2023 Resolution: Shopping my Own Bags and SLG Collection

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A long standing tradition in this thread is to remind ourselves of how wonderful our own collections are by showcasing them. We can see how far we have come, collection wise, and we reminded that we have all (or most of) what we need making it easier to shop our own closets.



• New theme weeks start each Sunday

• Don’t jump ahead but, if you miss a week, please do show your bags “late”.

• Show bags individually or in a group

• You do NOT have to wear the bags that week

• For added fun, show old pictures from previous years to demonstrate how you have curated it over time.

• This is completely voluntary. There is no pressure to post at any time.





So what are the showcases? In the Fall, we group our bags by makers! Feel free to show bags, small leather goods, or however it is easiest to organize!

August 13 - Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta

August 20 - Burberry, Celine

August 27 - Coach, Chanel

September 3 - Chloe, Dior

September 10 - Dooney & Bourke, Fendi

September 17 - Ferragamo, Givenchy

September 24 - Goyard, Gucci

October 1 - Hermes, Kate Spade

October 8 - Loewe, Longchamp

October 15 - Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs

October 22 - Michael Kors, Miu Miu

October 29 - Mulberry, Prada

November 5 - Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Minkoff

November 12 - Saint Laurent, Tods

November 19 - Tory Burch, Valentino

November 26 - Bags by Jewelers: Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany Co, Van Cleef & Arpels. Alternatively, the pillboxes, compacts and other lovelies made by jewelers that fit in your bag.

December 3 - independent artisans and custom bags.
 
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Doing it in front of the TV is why I like knitting and crochet, but it helps to have an easy project. If you have to keep looking at the instructions/pattern you can't focus on the show. Afghans are the easiest - you don't have to worry about fit, although we don't really use them. I used to love counted cross stitch. Now it seems too hard to count. I used to love to paint too but DH doesn't want me to do it in the family room so I would feel exiled if I had to do it somewhere else.
After doing another "embroidery" project on a dress for the last two days I hear you about watching tv while doing kind of complicated needlework... the show is reduced to background noise. I haven´t done any knitting with an instruction to follow for ages and never ever managed cross stitch. (It´s a left/right thing... and I´m totally incapable of left/right.)
It makes me sad that you are missing out on painting. Couldn´t you convince DH to keep you company in the studio, kitchen or hobby area where you could paint?
 
Also, topic for the group, if anyone is up for chatting:
Do you think people notice when they begin to take their privilege for granted? Or can we slip into entitlement without even realizing it?
Those of you raising kids, do you worry that they may not recognize their privilege because this generation is so used to seeing luxury on social media?
It’s a broad topic, sorry, but I’m interested in any thoughts you may have.
I can only speak for myself and I think I tend to be unaware of my privileges most of the time. Only when something out of the usual happens and the situation confronts me with other realities I will clearly see where I stand and that there are people who have a lot more but also people who have a lot less- may it be health, education, freedom, money, possesions...
As for my children they are all different. The eldest two do love a good life, but work hard for everything, the younger daughter is in a phase where she takes everything for granted and is totally unwilling to make any effort and my youngest is totally lazy, but doesn´t have any illusions about life. He loves nice things, tech, silly possessions, but knows they don´t come out of nowhere and at the same time is used to see me buy lots of his (and mine) things second hand, to see items be repaired, cleaned up... he finds the excessive display of wealth on social media ridiculous while I often enough tend to fall for it and be jealous or feel worthless.
 
