POVERTY SERIES: 4 of 12

#poverty #christmas #joy #identity #giving

Poverty does a lot to our body, mind and spirit.

We get lost and confused about who we are. The sense of identity and self worth we once had diminishes.

For many, self worth is not even developed. It's a luxury to love yourself when you have so little.

As a mom of 3, with a lot of expenses and no income ---> I have learned to take what I can get.

As someone with a husband who works his @$$ off and is away from us a lot to accomplish that goal, I absolutely will never ask to use any money we obtain for things for myself.

I can have little to no underwear, broken bras, and all the hand me downs in the world.

For my birthday this year I had the opportunity to buy myself a sweater and a few leggings. That was a super duper painful trip, as I tried on tons of things at a local juniors sized shoppe filled with crop tops and belly shirts, plus the skinniest size 15s I ever saw in my life.

Still I was so grateful for the opportunity to buy a few things and try my body in different styles.

It forced me to look at myself and step out of my comfort zone. To spend a little without regret or worry on myself.

Today I received 7 bags of shirts, sweaters, jackets, blazers, pants and beautiful dresses. All my perfect size. Some never even worn.

I cried my eyes out, squinting through the burning mascara, at what will be my Christmas dress.

A lace cocktail dress. A black cashmere cardigan on top.

I cannot tell you how much gratitude I feel for these things.

These items that may just sit in someone else's closet, untouched or unnoticed.

Maybe even items that once brought them joy but now they have moved on from.

When I was in college, as a single young mother of a toddler, I applied and was accepted into an internship. This internship fit both my degree requirement and my passion for leadership.

I scowered the target clearance section 2 weeks before it started for on sale blazers and silk shirts. A black dress and a black shirt, all office wear and chic, professional styles.

When I showed up, I sat in the front by the advisors. I walked in, heels smacking the tiles, leather bag in hand. Black and splashes of colored silk. A pop of red lipstick and cat eyes. Sleek hair.

I wanted to fit a role.

Not a teen mom.

Not a college kid.

Not a Lit or WAGS major.

A professional.

Someone who wanted to be there and own it all.

The leadership and the passion I had burning within me.

I loved that internship and in many ways I felt lost after college because I left behind more than a black and white striped pair of heels.

I left behind a strong, prepared character that I loved wearing the shoes of.

Today, as I ripped open garbage bags and dug my hands deep into the soft, black textiles I cried to release.

For every beautiful new piece I pulled out of the bag, 2 or 3 old shirts or leggings got tossed into a bag.

Acceptance and release.

I allowed myself to get rid of the things I told myself were me.

My lack of identity in wardrobe and emotions since becoming a wife and mom to two more babies.

The mismatched clothing that never fit my body and the items I'd collected along the way --> I wished them well.

I thanked them for serving me as they did.

And I thanked this new clothing for coming to me.

For reminding me of the time I felt my best.

Black silk and fierce leathers. Soft, comfy sweaters. Heels and tights that said:
I. Own. My. Look.

This is me.

It is so fitting that I feel like I've been through the flames this year.

And surprisingly, though I dove deep into the burning flames I rose again unburned.

And ready to become something new.

Whenever we think we are forging a new identity and path, it is actually more like we are uncovering foot steps down a road built just for us.

A familiarity with each foot step through the ash and into the light.

When you follow it, you will discover you are being led to yourself.

A 360, right back planted into the heels of who we once longed to be and now we realize we were all along.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

This Christmas season I have been vocalizing my struggles for awareness and to release my emotions.

In return, I have casted stones out into the universe.

So many gifts, love, support and items we need have come back our way.

Some people dear to my heart have sent us items for our little family and I have been a pile of tears the last two weeks as I keep getting surprises at my door.

I have worn struggle for years, often afraid to speak up about it. Things like pride and shame kept me from wanting to ask for help. It was not until I felt scorned by life and cornered in my options that I would ask for assistance.

Now I realize that there is bravery in being honest.

And that receiving is not hard when you just trust the universe and tell yourself you are worthy of abundance.

Worthy of love and care.

Worthy of an identity and honoring truths.

Worthy of welcoming gifts in all shapes and sizes.

For the joy of giving and receiving this holiday season ----> do something new!

Go into your closets and through your material things and DONATE to people you actually know.

Intentional donations.

Do this by casting the offer into your spheres. Your family. Your friends. Your groups.

Gift and regift to those who would fall to their knees in gratitude and joy to receive what you no longer use or need.

Take it further.

Pick a skill, a talent or a passion and gift it.

Not for a sale. Not for a promotion.

To give joy. And to feel joy while doing it.

Stop crunching numbers and void the urge to keep score.

Give joy for Christmas.

And in return allow joy to come to you.

Make some wishes.

Out loud.

Ask for what you want. What you wish. What you hope for.

Without a "this is stupid", "this is materialistic" "this is frivolous".

Just allow yourself, with pureness and gratitude, to honor your desire.

And know you are worthy of it. ♡

Christmas and the holidays feel different now.

I will be wearing my new dress on Christmas as a reminder that I am worthy of all the things and take two steps closer towards my authentic self in the new year.

J.S. Jaded Savior
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