It’s hard to reconcile
In these turbulent times, it can feel difficult to reconcile our love for beautiful things with the urgent need for political, social and environmental justice. Like many of you, I feel the weight of current events. The news cycle feels like a relentless storm, and it's easy to get lost in the despair. As someone deeply invested in the well-being of both people and the planet (especially my beloved manatees!), the challenges we face can feel immense.
It feels like walking a tightrope: on one side, the urgent need to stay informed and engaged; on the other, the vital importance of preserving our own mental and emotional well-being so we can continue to fight for what we believe in.
This cognitive dissonance isn’t just a passing thought; it’s a core part of my experience. On one hand, I cherish vintage fashion as a form of self-expression and creativity, and on the other, I am acutely aware of the pressing issues we face—looming autocracy, climate change, social injustices, and the fragility of wildlife. Instead of allowing these feelings to pull me apart, I focus on the fact that wearing vintage is a sustainable fashion choice—a way to advocate against the fast fashion industry that contributes to environmental degradation. Each vintage piece I wear or sell acts as a statement, a conversation starter where my customers and I can educate others about sustainability and inspire those around us to consider the implications of their choices.
Joy is not frivolous; it's fuel
Can we take pleasure in vintage fashion while the world feels like it's on fire? It can feel frivolous, self-indulgent, even. But I've come to realize that it can also be a form of resistance.
Vintage fashion brings me joy. Maybe it does the same for you.
It’s the history: There are never-ending rabbit holes of information about the history of fashion. This is the richest of histories, at the intersection of sociology, geopolitical events, art and craftsmanship.
It’s the quality: Just hold a fine piece of vintage clothing and you can feel and see the thoughtful design. These were not items destined to be thrown away. They were meant to be mended, cleaned and appreciated for as long as possible.
It’s the self-expression: Our choice of clothing is a powerful statement, and vintage clothing speaks to our desire for quality and sustainability, individuality and beauty. It’s also a form of armor—while expressing our values, it projects our strength.
It’s the community: I meet so many interesting, thoughtful, warm and generous people through my work in vintage fashion. We’re a diverse group with a shared passion.
It’s the sustainability: Vintage clothing is a rejection of fast fashion, consumerism, and the environmental impact of new clothing production.
There are days when I just want to shut all the bad news out. But the plight of the manatees, the injustices I see around me, the future I want for the next generation—these pull me back in. The question becomes, how do we stay engaged without burning out?
Small ways to help yourself
I try (not always successfully!) to limit my news consumption to designated times and reliable news sources (my choices are NPR, AP, Reuters, and BBC). If I come across a big news item on social media, I hold off reacting until I can verify the story.
Spending time in nature is essential for my well-being. Whether it's a walk in the park or a visit to see the manatees (I wish!), connecting with the natural world reminds me what I'm fighting for.
I actively look for things to do that are creative. For me, that's vintage fashion, writing, music and design. When I spend time in creative pursuits, I come up with original solutions—sometimes for completely unrelated problems.
Do you meditate? I used to think that meditation was just another thing I had to do—a burden. But when I consider taking deep breaths and looking out a window for a minute, or going to sleep giving thanks, I know I am calming my mind and reducing stress.
I am an introverted, independent person, but I still need to talk with others who share my values and passions. I know a few wonderful people with whom I can talk about anything, and just knowing we are there for each other helps us cope. My work volunteering time for the nonprofits Vintage Fashion Guild and Save the Manatee Club gives me a sense of belonging and purpose.
Self-care isn't just bubble baths and face masks (though those are nice too!). It's about finding ways to calm our minds, whether it’s by setting boundaries, lifting our spirits, or nourishing our souls. I have to say to myself over and over: Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. It’s a conscious act of defiance against despair. It's about reclaiming your energy and fueling your resilience.
Turn Passion into action
I have many passions, and one of the biggest involves a very big, very gentle creature: the manatee. We humans have imperiled these wonderful animals to the brink of extinction and while their population has rebounded, several years of tragic losses have threatened the progress that has been made. I give 10% of my vintage fashion earnings to Save the Manatee Club for the protection of this beloved and vulnerable species. I write about them often. I once was stopped in a local store by a woman who asked if I was “that manatee lady.” You can call me that any day!
I have volunteered for the Vintage Fashion Guild, of which I am a member, for years. I have dedicated my passion for fashion history to creating the VFG’s Fabric Resource, and I have written blogs, created videos, answered questions in our forums and researched and written about designers and manufacturers of clothing for our Label Resource. Long after I’m gone, the collective knowledge to which I have contributed will live on.
My love for vintage fashion and my passion for protecting manatees might seem unrelated, but they both stem from a desire to preserve what is beautiful and precious in this world.
What are your unique skills and passions? How can you use your gifts to contribute to a better world? My suggestion is to take just what you have, right where you are, and do what you can, no matter how small. True heroism is not often flamboyant, but incremental and cumulative.
Let's use our collective passions to create a future where joy and justice can thrive
Tell me what you do for self care, what gives you joy, and what actions you want to take. I’d really love to hear from you.
