When I was a child, my mother would often take me along on trips to thrift stores, whether in San Diego or Albuquerque, New Mexico. At the time, I would have much rather been tagging along with my brothers to the mall. But looking back, I now realize how those visits to the secondhand shops were far more than just errands—they were lessons in life.
As we sifted through racks of clothes and piles of forgotten treasures, my mother would impart her wisdom on how to spot valuable finds amidst the clutter. She taught me how to recognize the hidden gems that others overlooked, and, just as importantly, how to discern what wasn’t worth the effort. Those moments in the thrift stores, though simple, shaped the way I view the world today.
Beyond the tangible lessons of thrift shopping, one of the most important values my mother instilled in me was the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. Over the years, I've come to understand that kindness is a choice I can make in every