very same activity that we so confidently fear about. 

As I sign off, I am smiling ear to ear at the collection of diverse business wear I explored, experimented and bought during my travels abroad. By sincerely learning to unlearn and shed my insecurities, I seem to have tried dozens of business wear - some bold, some classy, some fun, some very casual. In the process, I have evolved as a professional and as a person in nurturing my personal style through formal outfits.

I will always continue to "try".