Volume 1; Issue 3 -December 2024 Hola, Do you give away stuff? I do. Last week, I gave away a variety of items- some were newly bought and delivered, some were gently used and packed in black bags, and some were intended for others to purchase new gifts. These items ranged from household essentials to things that would simply bring joy to a child during the holidays. When I was growing up, my family bought much of our stuff from second-hand stores. More about that in my latest blogpost, How I Held On To My Heirloom- El Secon; click the green button:
I'll admit that I've never been one to hold on to things. I've been reflecting on why that is, and now understand that I had to make peace with not having a lot as a child. There were many holidays with little to no presents; birthdays without gifts, and school years that began without new clothes. When you grow up without a lot of "stuff", you learn not to expect it, and you learn to live with less. Some might argue that growing up with less might lead one to value material possessions even more. And for many, that's true. But for me, it's been the opposite. I don't accumulate things as a reaction to scarcity; in fact, having too much stuff overwhelms me. This mindset has shaped my view on giving. For me, letting go of "stuff" creates space- not just physically, but mentally and emotionally- for what matters: time, energy and connection with others. So as the holiday season approaches, I ask: What stuff can you let go of? Spanish Word Translation: Tienda: literal translation is store, booth or shop where goods are sold. My favorite tienda is a used bookstore. What's your favorite tienda?Direct message me with your answers to these questions at @bodegabotanicatales on Instagram or Threads. Bodega News: Are you looking for an audiobook? Consider checking out my short story, Bodega Botanica Tales- Jose by clicking the green button at IndieAudioBookDeals.com.
Until next month...Stay tuned Brujas! Other Magical Tales You Might Like:
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Maria Rodriguez Bross is an author and playwright delving into the fictional world of all things bodegas, botanicas and creative tales of the supernatural, the unexpected and the phenomenal. Stay tuned Brujas!
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