I almost had to go on the lamb
My newest, middle aged obsession got me into a wee bit of trouble
My husband was cleaning out the back seat of our car one day and came in with a super serious expression on his face, and said, “Babe, I need to ask you a question and I need you to answer me honestly and I promise I won’t be mad.”
I immediately started to panic and thought, “Ohmigod, it’s happening. I’m about to be wrongfully accused of murder and I’m gonna have 24 hours to prove I didn't do it and WHAT DO PEOPLE WEAR IN THESE SITUATIONS?!?!?”
Which is making me think I should start cooling it on the thrillers this summer.
He bent down and said gently, “Are you drinking on the sly?”, holding out a fifth of Jim Beam.
RELIEF! Hallelujah! He thinks I’m an alcoholic! Not a murderer!
Listen, I’m about as likely to overdrink these days as I am to start wearing low rider jeans. It’s not completely impossible, but also not very probable, because, thanks to perimenopause, I just got a hangover from typing the word A-L-C-O-H-O-L.
No, I had Jim rolling around in my backseat because I’ve started indulging in another middle age pastime - picking up neighborhood trash.
As a teen, I remember watching my mom scooping up a slightly decomposed Big Gulp cup from the gutter and thinking it was the single most revolting act I had ever witnessed.
Now, those Big Gulp cups are mine.
Picking up trash in your neighborhood is the ultimate “I’m proud to live here” statement. It’s a reminder that you’re part of something bigger and that you’re committed enough to where you live to make sure it’s lovely and clean for everyone.
It makes you feel like you’re part of place. That your presence matters and that you can make a difference in the world, even if it’s just keeping your streets clear of oversized drink cups.
For me, it’s a small thing I do to ground me in my community. When the world feels overwhelming and I start spinning into hopeless and anger, I can, at least, make sure my neighborhood stays a welcoming place.
And who knows? You pick up trash and your neighbor notices and you start chatting and before you know it, you’ve got a community of people who know each other, and take care of each other and the street they live on.
Not too shabby, right?
Pick up one piece of trash in your neighborhood
That’s it!
Grab a doggie bag or plastic bag and pick up a piece of trash. Feel the sparkly neighborhood vibes roll in.
👉 THIS IS TOO EASY.
Nope. That’s your brain making things harder than they need to be.
Just do the one piece and see how you feel. You might want to do another piece or you might be content with the fact you made your neighborhood a little bit nicer.
The point here is to hop in and do something for the greater good. It doesn’t have to be hard, you just gotta do it.
👉 EW, IT’S GROSS.
I agree. But, sometimes disgustingness is the price we pay to live in a world we’re proud of. PUT THAT ON YOUR MUG.
As I’m writing this, I’m looking out the window and can see some sort of wrapper on the street and YOU ARE MINE.
Go out and pick up your piece!
Right now before you forget! You’ll feel fantastic, pinkie swear.
And then tell us in the comments what trash you picked up so I can send you a 🗑️ emoji.
Have the best week!
xx. Kara
You know I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post. I am trying to make it cool to pickup trash. Thanks for the help in my mission!