simplicity 2016: the great purge

Last month I participated in an amazing campaign called Dressember. It exists to bring awareness to the darkness of human trafficking and allows people to raise money to support some really incredible organizations.

Essentially, you wear a dress every day for the entire month and use your personal fashion to start conversations and shed light on a serious issue. It's pretty rad.

When I started the month, I had many friends ask me, "Elizabeth, do you have enough dresses for the entire month??"

Oh you guys are adorable. Thank you so much for pretending like you don't already know I am a clothes hoarder.

You didn't know that? How is that possible? I mean, have you seen my closet?

You haven't? That's right..... I wear the same jeans and sweatshirts almost every week....

So when friends would ask if I had enough dresses, I chuckled maniacally and answered, "Yes. I have 30. 30 dresses. Not counting skirts. Do I have a problem? Maybe. But, it's not like I'm going to go to a meeting about it or anything...."

And so I began this journey, thinking I would have no problem figuring out what to wear and I would just float through the month.

Then I realized how out of control my clothing stash really was. I own 30 dresses and I didn't wear half of them.....

Which leads me right into my personal theme for this year. Simplicity.

Simplicity can take on many forms, and I am truly looking forward to seeing what this journey is going to hold for me.

Am I going to become an extreme minimalist who sleeps on the floor and eats rice all day?

Am I going to go entirely paperless because...trees?

Am I going to find that the responsibilities I tell myself I need to carry really don't need to be carried at all, but rather, released from my type A, vice like grip?

Who knows what I will have to say a year from now, but for today, or rather the month of January, I am focusing on a few things. A few being three. Why only three? #simplicity

I got up this morning, picked out my outfit, and went through all my dresses.

Then I went and got a box, and put 17 dresses inside that box.

17 dresses that I didn't wear one single time over the last 31 days.

17 dresses I don't want to get rid of because they are pretty, even though I don't remember when I last put them on.

So I had a little chat with myself. About how I don't need them. I won't wear them. Someone else can benefit from them...etc


And that is why, these 17 dresses will find a home at Hope Place, a woman and children's shelter run by Seattle's Union Gospel Mission. My life is filled with excess, and if my excess can fill someone's void, then that's what I want this year.

I have many more areas in my house and in my life to purge; but for now, my closet is cleaner, my heart feels lighter, and I revel in the fact that simplicity might just rock my world for the better.

#simplicity2016

simplicity 2016

I spent four months deciding what my theme for 2016 would be.

Four months talking about it. Dreaming about it. Telling EVERYONE about it.

And then today, it all shifted and changed like a toddler with an open bag of marbles.

I think it's crazy how sitting in a car for hours at time helps everything fall into perspective.

Maybe it's the constant change in scenery. 

Maybe it's the fact you are moving towards something. 

Or maybe, it's knowing that you could die at any moment  if some moron isn't watching what they're doing.

Regardless of why this act is so profitable for figuring out life's problems, my initial vision for this year was rocked by an unplanned road trip to Southern California.

I planned on spending Christmas with my gramma. Which I did.

I did not plan to drive to LA from Portland two days after Christmas. But I did.

And it was amazing.

It was spontaneous. It was filled with possibilities for chaos. I changed my mind 100x. But, it was also a needed escape. A time of exhaustion and refreshment all at the same time. 

So, while I spent over 30 hours on the road over the last five days, a great many things came into perspective for me.

1. I spend way to much time preparing for things that never happen.

2. Spontaneity is the thing that dreams are made of, and I need more of it.

3. Grand adventures do not require lots of money or even lots of planning.

4. Technology is overwhelming and wonderful all at the same time. 

(Example: it seems so unnecessary when I'm sitting on a sunny beach, but it's a great tool when I'm driving aimlessly through Long Beach)

5. My life is filled with things I don't need, nor do I really want.

As I was driving north on the freeway this morning, it hit me that my original "theme" is more of a project. 

A theme for me is something that permeates every single area of my life - for an entire year.

So while I sat in silence in the car this morning, I realized that this year's theme is simplicity.

I was overwhelmed with how peaceful I felt when I said the word out loud.

As I planned out my theme last year, I wasn't really sure where it would go. And this year is no different.

This year I want to discover and realize the things that truly bring happiness and life. 

I want to let go of the things that are not serving me well, but rather, are dragging me down.

So when an idea follows you around for five days like a dog with a bone, you  grab it and go. 

