It's the middle of the season + it's all getting a little old...the cold...the layers...the clouds...and the repetition in my wardrobe. I look to pinterest for a little inspiration. I anticipate new collections from my favorite fair brands. I complile dream lists + dream outfits. The thing is that I've made it this far, so I probably already have enough.
How do I get a little satisfaction? How do I get some real heartfelt contentment?
Contentment doesn't usually just show up for me. There is often work to be done to turn my mind toward contentment. This month, I've been doing a little exercise every day of choosing one of the things that I already own to write about...just a few sentences about this item's attributes + how grateful I am to have been provided for through its form + function...the makers that have blessed me + been blessed through it...and the origins of its materials. I've spent time thinking a little more deeply about my favorite blanket that keeps me warm on the couch + as an extra layer in bed each night. I received it as a (requested) birthday gift...it's kept me warm in 4 homes, 3 states, + 2 countries in the (at least) 12 years that I've had it. Socks, yoga mat, pillowcases, + various pieces of clothing have been my focus. There are a lot of beautiful gifts already in my life.
I have worked toward learning what I like to wear. So when I look at my pinterest board, I notice that I have a couple of pairs of pants shaped like the ones in most of the pictures...and I have a cozy sweater or two...and I have a pair of boots. It may seem strange to start this post with the images above...but I find it fitting. These are a few things that I find beautiful, useful, and good. They are all from amazing fair brands that support a variety of good causes...women, vintage, organic fibers, fair wages, local makers, natural dyes. When I look at them, I think of my vintage army pants that I wear often, my cozy organic cotton sweatshirt, flats that I will wear again as soon as my ankles can handle it, + the possibility of a little creative project. I already have so many good things...how will I wear them today?
This is not to say that a little something new thrown into the mix at this time of year couldn't be helpful. The point is to bring that one little thing into a wardrobe already full of recognized goodness...not to go looking for a total overhaul. In the past, I've made a pair of bright "January pants" out of fabric in my stash...or cast off a madder-dyed scarf...as a jolt to the pieces already in my winter arsenal. This year I have a tiny list of things that I thought maybe I could find thrifting. I have come up empty handed so far...but that experience has taught me that I like what I already have better than anything that I have found. :)
I want to live in contentment. It's not always easy, but it's always worth the effort!
Love,
Jane
All lovely photos via links.
How do I get a little satisfaction? How do I get some real heartfelt contentment?
Contentment doesn't usually just show up for me. There is often work to be done to turn my mind toward contentment. This month, I've been doing a little exercise every day of choosing one of the things that I already own to write about...just a few sentences about this item's attributes + how grateful I am to have been provided for through its form + function...the makers that have blessed me + been blessed through it...and the origins of its materials. I've spent time thinking a little more deeply about my favorite blanket that keeps me warm on the couch + as an extra layer in bed each night. I received it as a (requested) birthday gift...it's kept me warm in 4 homes, 3 states, + 2 countries in the (at least) 12 years that I've had it. Socks, yoga mat, pillowcases, + various pieces of clothing have been my focus. There are a lot of beautiful gifts already in my life.
I have worked toward learning what I like to wear. So when I look at my pinterest board, I notice that I have a couple of pairs of pants shaped like the ones in most of the pictures...and I have a cozy sweater or two...and I have a pair of boots. It may seem strange to start this post with the images above...but I find it fitting. These are a few things that I find beautiful, useful, and good. They are all from amazing fair brands that support a variety of good causes...women, vintage, organic fibers, fair wages, local makers, natural dyes. When I look at them, I think of my vintage army pants that I wear often, my cozy organic cotton sweatshirt, flats that I will wear again as soon as my ankles can handle it, + the possibility of a little creative project. I already have so many good things...how will I wear them today?
This is not to say that a little something new thrown into the mix at this time of year couldn't be helpful. The point is to bring that one little thing into a wardrobe already full of recognized goodness...not to go looking for a total overhaul. In the past, I've made a pair of bright "January pants" out of fabric in my stash...or cast off a madder-dyed scarf...as a jolt to the pieces already in my winter arsenal. This year I have a tiny list of things that I thought maybe I could find thrifting. I have come up empty handed so far...but that experience has taught me that I like what I already have better than anything that I have found. :)
I want to live in contentment. It's not always easy, but it's always worth the effort!
Love,
Jane
All lovely photos via links.
RSS Feed
