The Fantastic Pants Fairy

Today I was reminded of how one simple interaction can change the course of a day. I came home from work sluggish and grumpy. Instead of taking a nap, I decided to go meet a sweet friend for coffee, hoping it would help me feel better about myself (selfish, I know). So I changed out of my work clothes and began to get ready for this rare, non-work-related interaction. I wanted to look, you know, NOT LIKE A BUM, so I tried on all three of the "nice" pairs of pants I own but finally decided, "Screw it. I'm wearing leggings."

It's just too tiring sometimes to try to look good. I didn't even take my hair out of my "third-day-hair" bun. I threw on the rest of my outfit - aka, comfy shoes and comfy cardigan - and that was that.

I walked the streets of Hendersonville feeling totally despondent. In high school, I looooved this little town - I loved working there, socializing there, and being a living breathing part of the system that kept it functioning. But I've returned to this corner of the world after a myriad of confusing, overwhelming events. The town has stayed the same, but I have changed. I no longer feel like an important part of this place. Or of anything. I used to know everyone downtown, and they knew me - I had an identity here. But not anymore! No one needs me. NO ONE EVEN NOTICES ME! Heck, I don't even blame them, since-

"Young lady--!" A sharp, yet deep voice cut through my barrage of self-pity and I turned around to see a thin, colorfuly dressed old lady motioning me towards her with a single, knuckle-y finger.

Oh god. What have I done. Did she see my terrible parking job? Is there toilet paper on my shoe? 

The lady (who, by the way, can rock the color orange like no one I've ever seen) leaned in close to me as I approached her. "--you look FANTASTIC in those pants!" she said, emphasizing the words with gravelly enthusiasm.

"Oh my GOSH!" I started crooning. "Thank you sooooo--"

But she was already on her way, with a nod and a smile. The Fantastic Pants Fairy had done her work. I was filled with encouragement - even though this small compliment had NOTHING (well, almost nothing) to do with my worries!

It's not like she said "Young lady-- you matter to the world!" or something existential like that. I didn't even need that much! Just knowing that gosh, my butt looks good! was enough to get me through the day.

Maybe that's sad, maybe that's a relief - but regardless, the Fantastic Pants Fairy inspired me in more ways than one! In fact, here are the ways:

1. I'm going to wear these leggings MORE OFTEN!
2. I'm going to compliment strangers more often, too, because we really need more Fantastic Pants Fairies in the world.
3. People DO like things about me. Even if it's just my bum in leggings. Oh well. It's something.

And so, THANK YOU to the Fantastic Pants Fairy. This day was headed nowhere good until you came along and saved my mood. I will carry on your legacy by complimenting people on their pants and spreading the magic!