#simplicity2016 

Do Life 2015: In A Dress

From about the age of 5, until I was in my early twenties, I wore dresses everyday.

Now? Well, I wear the same pair of jeans and grey hoodie everyday. Because I'm an adult and I can.

Both choices are equally amazing.

From the age of 8, until probably 23, taking risks was not something I did.

Oh I wanted to, but having order and structure was far more predictable and safe.

But now, I'm sitting in my friend's recliner in Southern California, on a trip I decided to take two days ago. On a whim.

When I was 7, I would take all of my socks out of my drawers, retold them and place them back inside in perfect order.

There are probably dishes in my sink at home that will need to be washed when I get back. But I really don't remember.

This year my personal theme has been "DoLife" and I almost don't want it to end.

Which is exactly what I said last year around this time.

The truth of the matter is that if my theme was truly successful, the aftermath won't end on January 1, 2016.

If I truly learned what I hoped to, this theme will have become a habit, and I won't need to document my life on Instagram and memorialize it with a hashtag in order to keep myself on track.

I totally can, but I won't need to.

So as I sit here in the most amazing recliner in the entire world, I think back over my year, remembering the super epic, and also odd things I did this year.

1. I went to Haiti on a missions relief trip with my wonderful friends Jessica and Jaime. 

(Some of my favorite humans, btw)

2. Got set up with online dating and gave that a half hearted effort. Meaning, I made a profile, chatted with one person, only to realize it's not my thing. 

(It's too much work, and I really don't want to filter messages from 20 year olds and men on the brink of retirement.)

3. I graduated my nutrition program and am now a CERTIFIED nutritional health coach!

(#kaleyeah)

4. I started writing my book - finally. 

(Had hope to have that done this year, but am also happy to be taking my time with a project that means so much to me.)

5. I made the conscious choice to not be such a hermit and as a result, have made some amazing new friends as well as connecting with old ones.

(Having people is basically the best thing ever.)

6. I joined an epic campaign that is working to end sexual slavery and exploitation by bringing awareness through the platform of clothing and fashion. Which is rad. 

(#dressember)

These are only a couple of the super cool things I experienced this year. And while I thought of creating a photo montage for you all to see, I'm too busy living this crazy life. 

(Get it? Living life = doing life #dadjoke)

Actually, I'm just super sleepy (it's not even 7 yet) and want to drink my coffee.

But, I do have a years worth of blog posts you can check out if you are interested. 

I have some cool pics on my Instagram - see #dolife2015 - so you know...

I also have endless stories I would love to tell you in person. Over coffee. Or on the side of a mountain. Because, #dolife

My theme for next year is one I'm crazy excited about and have been on pins and needles since August when I landed on it.

So,  stayed checked in if you are interested in all the shenanigans that will happen in 2016.

Otherwise, my sagely words of wisdom for you this morning, as we approach year end are:

Don't take yourself to seriously. No one else does.

Don't sweat the small stuff. And sometimes the big stuff.

Laugh a lot, because it's fun and burns calories. 

And last... 

Eat cake. Why? Because I like cake and it's the shiznit.

Happy New Year Everyone! 

#dolife2015 

Do Life 2015: Dressember

As 2015 is quickly drawing to a close, I have been praying how I could intentionally #dolife for these last 31 days.

Human trafficking is not an issue I gave much thought to until a few years ago.

I'm not proud of this, but I honestly didn't want to know. I didn't want to see the hurt, the pain or the despair. I wanted to stay in my bubble of safety and not go out.
Three years ago, I watched a film called "Rape for Profit", and my ignorance could no longer be excused or justified.

I now knew about an issue that goes far deeper than any of us realize. An issue that needs to be addressed and have much light brought into its darkness.

For that is how we affect change.

So what are the next steps? What should we do, and how should we go about it?

International Justice Mission and A21 Campaign every December to raise funds to combat and bring awareness to human trafficking.

The concept is this: women from around the world, commit to wearing a dress every day for the entire month of December. People post photos on social media to gain traction, and also ask for people to donate to the above mentioned organizations.

Why a dress?

To directly quote from Dressember's main page, "using fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. As women take on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December, they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women."

This is the first year I am participating in Dressember Campaign, and I'm so excited to see awareness raised and also to see what the Lord does in me.

My goal is to raise $1,000 over the next four weeks. My personal contributions will be made by relocating funds I currently spend.

Specifically, money I spend on coffee. The embarrassing amount of money I spend on coffee....

