I’ve been going through old clothes lately — like, middle school year clothing — and have been selling them on this site where I can conjure up at least a couple of bucks. This is a long process, only because going through old things is nostalgic, and nostalgia evokes lots of emotions.

For example: “Aww! I remember wearing this t-shirt the day I got rid of my glasses and wore contacts to school for the first day, while simultaneously rocking a huge zit on my forehead, so when I thought my teacher was going to comment on my glasses-free face, she was actually pointing out my acne!”

Cute memories like that.

Having old clothes like this are hard to get rid of, but I also can’t hold onto them forever. Besides, I’m running out of room for new clothes that I’ll get rid of in another 10 years.

It’s conflicting, though. My mom will tell me to not throw something out just in case the trend comes back or the possibility that I’ll be able to fit into it again. I used to think, “Yeah, right. Lord knows I’m not gonna shimmy any of this into those size 10 jean shorts ever again. I’m stuck with what I've got until the end.”

But last summer, I was hindered by college’s most stereotypically gained “FRESHMAN 15" — or, more realistically in my case, the “Freshman 20." I knew something had to change. At the end of the summer, I had worked off 30 pounds.

These are accomplishments I’m still proud of one year later and am still working on to better myself. Doesn’t everyone always seek improvement somewhere in their lives?

So, as I’m going through these clothes trying to make some extra cash, I’m looking at these middle school jean shorts in a new light. I hadn’t yet tried them on since 30 pounds ago, and I wondered what would happen.

They fit. I even did the sit-test (you know, where you sit and hope the button doesn’t pop out and hit someone in the eye) and found myself comfortable in shorts I knew I wouldn’t have been one, or two, or even three years ago.

As I was rummaging through another closet, I found my old high school graduation dress. I was really into the color of coral during my senior year, so of course, my dress was coral. Lacy flowers, a pinch of tulle, and little cap sleeves… I was so in love with that dress. On my graduation day, I remember feeling so pretty in it. It was a little tight around the middle and the chest, but nonetheless, it was complimented perfectly with my kelly green jewelry.

I was instantly giddy inside. After the jean shorts, I was eager to see how my dress from two years ago would look on me. I tried it on, hoping for the best, and it zipped without a hitch. I even had some room to spare in the middle and the chest.

I think the point of this whole idea is to not discourage yourself from what seems “unfathomable." If losing weight or just feeling better about yourself is something you’ve been thinking about doing, get serious about it and work!

If you want to fit into old clothes again, exert a little more energy towards it and you’ll be pleasantly compensated. It’s something special to fit into something you bought too tight in case you’d ever lose the weight. Or reminiscing about a time when you (literally) sat on the brink of discomfort in those too “skinny” skinny jeans, and easily slipping into them now.

Even though buying new clothes feels good, being able to fit into old ones feels even more rewarding. Encourage yourself with your own progress and wear that piece of clothing you thought you’d never feel good in.

Ultimately, it’s that twist and turn you do in the mirror when you think, “Huh. Not half bad.” Or, “Could be worse.” Or, “I wanna do better.”