Every Woman is Worth It

Years ago, I thought 40 was old. Now that I am in my 40's I am amazed at the transformation of body, mind, and spirit I've experienced.

(This outfit is all from eBay). (This little cutie is a gift from God). 

My health, my education, wisdom, and my body are better than they ever were when I was 25. It is pure joy to show my children that beauty comes from love, strength, faith, and perseverance. 

Today I offer a Mentor Shopping Tip of the Day for the young girls I have come to know, to the young mothers beginning their families, and to my peers who reflect and reevaluate current goals.

I am blessed beyond all understanding. My cup overflows with precious abundance. I have the ability to walk in classic pumps through our downtown boutiques. I have the means to carry the coveted shopping bags of status, filled with fragrant tissue paper which drips with American excess. I choose not to. 

Sit with a journal. Close your beautiful eyes. Try to list the times you have stopped to purposefully look into the eyes of someone with pain or sadness in their eyes. Have you said, "Hello" to someone in a checkout line lately? Will you? I do. It is in that unparalleled moment where you learn that your smile and your choice to slow down and acknowledge another human being saved someone that day. Every one of us is worth it. Everyone is special. Everyone is someone who can be loved. 

I believe that my blessings flow because I never take my eye off of the One to whom it belongs. If today were your last, how did YOU choose to treat every human you passed; the ones who did not look like you, the ones who did not smell like you? Have you ever bought an extra cute shirt on sale and then just surprised someone sitting on the streets with it? Watch her eyes! You may learn that she has a name and it's Brenda, that she never should have tried meth, and her children have been taken from her. The shirt you gave her for no reason gave her the hope to keep going another day. This is the inspiration for why Thrift Store Blog exists. Now...

Mentor Shopping Tip of the Day:

*Is that item you are about to buy, a need (winter coat) or is a want? Do you have the CASH to pay for that item at this exact moment? If you find yourself pulling out a credit card because you need food or rent with the physical money that you currently have, then take a deep breath and walk away. Find your discipline to wait. If that item is meant to be, you'll find it later--and probably for less money!