To give is to receive

I've never gotten attached to my clothing or wardrobe, actually, it's quite tough for me to get attached to such things. So, if you ever see me hesitating about giving my clothes away, you better believe there's something special about them.

Over the past few years, I've donated so much of my clothing, that I often run out of options these days. It's not like you need a lot of options, but there's an acceptable and necessary amount I believe; for different occasions and Seasons at least.

During COVID we have been locked away for so long, that a collection of clothes didn't matter. Like, what was I going to do? Wear all these different outfits and then sit at home? Thus, I ended up giving half of it away during those years. And some were snatched by my younger brothers lol. That is why nowadays, sometimes I barely have anything to mix things up with.

On top of that, I wear and prefer the same basic and solid colors all the time. For which it may seem as if I'm wearing the same clothes again and again. So, thanks to this repetitive style of mine, donating clothes was always easy.

Then there's also this family tradition of ours, where during winter time my family and I pile up all our fairly older and smaller clothes, sometimes a few blankets and warmer clothes, items suitable for charitable purposes.

We never hesitate to give to those who are in need. We at least have proper clothes and a roof over our heads, and that itself is a privilege.

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have” - Jim Rohn.

This year it's been nothing different; yet, I want to step it up a notch by providing warmer clothes for those in need, starting with our neighboring area. Hopefully, I'll be able to make a difference.

I already have a monthly allowance on the side for those in need, divided in two, for us humans and animals. Now, I can't get clothes for animals, but I do fund those who take care of animals and give them treatment and food. Stray animals deserve just as much love and care as we humans do. Whether I'm making a lot, or not making any money at all, I always try to give; even if it is with a minute gesture of kindness.

It's not always a matter of material and money...

That's not all for the year. Since 2023 has been kind to me, and since I'm running low on clothing options, while also having gained some weight, some of my clothes don't fit anymore. So, I decided to treat myself to a bit of shopping; only the necessary stuff. And it's now the best time to shop anyway, with 40% to 50% sales everywhere, you just can't go wrong.

In the Season of giving, after quite a few years, I've decided to give to myself as well. I can't even remember the last time I went on a shopping spree for a few outfits. And if I do try to remember, then I'd say the last time was back in 2015.

So, it's certainly been a while, eh?

It's good to build a habit of giving, but among maintaining all the responsibilities of others, it has become quite normal for us to always put ourselves in second place. Which is a mistake I'd say. One should never completely disregard themselves for so long.

Perhaps, if we were just as kind and weren't as harsh of a critic to ourselves, then maybe we'd have a few more kind happy faces among us still...