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When I was maybe 10 or so I remember my mom and grandmother taking us shopping at Goodwill, we did this often and I found it fun. Roaming through all the stuff. Some of it was kind of icky but most were just an adventure. Feather boas, coats, toys, painting etc… Well this particular time was just like the others, mom always found stuff for us. The next day at school a little blond headed mean girl came up to me in a crowd and said “did you mom get that for you at the Goodwill?” turns out I was spotted coming out. Until that day I didn’t know by used was a “bad” thing that you should be ashamed of.

That childhood incident stayed with me, and still does in some ways. I’ve gotten over it a bit. I love shopping in resale shops, Goodwill etc.. When my kids were babies and money was tight I loved visiting a children’s resale shop, I could by tons of the cutest clothes for next to nothing. I never thought anything of it. We’ve been given hand me downs for my kids through the years, we loved it. It’s like getting presents for us. My kids haven’t been raised to be ashamed of it….well a little. I’m always the one saying it’s nobodies business where you got that outfit, just tell them your mom got it for you – darn you little blond meanie.

I have found Christmas gifts on Goodwill.org for my sister, she collects a certain kind of glass. I have found paintings from my favorite artist at the same place.  I love big men’s shirts to lounge around in, guess where you can get them for around 3 bucks! Times are tough, expand your horizons go find some treasures. Shame is something you create within you, let it go.