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THE BEST OF KANTHA FOR ALL!
I was inspired by a goal that Elise Joy (goal-setter extraordinaire) set for herself for 2020: "Get dressed (in an outfit I feel good in) every day."
In Bangladesh, there are some cultural “rules” about what to wear that is appropriate. This amounts, basically, to covering your curves: two layers over your chest and rear. When I was there for a week, I essentially wore the same thing every day (a long, plain navy, cotton tunic, as well as a scarf). That had its own benefits (the ease of a "uniform"!), but I was also thrilled to come home and wear what I wanted to again.
But, with the freedom to wear whatever I wanted, the question came: what did I want to wear?
Working at home, with limited interaction for 80%+ of the time, I can wear… anything. Personally, I am not tempted by pyjama pants or even sweats; I like to get dressed every day in real clothes. But, I am tempted by disinterest, to simply not put in any effort. To pull over a hoodie and some ok-fitting jeans.
Last year, it began to occur to me that I am midway through the “mom” years, and that this is the time that would be easy to give up on style, to simply lose interest.
I have never been particularly stylish, but I do have an affinity for simple, classic style. I’ve never been a peacock, but I do want to look good. Last year, I heard about a podcast episode on this very subject between two moms, asking: Have you lost your style? Has personal style taken a back seat during a busy season of life?
All of this resounded with me, so I have borrowed Elise's goal for myself — to dress every day to feel good in my skin.
I will do a follow up in a few months (ask me to make sure!), but for now, I am really enjoying this focus. If you have any everyday goals for 2020, share them below or email me — I'd love to hear them!
(Photo courtesy of Friends of Basha)
Reflections from my experience visiting a Brothel in Bangladesh
As impossible as it is for me to believe now, earlier in 2020 I flew around the world. The primary objective was to visit Bangladesh and see, in person, the life-changing work in which dignify has had the privilege to participate over these past 8 years.
A friend recently asked on Facebook for “the most challenging and enlightening resource you have read/watched about the problem of racism in America”. This question received numerous responses within the day: half a dozen films, dozens of books, podcasts, courses, and other hubs of information resources (as well as the astute reply, “Conversation”, which is, of course, the most relational and human of “resources”).
I think that this experience was shared by most people in early June (as protests & concerns over racial injustice had reached a critical volume): so many resources, so much to learn.
But now, 2 months later… what have we done with the magnitude of worthy, fascinating, perspective-altering information & insights that have been brought to our attention?
And this it only in the area racial injustice. In other interests & concerns: How much do we know? How much have we learned & read & listened to already?
Approximately 25 years ago (in March 2020), we did a customer/reader survey. I asked what you like to read on the blog & one of the respondents suggested a post on "living generously". What a fabulous idea and perfect for this time in history!
[The title of this post implies some kind of authority or expertise — ha! Nope, no experts here... just some thoughts on generosity from a fellow human, trying to make my way!]
Sasha Katz
February 01, 2020
I totally relate. I am a lawyer so there is some expectation about what I should wear, but I’m slowly moving to dress to feel good in my skin. It’s changing my buying choices too! I’m glad you shared.