Socially Conscious | The Blackland Ballad

Photo Credit: DeathtoStock Photos

We spend a considerable amount of mental time and energy in the world of the “shoulds.” I should have been farther by now. I should be married. I should look like him or her. I should not still be struggling with this. This should not bother me. I should have gotten so much more accomplished today. I should, I should, I should…. let’s breathe. And consider a few things about the should thoughts that tend to float into our minds or rather attack our minds…

You are where you are today. And that’s ok. One powerful thing a therapist once told me was- “you’re exactly where you need to be.” There’s purpose in that. There’s power in the process, in learning how to gradually grow. There’s beauty in realizing how vulnerable and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. No matter what the struggle, no matter how deep, no matter the pain, or how big that heap….. every mountain can be conquered step by step if you keep moving forward.
How much of the “shoulds” are actually imposed perceptions by others OR supposedly imposed perceptions by others? Begin to ask yourself questions when a should pops up suddenly. Do you honestly want the things others want for you? Do you have the same worldview as them? Do you care about the same things they do? How much should their opinion affect you like the ankle weight they are? What if we began to challenge what others decided for our lives and decided to consider what was truly best, healthy and balanced for ourselves.
Let the “should” only be used as a short emotional spurt of inspiration to spur you onto greater accomplishments. Want to conquer a goal and say I “Should” be here in my career? Then turn that statement quickly into a “how could I accomplish that” or “how might I find that purpose or enjoyment in another area of my life if I can’t be there today?” Then begin to map out small steps for improvement in that area. Even the tiniest incremental changes are STILL CHANGE 🙂

All in all, the “should” statements and thoughts focus on what we lack in our being. What if we were less harsh to ourselves and encouraging of the growth, gifts and goodness we did see in ourselves. Lovingkindness should be directed not only to others, but also to ourselves. And THAT is a “should” statement I think we can all get behind.

~lme

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. And internet hunting. And more thinking. And I have happened upon a new passion/cause I am interested in. It’s the segment of the fashion world that involves fair trade, sustainable and ethically conscious clothing. We have spent a lot of time in this country (America) feeding ourselves the lie of consumerism. It whispers I need more, more and more. No, you do not, and you are weighing yourself down with so many possessions. I’ve been learning more about socially conscious shoes, handmade goods and garments that have a more positive story than a factory with terrible working conditions in a developing country. As someone who currently works in an HR role, I have come to understand a little bit more about the importance of worker’s rights and wages. I am encouraged by the good in companies I have seen lately. Therefore, I decided to compile a list of some of my findings and another blog that gives a list of ethical companies out there. There are a chunk of them overseas, but American also has a hat in the ring as well.

Here are some companies I have found. This is not a complete and full list by any means, but please check them out!

Clothing companies

Braintree Clothing

http://www.braintreeclothing.com/

One of my favorites in the clothing styles so far!

Fashion-able

https://livefashionable.com/

Red Earth Trading Company

https://redearthshop.com/

Barnabas Clothing

http://www.barnabasclothing.com/pages/join-team-barnabas

Good and Fair