First off, that's darling Amanda to the left. I wasn't in their WHW photoshoot, so I'm using her pic. I will note that she is annoyingly photogenic, and if you tell her that she'll say, "it was a good hair day", but she ALWAYS has a good hair day. Super irritating.
It's my favorite event of the year, and every year I say that because every year it's true! We've done this event for almost 20 years. The idea is simple. The whole thing is centered around reminding people to go thru their closets, clean them out (it's Spring, so it seems fitting), and donate to a local women's shelter. Here in Oregon, that's Women's Space Center For Domestic Violence, but no matter where you are, most communities have something similar.
We forget. It's that simple. Most of us unwittingly live in our bubbles, where we just don't always see the need first hand. Unless you put yourself out there to volunteer, or your profession takes you face to face with it, it's possible to be like me, totally cushioned, for the most part, from reality. I need an active reminder to take what I don't use, or don't need, to someone that does need it. Women's shelters are specifically designed to assist women out of violent, and desperate situations of all kinds. Very often children are involved in the immediate impact of what's happening to these women. They need support, they need assistance, and a chance to get back on their feet. Some of them have left their homes under emergent situations, with nothing but the clothes on their back, and they are starting again. I'm pretty sure the top I've worn once in 5 years can be better served going to someone that will wear it right now, who needs it right now.
I'm only speaking personally, but here's what I know. I feel incredibly blessed, and I have such deep appreciation for all that I have. That being said, I don't always do as much as I can or should for those less fortunate. Part of it is that I simply use the excuse that I get too busy, but really I get too focused on my own world, which as I've noted above, is a bubble. I've always felt this internal struggle, between enjoying what I have, and feeling guilty for what other people don't have. So most often I ignore the internal struggle so I don't feel bad or guilty. It makes no sense because it's healthy to enjoy what you have, and it's also simultaneously important to help those in need, and give what you can, and those things should co-exist. So I do enjoy buying new clothes, it's fun, I love clothing and the expression and feeling you get from wearing nice clothing. I want to embrace that joy. I also want to freely let go of what I don't use or need, and allow it to serve a purpose. I don't want to forget how deep the need is out there, and that I can, and should, do something to contribute towards the relief of that need. It is an area of my life that I know I fall very short, my service to those in need in my community. I use the "I'm busy" excuse, but I recognize that it's just an excuse. I know I should also be giving time, and service, but at least I can give something physically useful today. This event is a small thing, it takes very little effort, or time. Clean out your closet, or even just grab one thing you know you have hanging but that you really won't wear (or secretly hate just. because your mother-in-law gave it to you) and donate it today.
In appreciate and thanks, take 25% off any purchase with code: WHW2019. Enjoy fully, give freely.
Signed, ME {lv}
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