One Leg at a Time

I've learned a serious lesson from my time writing at home. It's important, but I never seem to remember how important until I've actually followed my own advice. That advice?

Put on some pants.

It sounds innocuous. It sounds suspiciously moral. It sounds like something you tell your toddler and that you really shouldn't have to tell a grown adult. About once a week I have to stand in front of a mirror and tell myself - sometimes rather sternly - to put pants on.

Ok, so it doesn't really have to be pants, I tell my own skeptical face. It could be a skirt or a dress, shorts or even skorts if you're feeling saucy. It just has to be something you would leave the house in, or even go to work in. Pajamas don't count.

And it doesn't have to stop at pants! You could even move on to a proper shirt, socks and even - gasp! - shoes. The purpose is clear: if you dress like you're at work, you will feel less like a bum. If you wander around the house in a baggy t-shirt and smelly drawstring shorts, then you will feel decidedly more like a bum. You will also smell like one.

That's why showering is also key. Would you leave the house smelling like that? Don't nod your head - we both know that's not true. Once you're clean and dressed, you can comb your hair. Maybe brush your teeth.

If I spend too much time in pajamas wandering around the house like a bored, alcoholic ghost I tend to start feeling like a bored, alcoholic ghost. Even if I've been writing, there's a part of me questioning what I'm even doing at home and whether I realize there are people out there making themselves useful to society.

Putting on some nice jeans with a proper t-shirt (and a bra even!) makes me feel like one of those people actually doing something. I know one of the perks of working at home is the whole pantsless thing, but it just doesn't work for me. Literally. No pants = no work.

I doubt I'm the only one out there, but I'm outing myself anyway. I am one of the pantsed. It's a hard rule to follow at times and laziness can take hold. However, putting on "real" clothes keeps my laziness at bay. I always feel more productive and positive. 

Now, if you'll excuse me: I have some pants to put on.