When my boys were little, I had a bizarre fear that, if my husband passed away while they were still young, nobody would teach them to tie a men’s necktie. But then they learned all manner of intricate knot-tying skills in Scouts. And there’s Youtube. And my husband is still alive and kicking, so the ties have been taught and tied.
I set a few meaningful goals for 2024. (Podcaster and author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin, suggests a list of “24 for 2024,” but I haven’t thought of 24 yet). And one goal involved neckties.
I used to write to-do lists in a bullet-point type format; then, when I completed the task, I would scratch through the item so completely, it was as if I were obliterating it from the paper. Now, I like to draw a little square next to the item and then put a check in the box when the job is done. It’s the little things, I tell ya.
This past week, I put a checkmark in the box next to “Collect and mail 50 ties to My Brother’s Keeper Quilt Group.” Since I turned 50 this year, I deemed 50 a suitable number to attach to this goal. And, through family, friends, and strangers alike (thank you, Buy Nothing group!), I reached the goal! With an extra one thrown in to boot.
My Brother’s Keeper Quilt Group aims to provide warmth to those experiencing homelessness by creating and offering sleeping bag quilts. They use neckties to make handles for the sleeping bags and request donations of those for the projects they sew. I love supporting an outreach that provides a significant service, love reusing things (none of these ties was purchased; all were donated), love working toward and attaining a goal… Lots of love here, people!
Have ties to give while doing spring cleaning? Check out this link to mail your own to My Brother’s Keeper.
What meaningful-to-you goal have you accomplished so far this year?
Presentmindedly 