I’m not sure how to even begin this blog post. In a word, things are crazy right now. You certainly don’t need me to tell you this.

As you know, values are a big part of my business. I often tell clients that my values don’t need to be their values. I just want to be sure that I understand what is important to each client and that I’m able to help her live her values through her clothing, whenever possible.

This is a time when we are all reflecting on our values. Life can be exhausting and now, even more so. That’s why it feels especially important to write this post. Yes, it’s important to take care of yourself and the ones you love. But, it’s also important not to opt out. Do what you can, when you can, and be kind to yourself when you can’t do it all. Above all, be kind to others because just that is an act of resistance.

So many people around me feel overwhelmed and like they don’t know where or how to push back on what feels like an avalanche of injustice and chaos. I do not pretend to have the answers. I can say that engaging in what you can impact really does make a difference. And doing something, even if it may not yield results anytime soon, if at all, can also make a big difference. When we think of the 60’s and 70’s, we often think of the protests against the Vietnam War. They didn’t singularly and immediately end the war. But, they certainly helped keep it top of mind and shift cultural thinking over time. Individuals taking a stand against workplace injustices large and small also helped change workplace culture over the decades. So, whatever your act of resistance, it’s important.

Last summer, we hosted a fundraiser for then gubernatorial candidate, now governor, Bob Ferguson. Later this month, our family will attend Lobby Day in Olympia to meet with state legislators to advocate for funding education. It feels especially important to model these behaviors for our son in the middle of this chaos. Truthfully, I don’t love Lobby Days, but I nudged my family into it because it’s a great lesson for our son. As the national news has become so stressful, I’m grateful for this targeted way to take meaningful action.

One of the places that you absolutely can make an impact is in your local community. It’s easy to find that I’ve consumed national news while local issues pass me by. So, I’ve resolved to increase the percentage of my news consumption that comes from and is devoted to local sources. Here’s a list of some of my favorites right now. I don’t agree with everything I hear or read from these sources, but I do respect their reporting and appreciate the perspectives. I welcome your recommendations as this is by no means a complete list. The important message here is to remember that we are a community and together we can accomplish more.

So, take good care of yourself and the ones you love. And while you’re doing that, take some sort of meaningful action to stand up for what’s right and live your values, whatever they may be.

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