Remember Kindness

In my life I am largely silent. I'm afraid of my thoughts and feelings being perceived as, or revealed to be incorrect, and prefer to say nothing rather than face that fear.  Often times when discussions of politics are brought up, I state that I can't participate as I don't know enough about the issues and policies. The solution to the problem isn't staying silent, it's taking the time to educate myself, so that I can form an opinion, so that I can be involved with things that matter.

It wouldn't be an understatement to say that I've lived my life inside a bubble, and since the quarantine started, I've allowed that bubble to shrink even further. I haven't read a book, listened to a podcast, socialized outside of my immediate family, and withdrawn from this space and community.

I've taken in current events through the lens of Instagram, and felt ashamed at how little diversity I've curated on my own feed (the Instagram algorithm can't be blamed for this either, my explore page is 99% photos and videos of dogs). Though it did bring this thought to the forefront of my mind, the internet has leveled the playing field, we are no longer relying on magazine editors or Hollywood producers to decide who we see. We choose the Bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagram accounts we follow. We get to pick the people who we want to have influence over our lives. We can make different choices.

It's my responsibility to not continue to to be passive, though from what I've seen spoken by others who may feel similarly, I want to remind you to be kind. To yourself, to others; we are all learning and growing, foster that growth with kindness.

       

The Rundown
Camel Wrap Sweater Amazon
White Jeans Gap
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Tortoise Acrylic Bamboo Bag  Rachel Roy via TJMaxx
Gold Ball Stud Earrings Kohl's
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Gold Ring Vintage via Etsy
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

May Budget

Joie Mckenna Silk Blouse, $42 via ThredUP
H&M Rib Knit Pants, $18
H&M Linen Top, $25
Ray-Ban Sunglasses, $60 via TJMaxx
Ann Taylor Factory Leopard Print Wrap Dress, $24
Joie Parsin Sandals, $45 via DSW
Rachel Roy Tortoise Bamboo Bag, $40 via TJMaxx
Banana Republic Rib Knit Bodysuit, $13
Chic Wish Fringe Midi Skirt, $40
Joie Tariana Blouse, $60
Joie Eloisa Sweater, $28 via ThredUP

Routines

I miss routines. I miss knowing what day of the week it is without having to look at my phone. I miss yoga class, Starbucks runs, and TJMaxx. I miss seeing my friends, and I miss being in this space. I don't know how all these weeks have just drifted away, a blur of watching the world shutdown, not leaving the house, and perpetually waiting for a tomorrow when things will be better.

Businesses are starting to open up again, but what has actually changed? The same risk associated with going out into the world is still there. I may have ordered some cute masks, but that wont make eating at a restaurant any safer. Will I be able to find an outdoor social distancing yoga class, or will I just continue to be left to my own devices, which in short, are not good.

Will attempting to be out in the world, shopping, dining, exercising, be more stressful than satisfying?

I feel like the last three months have just been lost. Can I stand to lose another?

      

The Rundown

Cream Cashmere Sweater Nordstrom similar

Rust Pleated Midi Skirt Banana Republic

Kitten Heels "Moxie" c/o SAS

Leopard Clutch Clare V c/o Shopbop

 Earrings Thrifted

Gold Rope Chain Necklace Thrifted similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry