Polish What You Own

To polish a pair of old shoes for a night out is a sign of care. It shows that you value how you present yourself when stepping into a space. + in a world shaped by fast fashion, we’re encouraged to buy something new instead of tending to what we already have. But what if, instead of reaching for another, we simply polished what’s already ours?

Think back to the moment you received your favorite item. Remember the work that went into it—the search, the savings + the extra hours. When you finally obtained it, there was excitement. You felt good. There was pride, joy + vision. You imagined all the places you’d go + all the moments it would be a part of.

Now, somehow, we find ourselves with 15 of the same thing + still chasing the 16th for 1 occasion + another purpose. As a collective, we’ve been trained to want more + more rather than taking pride + ownership in what we already possess. Old or new. Tight or sagging. Smooth or wrinkled. Trendy or vintage. Updated or outdated.

Renewal can be applied to nearly everything—but the real shift begins in the mind.

It takes a renewal of the mind to see things clearly. To recognize truth as it’s presented. To understand that while some things truly need to be released, discarded, or even gifted to someone else in need, the majority of things simply need care, attention + stewardship.

So I ask:
Why not use what you already have to complete the vision?
Why not renew the old + allow it to serve its initial purpose while taking part in the new?

As Gil Scott-Heron said, “The first change that takes place is in your mind. The thing that is going to change people is something that no one will ever be able to capture on film.”
Because the revolution begins in the mind.

My Dear, you will see + taste the fruits of your revolution once you decide to change your thinking, polish what you have + become a responsible steward of the life + blessings you’ve been entrusted with.