The colder it gets outside, the more things I seem to have to carry. More stuff, more bags, more confusion. To the girl who is labeled a hot mess, this is for you. You are not alone.
I have a saying, "A place for everything, and everything in its place," and for good reason. I am scatterbrained. I require a lot of "emergency" items, not for actual emergencies but JIC (just in case). Things like a change of clothes, just in case I need them, or snacks-- just in case I'm out longer than expected. My purse can hold my laptop, with extra space for other things. It gets heavy at times but I end up using everything in there... Eventually.
With Winter upon us, I now find myself needing more to carry. I have a gym bag and my purse, a 50/50 shot I have a coffee to carry as well. That's it, but the way I walk around and the amount of times I'm late because I've been gathering things for work and my life before and after work, it probably looks like a whirlwind. Sometimes it's not my fault I'm late. I can't help traffic, or other's work/ life habits. But let's be honest, I'm still the reason I'm late nine times out of ten.
Another issue arises when I have to find a spot for my keys and phone that is easily accessible, because my phone case is also a wallet and I may have forgotten to lock my car. Opening a door isn't a problem but remembering my new size with bags hanging off my sides is. Walking between cars? I'd rather walk between lions. I've suddenly gained about 20 pounds, I'm a foot wider and have to remember to always put my hair back otherwise it will be pulled out when I set my things down.
It gets worse. I take up 2 lockers, juggle locker keys, take up a whole bench to myself. I leave the house twice because I forgot something. Drop everything, except my coffee. You know what though? I am productive. I get things accomplished in a timely manor, I remember things for others that are more important than which pocket my chapstick is in.
Living my life as a hot mess is an expensive, confusing and sometimes painful experience. Something I have learned from. Pay attention to hot things, your surroundings, and especially other people. Always keep a hair tie handy. It helps if you smile more, you appear less stressed. It is ok to be a hot mess. It makes you fun and adventurous. Some of your closest friends are possibly also riding on the same train (you know, the Hot Mess Express train). Enjoy the ride, don't emotionally beat yourself up over it. Just have fun, And try to remember where you set your essentials.
