A Season of Letting Go

 Growing up, I have always heard that holding onto pain and unresolved feelings can be incredibly detrimental. I didn't believe that until I finally reached the age of 21, where I finally realized that holding onto unresolved issues can hurt me more than it hurts other people. We can't solve every single issue in the universe because we are human, but that doesn't mean we can't start small and do things that can be relatively healthy to ourselves and to others. We always hear the usual things like recycling, conserving water, not buying things just to throw them away later, but there hasn't really been anything else more specific. So, what does it actually mean to live sustainably—not just for the planet, but for ourselves? How do we take care of both our emotional well-being and the environment in a way that feels tangible and meaningful?

For me, sustainability isn’t just about recycling or turning off the lights when I leave a room (though those things do help). It’s about creating a lifestyle that doesn’t drain me the same way our world has been drained by overconsumption and neglect. It’s about being mindful—not just of the waste I produce, but also of the energy I give and take.

Maybe sustainability looks like decluttering, not just our closets but also our emotional baggage. It’s learning to let go—of old habits, toxic relationships, and the weight of things that no longer serve us. It’s choosing quality over quantity, not just in fashion, but in the people we surround ourselves with. It’s about reusing and repurposing, finding value in what we already have instead of constantly seeking something new to fill a void.

And when it comes to sustainability in fashion, maybe it’s not just about what we buy but how we wear it. It’s about appreciating the stories behind our clothes, whether it’s a thrifted vintage jacket or a handmade piece from a small business. It’s about learning to mend and repair, to breathe new life into what we own instead of discarding it the moment it loses its shine.

We can’t solve every problem, but we can start by being intentional—with our choices, our energy, and the way we show up for both ourselves and the world. Because at the end of the day, sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s about creating a life that doesn’t leave us feeling empty, drained, or disposable. It’s about making choices that help us, in every sense, last.