love the choices

My My!  It's been quite the debate on the POLLY facebook of late!

Comments and opinions have been flying nearly as fast as the new We Are Handsome cozzies!

FB is such an interesting forum - giving the public the opportunity and freedom to speak, comment, debate ... a good thing in most circumstances. 

I so love the POLLY facebook for always being so positive and FUN!  We have the best customers - always liking, saying positive things about the pretty dresses and shopping up a storm - we love sharing because of this!  

But yesterday!  Sheesh!  It really got a bit ugly on the PFB...

I was soooo sad (seriously, I had a short of breath, little tear in my eye, big swallow) when I read such negative and sharp comments posted by 'fans?' about us supporting the likes of anorexia.  Full on comments were flying, including the opinion that we should be ashamed of ourselves and our marketing choices ...

Wow.  It is soooo interesting how people can have such different opinions!

I am SO passionate about POLLY being a positive space for all.  Our shoppers, our team, our designers, everyone.  So my heart was so heavy to feel that this wasn't happening ...  

When I see that picture, I think 'WOW, it is CUTIE CUTE!!  How much fun are denim bikinis!!?  And pinky permed hair ... brave and rad".  Truthfully, before the comments started flying, I hadn't even focused on the girls body ... She's the model - how is that even relevant to me?  I am a shopper - I buy clothes, not the girl wearing them!??  So confused ...

Anyhoos, the whole thing was just making me sad and but then I read this little paragraph and it reminded and INSPIRED me that I always have a choice in how I communicate!

I read ...

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

I learnt ...

1.  I have freedom of expression - I am soooo lucky!

2.  The best form of expression is loving and kind expression

3.  When I express, I can ask my self "Is this expression loving and kind?"

4.  Participating in negative commentary hurts both me and others

5.  I have choices

And that is what I have to say about that.  Love M xx