Rhi Axtell – Writer

I’ve never been that bothered about how I look. I was always happy for my mother to buy me clothes as a child (and as a teen… and as an adult…), and my fiancée now occasionally drags me shopping when my hole-filled clothes become, well, just holes.

But a few days ago, I bought a hat. It’s a grey hat. My hat knowledge is limited, but I think this one fits the ‘fedora’ category – or maybe it doesn’t. All I know is that when I put it on, I feel artistic and free. I become a new version of myself who is ready to take more risks, who talks to people on train platforms and who takes long, slow walks in the sunshine.

I’ve always stuck my nose up at people who buy clothes to make themselves feel better – always dismissed it as a waste of money, better spent on things that could actually make them feel better. I’ve seen people hover over dresses or shoes or t-shirts and I’ve rolled my eyes. Why do they need that? It’s just a boring old piece of clothing.

But now I have got a glimpse into their world and I like what I saw. I will not be so quick to judge in the future.

Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to put on my grey hat and go for a walk in the sunshine. It’s a beautiful day and I’m feeling beautiful.