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but have you considered writing? Your posts are eloquent and well written, and perhaps trying writing -- either fiction, books for kids, or any other form of writing that appeals to you -- would be something you would really enjoy. I am still pondering over your discussion question, and wanted to let you know it's good to see your post. Also, I hope you and your mom are fully recovered from covid.
Thank you very much for the suggestion. :flowers: I've had multiple people suggest the same and it always amazes me that my rambling is considered in any way decent! :lol:
I'm actually trying to do just what you're describing. I've written a few articles over the past year and it has made me some cash to carry on with, but it's not a steady income. I've reached a stage where my medical bills have depleted my savings, so I'm trying my hand at whatever I can to get by, with the ultimate hope that I'll stabilize in all areas of life soon.
I have no doubt everything will be fine and I'll find a path that works eventually. It's just that I had not fully given up on my previous career and it was mentally holding me back. I always thought I had accepted the changes but, somehow, that sense of peace never stayed. Letting go of that last lot of clothes- which were the final remnants of my previous life- was really cathartic. The next adventure awaits! :smile:

Also, yes, thank you. We've both fully recovered from covid and are now grinding through the post-covid fatigue. I should be back to normal (read: as annoying as ever) soon. :lol:

I look forward to your thoughts on privilege whenever you're ready to share them.

We are here for uou! Hugs
My greatest gift in life is knowing this. I don't deserve my pocket friends! :love::hugs:

No, I don’t think they do. In most cases, wealth/status change happens gradually over time so people get used to where they are and don’t realize how much their circumstances have changed overall.
Loved your insights and I concur! Thanks for joining in. :smile:

Only when something out of the usual happens and the situation confronts me with other realities I will clearly see where I stand and that there are people who have a lot more but also people who have a lot less- may it be health, education, freedom, money, possesions...
Yes, the more I think about it, the more I realize it does often take a bit of a shock for us to realize just how nuanced the world is, and how the under- and over-privileged are side by side without knowing it.

he finds the excessive display of wealth on social media ridiculous while I often enough tend to fall for it and be jealous or feel worthless.
This is the point that fascinates me most. I feel like the kids of today are more attuned to the realities and are more sensitive in general. They don't fall for false images and the manipulation of social media, and they generally seem more intuitive and tolerant. Like you said, they are less dazzled by what they see online because they've grown up with this tech, and that makes them assess everything more critically and clearly than people of my generation would.

___
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on privilege. It's so interesting to me! Recently, I've seen a lot of entitlement and a complete lack of tact and empathy towards people who are in the midst of this cost-of-living crisis. It got me thinking about how I must remain aware of what is happening around me so that I don't have that same cognitive dissonance.

My greatest privilege in life has been both my core family and my ability to travel- both things that many cannot say they have had.
I have moved several times with only a couple hundred dollars to my name and a willingness to accept whatever the new country brings. I got work quickly, made friends and adapted, no matter where I went. It would be easy to call it luck but I know it is pure privilege. I'm English (lucky enough to be born into a citizenship that gives me freedom to move); mixed-race (both sides come in handy, depending on where I am); educated (many women are still not allowed this basic right); and have childhood experience of immersing myself into other cultures and making myself useful (an upper hand like no other).
Without my many layers of privilege I would never have survived living the way I do. I'm acutely aware that someone from a developing nation would not have been given the chances I have.
It's worrying to think that I could lose sight of my privilege without realizing it but, I would like to think that the fact that I'm aware of this will keep me in check.

TPF has the most grounded, socially aware and cognizant people on it so I was sure you had all given it some thought in your daily lives and would teach me a thing or two from your perspectives. It's always a privilege (see what I did there? :P) to hear your thoughts on various matters. Thank you for the discussion and please keep your thoughts coming. :flowers:

Edit: @Jereni I can't find it now but, I saw a post yesterday with your scarf of the day(?)
I came to post on it but couldn't remember which thread it was on. Anyway, gorgeous neck scarf! I love your style. It's this refined feminine chic, with a bit of architectural detail in the lines you create. I'm in awe of it all. I have the exact opposite tomboy style and could never pull off these looks, so I adore the way you put things together. Random but, I've been meaning to say for a while...
 
