Making Room for Who You’re Becoming
There’s an unmistakable feeling that comes with wearing a piece of clothing that truly feels like you.
Maybe it’s an unexpected secondhand treasure, a beloved knit you’ve lived in for a decade, or a reworked garment someone has thoughtfully stitched back to life. You slip it on, and without forcing anything, you feel grounded—free to express an honest reflection of where you are right now.
That intersection of individuality, creativity, and conscious living was in full bloom at the Circular Fashion Festival in Perth this past weekend.
Pre-loved pieces, recycled textiles, and garments given a second chapter open up endless possibilities. Every designer sees something distinct in what already exists; every wearer brings their own rhythm, personality, and history to a piece.
Building a movement around intentional fashion, community, and creative reimagining takes immense dedication behind the scenes. A huge congratulations to festival director Hazel and her entire team for cultivating such an inspiring gathering.
Ahead of the event, I had the privilege of interviewing several visionary women involved in the festival, uncovering their creative journeys and the stories behind their garments.
Listen in: Tune into our dedicated Circular Fashion Festival Podcast Playlist to hear these designers talk craft, circularity, and creative courage.
When Our Wardrobes Know Before We Do
Immersing myself in these conversations brought forward a truth that extends well beyond fashion: our self-expression and our evolving identity are inextricably linked.
What feels true and aligned for us naturally shifts across seasons of life. Often, our personal style signals that internal transition before we even have the conscious vocabulary to describe it.
Yet so often, we find ourselves doing the opposite: clinging to styles, routines, and roles long after they’ve ceased to fit. We tug at the seams of an identity we have quietly outgrown.
That tension is the heart of this week’s podcast episode.
Have You Outgrown Who You’re Supposed to Be?
In our latest episode, I sat down with Dr. Rebecca Chabot—founder of Pure Wellness Tasmania, creator of The Science of Adapting, and my own yoga teacher.
The idea for our conversation sparked during one of Rebecca’s classes, where she spoke about the subtle masks we put on each day. We carry so many defined roles without questioning them:
The Dependable One: Always steady, never asking for help.
The Busy One: Measuring self-worth through endless productivity.
The Peacekeeper: Smoothing over conflict at the expense of our own boundaries.
Some of these roles we consciously adopt. Others form quietly around childhood conditioning, past relationships, or an offhand label spoken to us decades ago that we never stopped living inside of. During our chat, Rebecca shares a vulnerable personal story about how another person’s definition dictated her worldview—and the turning point where she chose to step outside those boundaries.
The Crab’s Shell: The Vulnerability of True Growth
A central theme in Rebecca’s work—also featured in her TEDx Hobart talk, Strong Identity, Loosely Held—is the biological reality of personal evolution.
Consider the molting crab. A hard exterior shell provides necessary structure and defense against predators. But as the crab grows, that rigid armor becomes confining. To survive and expand, the crab must shed its shell completely.
In doing so, it enters a prolonged period of vulnerability: soft, exposed, and waiting for the new protective layer to form.
What once kept you safe can eventually become the very barrier keeping you small.
Real transformation isn't an overnight swap of one polished identity for another. It requires the courage to sit in the messy, unstructured space between who you were and who you are becoming.
Returning to Alignment
Rebecca’s advice begins with radical stillness. Before rushing to fill an uncomfortable silence, take on another project, or force a quick answer, pause and listen.
In this episode, we unpack:
The hidden cost of constant busyness and why rest is a conscious act of agency.
How to hold deep gratitude while still acknowledging the need for change.
Navigating difficult emotions rather than glossing over them.
Practical rituals to loosen your grip on old narratives.
Catch the full episode with Dr. Rebecca Chabot.
Create Space to Reconnect
If Rebecca’s insights resonate with your journey, explore her classes and coaching at [Pure Wellness Tasmania].
For those seeking immersive time to slow down, reset your nervous system, and reflect, registration for Rebecca’s upcoming retreats is now open:
Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania: 26–28 February 2027
Ubud, Bali: 25 September–1 October 2027
Both retreats blend yoga, intentional breathwork, and unstructured space away from daily demands. Explore Rebecca’s retreats →
An Inquiry for Your Week
As you navigate the days ahead, carry this simple reflection with you:
What feels true to who I am today, and what am I still holding onto simply because it used to fit?
There is no pressure to solve it this afternoon. Growth is an ongoing practice of releasing what's tight and making room for what’s true.
Project Emerald Collective is dedicated to helping you reclaim your agency—one conscious choice at a time.
