J.G. Chayko

I had an amazing invite to a blogger’s conference in Toronto. It was an exciting opportunity to connect with other bloggers, meet new friends, and a thrilling recognition of my work. Due to previous commitments, I had to fly in the day before and fly out the very next night – a whirlwind trip that promised an inspirational 24 hours. I brought with me only one carry-on bag and wore a sleek pinstriped suit I purchased in New York a couple of years back. I paired it with a crisp white blouse, sleek nylons and black heels. I was transformed, and as I headed off to the airport, I felt like a sophisticated world traveller. In that 24 hours, I was a world away from my simple country girl roots.

As I writer, I never have the opportunity to dress up. I spend most of my time in jeans, tank tops, pajama bottoms, robes, shorts, any piece of clothing randomly pulled from my closet. Working from home means I can wear anything I want, and I usually do. I rarely get the chance to dress up. When Billy Joel had trouble writing, he would don a suit, go to a café, order a glass of wine, sit with his notebook and trick himself into being a writer. It was the stimulus he needed to help the words flow. In my elegant suit, with my tablet tucked under my arm, my imagination took flight and instead of sleeping on the plane, I was driven to write – the words just streamed from my fingers. I finished three small projects that seemed to have dried up. I rejuvenated a dormant part of my persona when I stepped out in a new outfit.

Decorate your exterior and unlock a concealed part of your personality – you never know what visions will be unleashed.