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Thank you very much for the suggestion. :flowers: I've had multiple people suggest the same and it always amazes me that my rambling is considered in any way decent! :lol:
I'm actually trying to do just what you're describing. I've written a few articles over the past year and it has made me some cash to carry on with, but it's not a steady income. I've reached a stage where my medical bills have depleted my savings, so I'm trying my hand at whatever I can to get by, with the ultimate hope that I'll stabilize in all areas of life soon.
I have no doubt everything will be fine and I'll find a path that works eventually. It's just that I had not fully given up on my previous career and it was mentally holding me back. I always thought I had accepted the changes but, somehow, that sense of peace never stayed. Letting go of that last lot of clothes- which were the final remnants of my previous life- was really cathartic. The next adventure awaits! :smile:

Also, yes, thank you. We've both fully recovered from covid and are now grinding through the post-covid fatigue. I should be back to normal (read: as annoying as ever) soon. :lol:

I look forward to your thoughts on privilege whenever you're ready to share them.


My greatest gift in life is knowing this. I don't deserve my pocket friends! :love::hugs:


Loved your insights and I concur! Thanks for joining in. :smile:


Yes, the more I think about it, the more I realize it does often take a bit of a shock for us to realize just how nuanced the world is, and how the under- and over-privileged are side by side without knowing it.


This is the point that fascinates me most. I feel like the kids of today are more attuned to the realities and are more sensitive in general. They don't fall for false images and the manipulation of social media, and they generally seem more intuitive and tolerant. Like you said, they are less dazzled by what they see online because they've grown up with this tech, and that makes them assess everything more critically and clearly than people of my generation would.

___
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on privilege. It's so interesting to me! Recently, I've seen a lot of entitlement and a complete lack of tact and empathy towards people who are in the midst of this cost-of-living crisis. It got me thinking about how I must remain aware of what is happening around me so that I don't have that same cognitive dissonance.

My greatest privilege in life has been both my core family and my ability to travel- both things that many cannot say they have had.
I have moved several times with only a couple hundred dollars to my name and a willingness to accept whatever the new country brings. I got work quickly, made friends and adapted, no matter where I went. It would be easy to call it luck but I know it is pure privilege. I'm English (lucky enough to be born into a citizenship that gives me freedom to move); mixed-race (both sides come in handy, depending on where I am); educated (many women are still not allowed this basic right); and have childhood experience of immersing myself into other cultures and making myself useful (an upper hand like no other).
Without my many layers of privilege I would never have survived living the way I do. I'm acutely aware that someone from a developing nation would not have been given the chances I have.
It's worrying to think that I could lose sight of my privilege without realizing it but, I would like to think that the fact that I'm aware of this will keep me in check.

TPF has the most grounded, socially aware and cognizant people on it so I was sure you had all given it some thought in your daily lives and would teach me a thing or two from your perspectives. It's always a privilege (see what I did there? :P) to hear your thoughts on various matters. Thank you for the discussion and please keep your thoughts coming. :flowers:

Edit: @Jereni I can't find it now but, I saw a post yesterday with your scarf of the day(?)
I came to post on it but couldn't remember which thread it was on. Anyway, gorgeous neck scarf! I love your style. It's this refined feminine chic, with a bit of architectural detail in the lines you create. I'm in awe of it all. I have the exact opposite tomboy style and could never pull of these looks, so I adore the way you put things together. Random but, I've been meaning to say for a while...
you are one of the most grounded and caring individuals I have ever known. I particularly admire your sense of optimism and gratitude, and I try to interject those qualities in my own life. Re the sho0 your closet, ive been going through my things to donate and rehome (mainly to friends and family) and its slowing down. I’ve also turned down a few bags that some consider grails that once I would have jumped upon. So, i think shopping my closet more mindfully has helped me to consume and curate in a way that is more meaningful, practical, sustainable, personal, and joyful. And, thanks to you and some others here, I am aware of the privilege too :smile: :hugs:
hugs
 
