​It's true. I wore this same green dress for 100 days. 

Why?

It started by doing something I have done before, supporting Dressember (and raising awareness for human trafficking) by wearing a dress daily during December. I did that in this dress in December. Then, things evolved from a monthly purpose-driven challenge to a 100-day one that gave me clarity and helped me love my body better. 

Wool& is the maker of the Sierra sustainable dress I chose. Made of Merino wool, which is antimicrobial, and, as a friend who turned me onto this dress put it, it is pretty "magical" overall. The company has a challenge for you to wear one of their items for 100 days, and upon completion, you get 100 dollars towards your next purchase. That's brilliant because I have told everyone about my magical dress. And with good reason! 

Yes, I changed for workouts, yoga, and a couple of fancy events, but I wore my green dress for 8+ish hours daily per the challenge. I even wore it to bed when I had Strep. It has been worn over and under all kinds of things I already had. And, yes, it's been washed (every couple of weeks, just because), and it still looks brand new. Merino wool is magical; I am a believer.

My word for this year is Simplify. For this challenge, I wore what was already in my closet (I love supporting local boutiques and have some fantastic pieces from them that showed up consistently with my dress). I also thrifted a few "new" things to wear with my green dress as I simplified my closet. Here's some of what I learned and why you've seen me in my green Sierra for the past 100 days:

• My focused attire helped me eliminate what I no longer wanted and did not fit over the past 100 days. My closet (and getting dressed) is so much less stressful now! There is less negative self-talk about what doesn't fit because it's no longer there. Indeed, I'm not the only human who falls weak with self-talk. Overall, my cleaned-out closet has improved my mindset and allowed me to focus on more important things, like ministry work and turning in my next manuscript! 
• Well-made Merino Wool pieces have great longevity and are cared for reasonably quickly and easily by spot cleaning and airing out overnight. While they aren't "cheap," they also aren't fast-fashion; they are made in small batches and made to last. Invest in a quality wardrobe capsule, and you're set! I am consigning and selling my excess clothes to buy more Merino. 
• I LOVE not doing so much laundry. I repeat, less laundry. Merino rarely stinks. You hang it up (inside out) to air out overnight, and it is fresh the next day. 
• Women of a certain age know this one: hot flashes are a real thing. You may not know that wearing Merino wool has minimized the impact of hot flashes for me! It's been a tremendous benefit (and again, less laundry!) 
• Merino wool is sustainable, and that means good for our earth. Yes, please! Buying items that I know some of how and where they were made and that they will last matters to me. 
• Being kind to my body as it changes (one with more curves and those hot flashes) in mid-life has been easier with this magical and comfortable dress. I prefer wearing natural fabrics now, and my skin can tell a difference. 
• Wearing a uniform is freeing! Brilliant people like Steve Jobs do this. Don't be surprised to discover my new capsule wardrobe/uniform system will be made mainly of Merino. 🐏  There is a real benefit to my mind and spirit when I limit daily decisions. Try it. It's good for the soul and a great way to find peace! 
• My decluttering weakness concerns accessories, so don't make me clean out my purses, bags, or scarve...yet. I will get there. 
• Surprisingly, there's a support group for this challenge. I have made new friends as I found a wonderful group of wool lovers inspired to live more purposefully with their clothing choices.

As part of my commitment to Simplify, I plan to wear natural fibers like Merino whenever possible. I will strive to be kinder to myself, my earth, and my body with my choices and keep my closet decluttered while smartly supporting local, sustainable, and thrifted goods. This 100 day dress challenge has been a fun soul care experiment for me! 

I have been asked if I will do this again. Yes, there is a 30-day challenge you can complete once per year with Wool&. The 100 days is one time only, and I don't know if I would do that again. Maybe. Would you?

Do something good for yourself, someone else, or the earth today; it will help you feel good, too!  

I get asked this often....

How do you practice hearing God's voice? 

Well, the obvious answer is just that - I practice! The more I practice paying attention to God's activity in my life, the more familiar it becomes to notice when something is of God or is not of God. One of the regular tools I use to reflect on God's activity in my own life - and therefore hear God's voice - is the ancient Prayer of Examen.

St. Ignatius of Loyola led his followers in this prayer and invited them to practice it twice daily. While I typically practice in the evenings, it is a very helpful tool in my soul care tool box.

Ignation spirituality invites us into this ancient prayer practice of noticing God on our journey through gratitude, consolation, and desolation. We then bring our prayers before God. The Prayer of Examen is as powerful today as it was hundreds of years ago for the Jesuits. Why not try it for yourself? Use the prompts below and find a quiet place to listen to the guided version below. Make this prayer your own and discover what God invites you to hear today!

Here's my simple key for my daily reflection: 

Up Arrow: When did I feel close to God today (a moment of consolation)?

Down Arrow: When did I feel far away from God today (a moment of desolation)?

Smiley Face: What moment am I most grateful for today?

Heart: What is the prayer of my heart, for what would I like to pray to God about from today? (Note: this may be something already named from the day, or something entirely different)

You're invited to join me for a reflective day apart offering space for God's wisdom through presence, intentional silence, and words from the Saints before us on All Saints Sunday, November 7th.

This soul care retreat is limited to 20 participants, please RSVP below to save your spot. Your registration must be received by 10/31/21 (or until the retreat is full). Our quiet day retreat will be socially distanced with plenty of room outdoors (bring a lawn chair, yoga mat, blanket, pillow, or anything that makes you comfortable settling in for reflection) and indoor space is also available. You'll receive a journal, guided prayer prompts, coloring pages, access to a hot beverage station, and a warm fire, as well as opening and closing time in community. In case of inclement weather, we may enjoy our socially distanced reflection time in the sanctuary and/or chapel.

All Saints Sunday, November 7, 2021, from 12:30 - 4:30 PM at Lebanon First UMC in Lebanon, Tennessee. 

To Register:

• Complete the form below (or contact Rebecca Dixon at the church directly).
• Send your $15 check (or pay the day of the event) to:  Lebanon First UMC, 415 West Main Street Lebanon, TN 37087