Sometimes, you just need to jolt yourself alive again.

As a former runner, the past couple of years without that ritualistic habit have been enlightening. I’ve learned how hard it is to climb hills without strong quads and hamstrings or how eating “normally” packs on some extra pounds quickly. So, I went to the gym last night and made myself run. It was exactly what I needed.

I’ve never been a fast runner (I mean, look at those curves!), but I’ve never minded distances. I got on the treadmill and just did a mile and half. Was it harder than it should have been? Yes, initially, but I fell right into again. Was I bright red afterward? You betcha! Did I miss the hell out of that sweaty, gross, walking-is-somehow-easier-afterward feeling? YES.

I felt great afterward. Briskly, easily meandering through the grocery store to pick up some veggies afterward. Washing my sweaty hair before bed. Sleeping well and deeply. And this morning, I felt like a new person. Or, rather, like myself again.

I may not look any different in these photos, but, well, I felt different and that’s what matters.

Blouse: H&M

Slacks: Old Navy

Flats: TOMS

Watch: Fossil

So clothes!

I’ve been thinking about this outfit combination for a while now. The blouse is something I bought on a whim at H&M a couple of years ago because I loved how dramatic it was: fitted at the waist, it then flairs out with some pretty pleats (possible?) and ends with a stunning high-low bottom. But I haven’t worn it because I thought it was too dramatic for me. I can do bright color and incredible pattern, but shape is still something with which I often have trouble.

So when I was pulling out and washing the rest of my stashed away summer clothes, I stumbled across these slacks. By being both bright red and very form fitting, I knew that they, like the blouse, were high drama as well. I figured, why not pair this theatrical blouse with stunningly bright pants? Both will keep up with the other and highlight some curves.

And, if smell-o-vision were a thing, you could also enjoy one of my favorite perfumes, CB I Hate Perfume’s In the Library. It was gifted to me years ago from a good friend who knows my deep loves of books and libraries. He bought it not knowing its exact scent, so it was a lovely surprise when it was heady and warm, sweet and woody all at once. (If you too are a bibliophile who enjoys perfume, two things: 1) buy this perfume, and 2) read Patrick Süskind’s Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.) I thought the scent, in all its moodiness, would complete the outfit and it did, impeccably so.

Sometimes you just need to push yourself in unexpected ways to feel normal again.