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you are one of the most grounded and caring individuals I have ever known. I particularly admire your sense of optimism and gratitude, and I try to interject those qualities in my own life.
Is it your life's mission to make me cry every time I come on here? :lol::lol::lol:
:hugs::hugs::hugs:

I feel so far away from the person you're describing. I will do my best to live by your words and earn them! :heart:
ve been going through my things to donate and rehome (mainly to friends and family) and its slowing down. I’ve also turned down a few bags that some consider grails that once I would have jumped upon. So, i think shopping my closet more mindfully has helped me to consume and curate in a way that is more meaningful, practical, sustainable, personal, and joyful.
That's such a good place to be! I feel the same way. I don't have much to release anymore, apart from continuing to slowly remove bags because the number still feels like too many to fully enjoy each. However, I feel no need to replace what has gone and am totally content with what remains. Even bags that I thought I wanted are being enjoyed from a distance because I feel no urge to bring them home. It's peaceful!
I'm so happy that you're finding such joy in what you have curated! You know I love your outfits but I think your last line has hit the nail on the head for the reason why I love your style. It's the easy, practical but still totally unique and playful vibe you have; with the added bonus of knowing how many of your bags have been salvaged and reworked into art bags to your personal taste. :tup:
 
Coming up for air after a messy and deeply depressing month. I hope nobody minds if I post my monthly stats early.
Mum and I had a big clear out. We let go of:

- A big chunk of mum’s fine china (to be sold at auction and all proceeds to go to Ukraine, Yemen, Turkey and Syria).

- Some more sterling silver jewellery, as per my resolution to reduce to only my favourite fine jewellery pieces. Also auctioned, as per above.

- Clothes, including much of my remaining workwear. Not gonna lie, this had me sobbing. It was a necessary step to let go of my former life and truly accept that I can’t undo the accident, and I can’t go back to the way things were before.
Part of me was holding out hope for a normal job though I know I don’t have a normal appearance to match. This is me closing that chapter, once and for all, after many (so, so many) previous half-attempts to do so.
The clothes went to a charity helping women returning to the workforce. Much better than them sitting in my storage unit waiting to see the light of day again.

- 2 bags! This wasn’t planned and I wasn’t quite ready to let go but, I was already donating so figured I should just add the bags along with the workwear. Mum also donated 2 of her bags and 2 wallets.
We have a couple of vintage bags we’re ready to release but the corner of the world I’m in will not value their history. I will wait until I’m back home at some point to let them go. Whether it’s to friends or to a small thrift shop, I know that vintage will be better understood (and the items respected) back in England.

- 3 watches (1 of which was mum's). Also unplanned but happy about it. Someone else will love them.
I think I have one more I want to let go of. I’m going to enjoy it for a bit longer, just to be sure, and then put a new strap on it before letting it go.

We also managed to make a nice gift out of some personal care items. When I moved here, I was given vouchers for various stores (Zara, H&M, etc.) to help set me up. As they were non-transferable, I tried to use them wisely and picked up some homeware, small perfume bottles, body lotions and other assorted bits. None of it was stuff I’d wanted or was using, and I’d gifted some of it earlier on but, somehow still had the majority left with me.
Mum packed it all into a pretty gift box, added a cultured pearl necklace and bracelet set of hers, and we gave the box to the overnight custodian who cleaned my ward during my admission this month.
She is the sweetest young girl who always had a smile on her face while working her exhausting shift. She was thrilled at the very random selection and immediately tried on the pearls and sprayed some of the perfume. Was incredible to see her light up and get so excited.

I can’t remember my year-to-date stats but, there’s less of everything. I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am to have enough to share.

Sadly, I have only carried 2 bags so far this year (the 2 I just donated, lol). My goal for a while has been to reduce my bag collection and I am making great progress in that area by slowly removing bags as the opportunity arises.
I will be moving into the rainbow metallic suede bag I made. I’m quite excited to see how it’ll hold up with some daily use and am hoping the bright colours will help lift my mood a bit.

