Okay, technically 2016 was the year of realizing stuff (just ask Kylie), but I’m a slow learner, so 2017 is my year for it. It’s about to get all kinds of real in here…
At times I get so buried in a mounting to-do list that I forget I have the power to change things about my work that don’t feel right. One of the perks of calling the shots is being able to make those changes. This year I’m taking a step I’m both excited and proud of: I’ll be donating a portion of this blog’s profits to charity in 2017.
Here’s the backstory.
Last year I drifted into a place where I felt disconnected from anything meaningful. I was grateful to be doing what I do, and for the most part I enjoy it, but toward the end of the year I started to feel like my work lacked purpose. I wasn’t saving lives, planting trees, or volunteering in the community—and that nagging feeling wore on me.
On top of that, November and December were chaotic as I scrambled to finish sponsored content—work that keeps the blog running but was emotionally exhausting. I was also down a team member: my good friend Amelia, who had worked with me at Paper & Stitch for over a year, moved to New York for new opportunities. With so much going on, I began to question what I was doing and why—and that’s a feeling I don’t want to experience again.
These thoughts were bubbling up around the same time I traveled to Texas for an event and visited my brother and Ashley. On a rainy afternoon in a small Austin bar, Ashley and I chatted over cheap mimosas for more than an hour about wanting to do something bigger than ourselves in the coming year. We decided to follow through and hold ourselves accountable by announcing it on our blogs. Read Ash’s story and her plans on her site.
So, along with being more selective about projects in 2017, I’ll be donating at least 5% of my profits for the year to charity. It’s a modest start, but a meaningful one, and I hope it grows. I also plan to donate my time—not just money—because real impact requires more than a check. That’s a separate conversation, so today I’m focusing on the donation commitment.
Which charity will receive the donations? That’s an important question I haven’t fully answered yet. I want to make an informed choice, and there are countless worthy causes.
Right now I’m leaning toward animal rescues. All of our pets have come from shelters, and in Luna’s case she was rescued from a difficult situation. I believe rescued animals make wonderful companions, quirks and all, and many shelters and rescue groups struggle financially. That said, I haven’t finalized my decision, and I don’t want to limit the possibilities.
I’d love your input. Please suggest reputable charities or nonprofits you think deserve support. They don’t have to focus on animals—any cause you believe in is welcome. Leave a name and, if possible, a link so I can research your recommendations further. I’d like to find a cause that matters to both me and the community here.
That’s all for now. If you have questions about this initiative, feel free to ask. And don’t forget to visit Sugar & Cloth to read Ashley’s post about how she’s planning to give back this year.