Have you ever thought about the difference that a little bit of kindness can make in the life of a stranger…
THE STORY
…I’ve talked in the past (here and here) about how a few kind words, a compliment or even just a smile are so important while we are out in the world going about our daily lives. You just never know when a small gesture of kindness or compassion might change a person’s entire day.
Many of you who are regular readers know that in the last month I have gone through some dark times. Between the death of my dad and the heinous manner in which it was handled by former family members as well as some other super stressful and emotionally painful situations that occurred simultaneously, I was in a particularly bleak place. Normally I can take a few days to work through things in my head, give myself a kick in the ass and then get back at it. This time though I was overwhelmed and getting pulled under by the weight of it all.
Of course the people in my life whom I love and whom genuinely love me helped immeasurably in dragging me out of my hole (trust me, it was no easy task) and getting me at least close to back on track. But do you know what else helped? All of you who took the time out of your own busy lives to comment, email or DM me; and not just once, in some cases several times just to check in and make sure I was still okay.
I cannot tell you how much all of the words of encouragement, support and love meant to me. I was truly touched to read the heartfelt comments and words of empathy, many from women who had never commented before, but felt the need to reach out and let me know they were there. Thank you my beautiful friends…a million times thank you. If you ever doubt that a simple gesture of kindness can really make a difference in the world, just remember, it really truly does.
THE OUTFIT
This dress…you’re either gonna love it or you’re gonna hate it. It’s one of those bold in your face pieces that has no middle ground. Obviously, since I’m wearing it, I love it. The beautiful colors, the patterns, the bedazzled bits…swoon… Last year I saw it somewhere, pretty sure it was a Facebook ad. Since those ads are typically sketchy, I tracked down the brand and then tracked down a boutique in Australia that carried it. Ya, I’m kinda like a hound dog tracking a rabbit when I really want something.
At the same time I snagged my much loved mixed print kimono too; something about all of the bright color and wild prints just got me all kinds of obsessed. Tragically, I could not track the dress down anywhere and I mean anywhere to share the link with you so I’ve linked a few similar pieces below.
The black lace kimono was a score from TJ Maxx. Surprisingly nowhere in my extensive kimono collection was there a simple black lace number. Oftentimes I’d be putting together an outfit and think, “A long black kimono would be perfect with this…too bad I don’t have one”, so when I saw this it was a no brainer.
THE TIP
Be bold. Be brave. Wear what makes you happy even if you’re the only one that loves it.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: St. Frock (Similar); Kimono: TJ Maxx (Similar); Boots: Aldo (Similar)