Gah, I need to stop with these crazy long posts! Sorry everyone!


PS. @dcooney4 Did you get that tan Hammitt? How do you like it? Sorry if you've answered this before but for some reason I've stopped getting alerts for thread updates.
______

Also, topic for the group, if anyone is up for chatting:
Do you think people notice when they begin to take their privilege for granted? Or can we slip into entitlement without even realizing it?
Those of you raising kids, do you worry that they may not recognize their privilege because this generation is so used to seeing luxury on social media?
It’s a broad topic, sorry, but I’m interested in any thoughts you may have.
Wow, I am always so impressed with all that you do! You have to be one of the kindest, most generous people I have come across. Even with your own personal hardships, you constantly think of others and ask yourself what more you can do. You are an inspiration, @jblended!

I’m sorry to hear how difficult it was for you to get rid of your workwear, but hopefully that feeling of elation and lightness you describe when paring down/cleaning out/donating to those less fortunate will eventually take over here, too. Hugs!

As for your questions, I think it depends. As @BowieFan1971 mentioned, humans are adaptable and it’s easy to get used to the new normal. However, I think it’s good to remind ourselves from where we came so we don’t lose sight of all things. I am surrounded every day by employees who are 20 to 30 years my junior and their struggles are real. My area has a high cost of living (and that was before inflation made it worse) and many of them have substantial school loans to repay. It would be easy for me to roll my eyes and wonder where their salaries have gone and ask why they can’t seem to live within their means, but instead I try to sympathize by remembering my own twenties and how real those struggles were for me. That helps to keep me grounded. With my DD, I try to remind her how lucky she is to travel and have so many nice things. We got her a bank account and a debit card a little over two years ago and now she is responsible for managing her own funds. Sure, we put a roof over her head and food on the table, but she uses her money for most other things, including clothes and shoes. I am hopeful that will teach her the value of a dollar and how hard one has to work for things!
 
Is it your life's mission to make me cry every time I come on here? :lol::lol::lol:
:hugs::hugs::hugs:

I feel so far away from the person you're describing. I will do my best to live by your words and earn them! :heart:

That's such a good place to be! I feel the same way. I don't have much to release anymore, apart from continuing to slowly remove bags because the number still feels like too many to fully enjoy each. However, I feel no need to replace what has gone and am totally content with what remains. Even bags that I thought I wanted are being enjoyed from a distance because I feel no urge to bring them home. It's peaceful!
I'm so happy that you're finding such joy in what you have curated! You know I love your outfits but I think your last line has hit the nail on the head for the reason why I love your style. It's the easy, practical but still totally unique and playful vibe you have; with the added bonus of knowing how many of your bags have been salvaged and reworked into art bags to your personal taste. :tup:
:love: :flowers: :hugs: :heart:
 
I have one metallic clutch, the BV Knot and it is actually made of metal (pics coming in a day or so, perhaps sooner if I can find any on my phone). Thinking of metallics makes me reflect on how our bag tastes can change. A few years ago, I wasn't particularly enamored of metallic bags. Well, that has certainly changed as I have come to appreciate them more and more. I am particularly drawn to BV's beautiful metallics -- the sheen, the depth and shades are beautiful. @Pessie, your BV Cabat is just gorgeous!

Coming back to changing bag tastes, the reissue is another example. I've gone from being lukewarm to really appreciating it, and now wish I had got one before the incessant price increases.
Which brings me to a question:
Have you gone from being lukewarm to really loving something? Or vice versa? How have your bag tastes changed in that respect? Interested to hear!

The H Evelyne was complete U-turn, I went from hate to love. Otherwise, I think I've been pretty consistent.
 
My only metallic bag: BV Knot. I was in the middle of putting my winter dresses away, so snapped a pic with one, but this bag is perfect year round, and works just as well with spring and summer outfits too.
View attachment 5766328
The ring belonged to my mom. It has a Tiger's eye stone set in the center, and I felt the color of the stone somehow went with the overall vibe of the dress.

