I’ve said it before (and will probably say it 987,235 times again), but inspiration often comes when it’s least expected. 

This past Saturday morning, I woke up from a restless sleep. Abby had woken up no less than 4 times between the hours of 8 PM and 8 AM, throwing off any kind of schedule she had seemed to establish for herself in the past few months. As I poured myself some coffee, I thought about when I might be able to nap, but looking at the list of “to do’s” for the day, I quickly resigned myself to the fact that it just probably was not going to happen.

Yet, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, I happened upon the image above, from the Oiselle account. At first, I have to admit I had a negative reaction – not to the picture, but about myself. Those girls in the image were wearing some of my favorite pre-baby running shorts – the Mac Rogas – a style that I had stowed away for the past year or so, on account of the many changes my body had gone through pre and post natal.

Of course, I had made the mistake of trying on my pre-baby shorts the same time I was cleared to exercise again (6 weeks PP). And though I had been fortunate enough to feel ready to run, and even was within a few pounds of my pre-baby weight, seeing the extra muffin top, or feeling that “chub rub” in the shorts that had once made me feel fast and free – well, it was deflating.

So, as the weeks went on, I began to make adjustments to what I wore, or when I ran – I thought maybe as a mom, I just had to accept the fact that my running wardrobe was going to be different. And that was okay, right?

I had already sold off a large portion of my running wardrobe over the past few weeks, and I was preparing to start looking for new pieces – until I saw that picture.

In that simple Instagram image, I saw more than short shorts – I saw confidence. Strength. Something that went beyond pieces of apparel.

All of a sudden, my tiredness faded. I knew that I had to gear up, pull those shorts on and just get with the program.

That afternoon, in the 3 PM heat, I wore those short shorts with pride. Who knows what the pace was – I didn’t have time to look for my watch, or find a satellite.

I just ran.

When I made it back from my neighborhood 5K loop, I felt invigorated. I wore every ounce of sweat like a badge of honor – and yes, I felt more like ‘me’ again.

In clothing, in running, and in life – it’s not simply about the challenges you face, but how you approach and overcome then. Don’t let something silly – like negative thoughts – hold you back!  If the shorts fit – wear them.

So, thank you, Erica and Dana – just by taking that picture, you started a chain reaction, one that I plan to keep moving in motion – and for all of you out there – just remember, nothing looks better on you than a hefty dose of confidence.