Michelle Oliver: This is my time for transitions and transformations

I am happy to say that there are quite a few exciting things happening for this graceful glamour girl.

I joined a new gym a month ago and have been really focusing on how I work out and paying attention to everything I eat.

I will be completely honest, I love food and having to pay close attention to everything I eat has been less than easy. Everyone keeps asking me why I decided to start this journey. Well, for starters it definitely was not a resolution. I don’t believe in resolutions, because I always tend to break them a few weeks in. This was about so much more than that.

Now I’m not one of those people who desires to be super thin and eat salads for the rest of my life, but I do want my clothes to fit better and not get winded when I walk up a flight of stairs. Today’s outfit is a pretty big deal to me and I can’t wait to share why. I found this dress at Express quite a few years ago and when I bought it, it fit like a glove.

Well, more than five years, one massive knee surgery and quite the chaotic schedule later, I found myself pushing this dress to the back of the closet where I couldn’t see it anymore. I know I’m not the only woman who does this. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not so much.

You see every time I would sift through my closet, this dress would jump out at me and start the frustration all over again. After going to the gym religiously for over a month it was time to pull this dress out of the closet and see how it fit. Much to my surprise, it was BIG! I was thrilled, so I decided it was time to create an outfit for my blog with it.

The dress is a knit long-sleeve dress that is stretchy and soft. I found this black vest at a store in Turlock called 116 Bijou. You guys should stop by if you’re ever in the area.

I found these brown boots from Christina’s Boutiques in the Bear Creek Galleria and I can’t forget my favorite blue scarf that I got at Helen & Louise a few years ago. I think I wear this boots and scarf combo three times a week. It’s my go-to look.

Although today’s article probably wasn’t what you were expecting, it is something we need to talk about more. Fashion isn’t all about having the cutest clothes, best purses and most designer shoes. It is about how you feel while wearing all those things.

I am learning firsthand what it feels like to truly be comfortable in your own body. Let me tell you, it’s amazing!

It may be a lot of hard work and there will probably be plenty of tears, but self-confidence is the best accessory you could ever wear. If you’re struggling with an area of your life, start small. Make small changes, then constantly challenge yourself to keep going. I’m not one of those very-motivated gym people, so if I can do it, you can too!

Hope you all have a fantastic Saturday!

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Michelle Oliver: This is my time for transitions and transformations."