:faint:
 
Coming up for air after a messy and deeply depressing month. I hope nobody minds if I post my monthly stats early.
Mum and I had a big clear out. We let go of:

- A big chunk of mum’s fine china (to be sold at auction and all proceeds to go to Ukraine, Yemen, Turkey and Syria).

- Some more sterling silver jewellery, as per my resolution to reduce to only my favourite fine jewellery pieces. Also auctioned, as per above.

- Clothes, including much of my remaining workwear. Not gonna lie, this had me sobbing. It was a necessary step to let go of my former life and truly accept that I can’t undo the accident, and I can’t go back to the way things were before.
Part of me was holding out hope for a normal job though I know I don’t have a normal appearance to match. This is me closing that chapter, once and for all, after many (so, so many) previous half-attempts to do so.
The clothes went to a charity helping women returning to the workforce. Much better than them sitting in my storage unit waiting to see the light of day again.

- 2 bags! This wasn’t planned and I wasn’t quite ready to let go but, I was already donating so figured I should just add the bags along with the workwear. Mum also donated 2 of her bags and 2 wallets.
We have a couple of vintage bags we’re ready to release but the corner of the world I’m in will not value their history. I will wait until I’m back home at some point to let them go. Whether it’s to friends or to a small thrift shop, I know that vintage will be better understood (and the items respected) back in England.

- 3 watches (1 of which was mum's). Also unplanned but happy about it. Someone else will love them.
I think I have one more I want to let go of. I’m going to enjoy it for a bit longer, just to be sure, and then put a new strap on it before letting it go.

We also managed to make a nice gift out of some personal care items. When I moved here, I was given vouchers for various stores (Zara, H&M, etc.) to help set me up. As they were non-transferable, I tried to use them wisely and picked up some homeware, small perfume bottles, body lotions and other assorted bits. None of it was stuff I’d wanted or was using, and I’d gifted some of it earlier on but, somehow still had the majority left with me.
Mum packed it all into a pretty gift box, added a cultured pearl necklace and bracelet set of hers, and we gave the box to the overnight custodian who cleaned my ward during my admission this month.
She is the sweetest young girl who always had a smile on her face while working her exhausting shift. She was thrilled at the very random selection and immediately tried on the pearls and sprayed some of the perfume. Was incredible to see her light up and get so excited.

I can’t remember my year-to-date stats but, there’s less of everything. I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am to have enough to share.

Sadly, I have only carried 2 bags so far this year (the 2 I just donated, lol). My goal for a while has been to reduce my bag collection and I am making great progress in that area by slowly removing bags as the opportunity arises.
I will be moving into the rainbow metallic suede bag I made. I’m quite excited to see how it’ll hold up with some daily use and am hoping the bright colours will help lift my mood a bit.

Gah, I need to stop with these crazy long posts! Sorry everyone!


PS. @dcooney4 Did you get that tan Hammitt? How do you like it? Sorry if you've answered this before but for some reason I've stopped getting alerts for thread updates.
______

Also, topic for the group, if anyone is up for chatting:
Do you think people notice when they begin to take their privilege for granted? Or can we slip into entitlement without even realizing it?
Those of you raising kids, do you worry that they may not recognize their privilege because this generation is so used to seeing luxury on social media?
It’s a broad topic, sorry, but I’m interested in any thoughts you may have.

:hugs:
 
I have indeed! I was always a crossbody sort of girl. Very much on the move, loved having my hands free.

But when I changed my aesthetics and style, I really dislike having a crossbody strap twist a blazer or wrinkle up a suit. Especially that thing where it would raise up one side of the jacket so it would not lay flat and be symmetrical to the other side. Kind of became a pet peeve of mine lol.