On average, a custom coffee is around $5. Just by relocating this money from my personal budget, I will be able to put approximately $150 towards fighting human trafficking by the end of December.

Imagine what we can do if everyone just gave up ONE or TWO coffees this month?? If you feel led to participate in my campaign, here is the direct link.

If you are not financially able to or led to give, prayers are always welcomed!

Also, if nothing else, I'd deeply encourage everyone to do some reading and put some research into this issue.

(These are the books I plan on reading this month)

There is a phrase people like to throw around, and it states "freedom isn't free." 

Which is true. But, more often than not, I think of lives being lost for freedom's sake, and not my bank account being a little lower than normal.

Sacrifice comes in many ways, and while I don't really see cutting back on coffee as a sacrifice, I do think it's worthwhile to put my money where my mouth is.

Let's live life together fully for the last 31 days of 2015! You never know what can happen!

#dolife2015 #dressember

sunday musings

Does Christian living need to be made convenient for you to do it?

"Ouch."

That was my first thought after hearing this statement during church this morning.

"Huh, I must feel convicted, because that's a challenging thought."

That was my second thought. And in case you're wondering? Yes, this is an inner monologue. Because, that's how I roll.

"I hate the word conviction. It's all shaming and judgy and guilt inducing."

My third thought was a launching pad for random thoughts and rabbit trails. None of which will be spelled out here, because ain't nobody got time for that.

So instead, I'll do my best to nutshell my thoughts...

As stated above, I'm typically not a huge fan of the word "conviction."

I find it shaming and guilt inducing, which I believe to be the exact opposite of what Jesus would desire our response to be when we hear an applicable truth. 

But, I'm also not one to blindly dislike something, so, I looked up the definition.

As I stared at both definitions, it hit me. So often, we tend to hold onto the first definition as ultimate truth. 

When truth is spoken regarding a certain area of our lives, we bend down in shame, holding the weight of the world on our sinful shoulders.

No one else has felt that? Well, I know I have.

But then, I thought, what would happen if we latched onto the second definition as truth?

What if we were so convicted by our beliefs, those beliefs dictated our actions instead of our shame and guilt over not being good enough determining how we respond?

Personally, I'm motivated by my beliefs far more than by shame and guilt.

You know who else is motivated by convictions? Jesus.

Just think about the manger, the cross and the second coming.

Now, for arguments sake, I'll state the obvious in that we know Jesus didn't have sins over which to feel convicted. Where as we do.

I still believe that in order for real transformation to happen in our lives, we must be propelled forward by the belief that change is necessary, not the guilt that we should be better.

Just some Sunday evening thoughts that had me thinking. 

Have a great week everyone!!!

Do Life 2015: Cesser de Faire des Listes

About six months ago I sat in a group session and took a personality assessment.

I could go into great detail about which test, what I liked about it, blah, blah, blah.

But, that sounds boring, and I don't want to.

However, I will say this - after taking the test, it was confirmed once again that I am highly organized.

Translation - I like lists. ALOT. Possibly to a degree that is slightly unhealthy and neurotic.

And let me tell you, I can justify my need for lists better than anyone.

If someone were to tell me I needed to stop making lists, I might combust a little inside and then make a list for how I was going to clean up the mess.

I mean, here I am, doing life with a sense of intentionality and purpose.

And in order to keep that in check, it makes perfect sense to make even more lists than normal.

Right?

I mean, how the heck am I going to schedule all my grand adventures AND get them done if I don't make a list!?

But, this morning I had an "aha" moment. One that, to be honest, punched me in the gut a little. Ok, actually a lot.

There I was - sitting at my computer, deleting emails, planning for the week, and researching how to get even more crap done - when I came across a to-do list from over a year ago.

Out of curiosity I opened it.

I just knew that everything on the list was somehow, miraculously completed; because, I am just "that good."

I started scanning, ready to be blown away by my own abilities.

I was not. Not even slightly astounded. Not even pat on the back worthy.

As I skimmed, I became more and more anxious as I realized NONE of these things got done!!

I hurriedly kept reading, hoping for something to affirm my list making ways, when my eyes landed on this - "learn French."

I paused, totally stunned. Not because it was on my list, or because I forgot it was on the list, or even because it was a year old.

No, I was stunned, because in that moment, I realized it has been on my list for the past 12 years.

I think about speaking French almost every single day; and yet, I still don't speak French.

What is my problem?? Why is something I claim to want so much, so far out of my reach.

