Giving is Receiving

When I look back at 2020 it was indeed, without a doubt the hardest year of my life. So much loss and fear and stress both personally and collectively. Did anyone else feel that way? As empaths, we feel not only our feelings, emotions, and frustrations…we feel those of others too. We all had deep fears and huge stressors at some point this year. These emotions collectively affected all of us. This is definitely going to be a year that we look back and think “How did we do it? How did we get through it?” But…we did...we are here…we made it…GO US!

But when you look back at this year, is there anything good? Can you pick out even just the smallest little bits to be thankful for? For me…more time at home with my daughter. I went down in my hours at work to be home with her to do virtual school. Even though it was super stressful at times, it worked. We got into a routine. There were more home projects done, more meals cooked together, more backyard fires than any other previous year. And for that, I am thankful. <3

And out of all the sadness, fear, and stress came introspection and reflection, A LOT of time spent in a hammock in my backyard, A LOT of time working through emotions in my journal, and my favorite…sitting in my rocking chair on my porch deep in thought. Through it all came Rainbow Janes, this beautiful baby business that has brought me so much joy. A creative outlet that has let my mind and soul sing. This business was birthed at a time of such chaos, yet represents such reprieve to me. This business has not only allowed my creative side to blossom, it has also allowed me the ability to give back to the charities and local businesses that I believe to be waymakers. Since this business has started I have been able to donate over $1600 to very deserving causes including The Conscious Kid, City of Promise, Susan G Komen Foundation, and The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

In December, instead of making a monetary donation I took the proceeds from my sale and donated 60 pairs of earrings to the Nurse Anesthesia department at the University of Virginia. These men and women have worked throughout this pandemic to provide the best care possible for their patients, potentially risking their health and wellness for the sake of their patients. It has been an incredibly stressful year due to Covid-19 and I wanted to make these incredible humans I am glad to call my co-workers, smile.

Pictured is Brittony this past December. In this picture she was 37 weeks pregnant.  She had worked throughout the pandemic in order to save her time off for when her baby came (which he did last week! Congrats Brittony!) The healthcare workers here in Charlottesville, VA and around the globe are working tirelessly to make it through this pandemic unscathed while also providing excellent care for the sickest patients. I commend each one and recognize their hard work. They inspire me. And I am truly thankful this business allowed me to gift them a small token of appreciation. Let’s try to remember that there is A LOT of good still happening in this world. Amongst all the fear and media noise, there are good things happening and good people out there.

I want to thank each one of my customers that have shopped this year. Without you I would not be able to contribute to these causes that speak to my heart…THANK YOU! And I hope you have a happy and healthy new year!