And then when I dated and married my future husband, he was a very romantic guy and would spoil me, and I started being driven around everywhere we went, and him insisting on carrying my things, etc. so I started getting into top handle bags.
(I have always loved the aesthetic of a top handle but it didn't fit with my lifestyle previously.)

Now I'm really into shoulder bags. It just feels a little more safe and secure when I'm out and about. Still able to be relatively hands free as well. :tup:



Gorgeous bag! Love the look! :loveeyes:


Hmm, yes and no.

In my personal experience I grew up in a very privileged family but I was really naiive and unaware of a lot of things. (I was also very sheltered in some ways.) My parents did a good job to raise my brother and I as normally as possible and would often turn us down when we wanted something. (like lemonade at a restaurant, because they said it was too expensive; or a toy at a store saying it was too much for us.)
But I got my first laptop when I was 9, and that was in the 90s...and I thought that was normal. I thought all kids got a laptop. :PIt wasn't until I told my highschool friends that their jaws dropped, and said that was something their parents promised them as a graduation gift when going to college.
I was used to travelling with my family. Taiwan every year, Italy, Australia, Japan, etc. To me it was normal to travel out of the country at least once a year. And I didn't really notice how special it was until I went to college. In college, I really got to meet many people across the country from different backgrounds and different socio-economic statuses, and learned a lot about how spoiled I was. My parents paid for my tuition in full, they also paid for professional school as well. They bought me my first car.

So yes, in that sense, I took it for granted but I was blissfully unaware of how privileged I was until I kind of got out more.
I also met some incredibly rich and spoiled people in college to the point where I felt they lacked common sense, but in a sense they were like me, and probably even more sheltered than I was.

In high school, my parents sent me to do a lot of community service. They really put me out there to give back and to realize how lucky I was. I kind of got it. Like I didn't mind it. It made me happy to help others. But I still think I didn't quite make the connection. I'd just do it and go back to my normal life.
When I was 16, I went to a village in Taiwan to teach children English for a month. I slept on the floor of the school classroom, there were cockroaches and rats. It didn't really bother me tbh (I was a tomboy.) But this time, I got to get to know the children. And I think that's when I made the connection. Many kids had single parents, or no parents, were beaten by their parents or had alcoholic parents. There was a boy who wore the same shirt to school everyday. A girl who got a bloody face from her dad. We had a typhoon in the middle of the month, the classroom was flooded, kids still tried to go to school. One kid ran in the hallway, slipped, fell on his head and got a concussion. Just a lot of things. But it was a wonderful experience.

And then, I went on medical missions to Africa. And wow, that was a game changer. But I loved it every step of the way. At this point I was a little sick of all the affluence, consumption, etc. in my area. And I embraced my work there fully. This post is getting too long and I've chatted a bit about this already but every trip I went on made me feel so lucky to be where I am now and I have a lot of great memories that keep me grounded to this day. I haven't been on one after the pandemic, but I hope to go again in 1 or 2 years! :smile:
I think it's great you've tasted 'high' and 'low'.

I've lived in the best and worst places, with and without money. I think it's awful to grow-up poor, but I think it's an absolute tragedy to have to endure poverty in old age with not even hope that one's life will get better.
 
I can only speak for myself and I think I tend to be unaware of my privileges most of the time. Only when something out of the usual happens and the situation confronts me with other realities I will clearly see where I stand and that there are people who have a lot more but also people who have a lot less- may it be health, education, freedom, money, possesions...
As for my children they are all different. The eldest two do love a good life, but work hard for everything, the younger daughter is in a phase where she takes everything for granted and is totally unwilling to make any effort and my youngest is totally lazy, but doesn´t have any illusions about life. He loves nice things, tech, silly possessions, but knows they don´t come out of nowhere and at the same time is used to see me buy lots of his (and mine) things second hand, to see items be repaired, cleaned up... he finds the excessive display of wealth on social media ridiculous while I often enough tend to fall for it and be jealous or feel worthless.