If I am honest, it goes a little something like this:

1. Make a list of things to do.
2. Think of something I want to do.
3. Add it to the aforementioned list.
4. Carry over said list to the next day because it wasn't finished.
5. After a week of this nonsense, realize the list is too long and not realistic.
6. Lose the first list under laundry and mail.
7. A year (or 12) later, find the list.
8. Tears ensue as I realize I am failing at life.
9. Make a new list on how to not fail at life.
10. Run out of notepads for lists.
11. Make new list to buy notepads for more lists.

Sounds like a pretty productive system right? I don't understand why everyone else isn't jumping on board?

Maybe it's that everyone else is out actually doing the things I am spending time making lists about.

Or that other people have just realized not everything has to be done right away.

Or maybe, just maybe, it has nothing to do with other people, and everything to do with me...

Everything to do with how I want to live the rest of my life.

If I really want to spend my time organizing the crap out of my life, or actually living it.

So I'm not this crossroads, because, I really really like my lists.

I like the feeling of accomplishment when I can check it off.

I like knowing I have a system that holds me accountable and helps me remember when my brain is in a hundred places.

But, even though I love it so much, I do admit it gets a little out of hand sometimes.

Like when I put "read a book" on my list. Or "relax" on my list.

Honestly, I don't have a solid plan or solution for this conundrum I find myself in, which is probably a good thing.

However, I do know one thing.

What's that?

I am going to spend an hour learning French today.

I'm not sure I'll work on it tomorrow, or if I will even work on it at all this week.

But, I do know it is coming off my list.

And it's not going back.

It's either going to become part of my life or I am letting it go.

When it comes to wonderful and delightful things I want to do, I think I'm deciding to "cesser de faire des listes" and just do them.

If I want to read, I'll read. If I want to practice music, then I will.

Dishes and laundry will always be there. And I have plenty of both to hold me over.

So, while the organized part of myself is something I deeply respect, I don't want it to keep me from doing my life. Rather, I want it to help me live it.

Fully, completely, with abandon and with joy.

#dolife2015

Do Life 2015: Never Underestimate the Power of Red Lipstick

When I was 13, my mom sat me down and told me that I could finally start wearing makeup.

The catch? I could only choose one item, per year, until I was 18.

I guess she thought a 7th grader might go a little crazy on the eyeliner or something...

With this totally unknown realm finally open to me, I of course proceeded with great care and used ALL my babysitting money to buy the shiniest, most shimmery lipstick I could find at Sally's Beauty Supply.

And let me tell you... I looked... like a hot mess...

It should also be mentioned that I had a perm, braces, the eyebrows of a grown man and a cluster of whiteheads with a mind of their own.

Not my most shining moment...

Thankfully, years like that pass. I learned a little bit more about myself, my skin, what I like, what I didn't, etc... You get the idea.

But then, one day, I discovered it. Basically the most amazing discovery a woman can have. I say woman, because no pre-teen girl has any business using this or walking around with it on.

No, this is a gift. Straight from the bestowers of self confidence that reside in the sky.

This thing, this item, will blow your freakin' mind.

What's that you say? You are dying to know? You wish that I would hurry up already and tell you???

Fine.

Lipstick.

Red lipstick.

Now before you dismiss my wisdom and find another boring blog to read, hear me out.

I am not talking about clown red lipstick that stains your face for days. Nor am I talking about your gramma's greasy, oily reddish-orange lipstick that came in a gold tube and smelled like crayons.

No.

I am talking about that deep, vibrant, powerful shade of red that tells you that YOU, YES YOU, can take on the world.

That no one stands in your way. And that no matter how much your hair needs to be washed, no one even notices, because with that shade of red?

You slay my friend, you slay.

But really, what's the point? Is lipstick really that big of a deal? What about the dudes? Or people who don't wear lipstick?

Well first, if any of my gentleman friends feel the need for a confidence boost that only a good rouge can bring, I will not judge. It's some pretty powerful stuff.

Second, if lipstick isn't your thing, then no worries. Because something else is your thing. Something else gets you through.

So, what I am really getting at is this....

We all have something to which we cling and claim when days are crappy, people are mean, you want to eat ALL the chips, and nothing is going right.

For me, it's a whole lot of Jesus and my bright red lipstick. 

Maybe for you it's taking a run, cooking, cow tipping, old school 90s music (Backstreet Boys anyone?), etc...

So whatever your go to, confidence booster may be - name it, claim it, revel in it and do life with it!

#dolife2015