07/03/2026
Do you ever find yourself giving away something that is meant for yourself?
Writing up descriptions of the vintage clothing I sell on eBay (another love of mine besides making art), I found myself writing this about a flannel shirt ::
"LL Bean cozy flannel shirt with blue and teal / green plaid on white (with some bleach spots for extra down-home feel) and two front pockets
Very soft fabric makes this your favorite weekend shirt for chores, errands, hanging with your best friends. That first cup of coffee on the porch listening to the birds.
This is the kind of shirt that will remind you that you are not on the clock now, so no, you don't need to answer that work email, that work text, or that work phone call.
It's time for what you need :: water your plants, hydrate yourself, breathe, take a walk.
Because later you're gonna need energy to have that heartfelt conversation with your kid, be there for your sick parent, and check in on how your friend is doing after the thing.
So put on something soft and cozy, and remember it's all about love. Loving yourself first, so you can give to all of them from the overflow. Let the gentleness of this shirt remind you of how you want to be, that you're enough, that this moment is enough.
Yeah, to the world it's just a shirt. And it's a great shirt. But when you put it on, let it be your warm-hearted reminder, too."
~~~
That night I kept thinking about how great that sounded! And I realized, I really want that shirt.
But of course, it wouldn't fit me.
So today I tried it on ~ and it DOES fit me! And it is a VERY HAPPY gift to myself.
What gift are you giving to others that you might be cheating yourself out of?