I have met people who in the eyes of the World are considered truly 'successful'. They never thought of themselves as successful or having made it. They too, tell me of what could have been or should have been, moan moan. It shows me there is no such thing as 'success' if someone cannot accept their own achievements and that everything is transitional. Achievements are not buying (influencers) nor not not buying things (deinfluencers - and sorry for the double-negs) there is only knowing why you do things and owning your past decisions. No would-haves, should-haves, could-haves. Edited highlights are for movies, that's not a life. IMO, nobody should want to be a billionaire - especially if they are one, yet this is the yard-stick we are supposed measure ourselves and the life to yearn for(?) How about enjoying the profession we're in or the family we have? Isn't that a success and full of worth?


Sending you a philosophical musical interlude
 
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Before I forget:

Gunmetal BV Cervo Hobo
Sliver Tanner Krolle Latch
Silver Gucci Romy clutch (such a great, cool evening bag)
Balenciaga sliver Holiday Bowler/Bowling(?) (behind the blue suede Babushka - I do have a better pic)
Sterling silver/gold vintage minaudière (sleeps by my bed)

DSC_0417_zpsy03ftob0.jpg DSC_0394_zpsazjhgs69.jpguser222564_pic70066_1293982567_zpspgan2rl3.jpguser222564_pic114664_1433078500_zps8kf3lalq.jpguser222564_pic75201_1300569324_zps1wmplyr5.jpg

I also have an electric-blue-purple metallic Sergio Rossi clutch but I'd have to find it :D
 
I'm actually trying to do just what you're describing. I've written a few articles over the past year and it has made me some cash to carry on with, but it's not a steady income. I've reached a stage where my medical bills have depleted my savings, so I'm trying my hand at whatever I can to get by, with the ultimate hope that I'll stabilize in all areas of life soon.
I have no doubt everything will be fine and I'll find a path that works eventually. It's just that I had not fully given up on my previous career and it was mentally holding me back. I always thought I had accepted the changes but, somehow, that sense of peace never stayed. Letting go of that last lot of clothes- which were the final remnants of my previous life- was really cathartic. The next adventure awaits! :smile:
It's great to hear that you have written articles and even if it's not a steady income, it's a start. Sorry to hear about the medical bills -- they can be extremely expensive! I hope that things will stabilize for you in all areas of life. Sounds like letting go of the clothes has given you a sense of peace, and a readiness for the next chapter, so it was a good decision to move those items on.

Regarding your question, I think the practice of gratitude -- of being grateful for the privileges in life, be it health, financial security, supportive family or other -- is very important and helps in not taking anything for granted. Incorporating it as part of ones daily routine of meditation or even during a quiet moment on a regular basis is key. It's important to remember that nothing is a given in this world, and everything is temporary.
IMO, nobody should want to be a billionaire - especially if they are one, yet this is the yard-stick we are supposed measure ourselves and the life to yearn for(?) How about enjoying the profession we're in or the family we have? Isn't that a success and full of worth?
Well said! The most satisfied and contented people I have seen are those that are happy in their chosen field of work (whether it be gardening or being a surgeon or a home-maker or really any other profession). They are happy and engaged and involved, and take pride in their work, no matter how big or small. Family is so important too, to feel loved and supported -- literally an anchor in our lives.
I don’t know if my bag tastes have changed much in the last few years. I still really love a top handle flap satchel, something a little dressy but not crazy formal. Still tend to prefer wearing long straps on the shoulder rather than crossbody. Still don’t care much for largish, open shoulder totes.

I guess I disliked the ‘slight hobo’ bag for a long time but that’s back in style and low and behold I have a few…
Our tastes in bags are very similar! Can you give me some examples of what you mean by "slight hobo" bags? I am assuming you are referring to a semi-structured hobo, which I happen to like as well, although I don't have any in my collection.
 
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