I almost didn’t do Frocktober in 2016; it was only because Emma and I traded comments on an Instagram post (in mid-July), asking me if I was doing Frocktober, I seriously considered it..

I am honestly so grateful for the motivation from Emma. I was then approached by the OCRF to engage with Frocktober again in 2016, so evidently the Universe had it on my ‘to-do’ list!

it’s (not) about you

Truth is, fundraising (speaking broadly) is not just something you ‘do’; it is very much a mental and physical process.
You do need some (mental) support from people like your friends and family to do so, as I have fortunately done in the last (now) 4 years. Regardless of #girlgangs, where I have worked, my old Highschool – I have been supported in my Frocktober ventures; with an absolutely full heart, I do not take this for granted.

The Paradox

To fundraise as an individual:

• It is your decision
• It is purely self-motivated (as in, you motivate yourself to do so)

Yet;

• It is not about you, everything is about the cause you are fundraising for
• You tread the fine line of self-promotion/promoting awareness
• You don’t always get patted on the back

Fundraising for Frocktober prises at  the weathered exterior of my introversion – it takes a bold confidence to stand up (in a fashionable frock, of course) and make your vision of fundraising happen. I can do this because it is not about me, really; it’s about women’s health and character building.

Frocktober is the attrition of the area between my comfort zone and my potential

I have written each year about how I have learned to manage expectations and goals through Frocktober – and even though I am (something of) a ‘Veteran’ now, 2016 is going to be no different.

Why do it?

For Love

Of a cause, of yourself, of family

My Grandmother and I are symbols of the greater whole of women’s health promotion. I love my fashion, but I am not a ‘clothes-horse’ – I am one of the faces of and a voice of Frocktober, my Grandmother is the survivor. I don’t control how people view or react to me, but I can be the voice they react to when I talk about Frocktober and Women’s Gynaecological Health.

I am still slightly uncomfortable making phone calls to people I have never met, and I feel silly for feeling surprised at the widespread positive reception I have had each year. Perth people and business owners react so wonderfully to the authenticity I didn’t fully realise I had. And this year, it  happily becomes “we” with Em and Malinda!

Have a ‘Love Project’

Immerse yourself in something;

Fragility is okay – you don’t have to be a raging extrovert to be passionate about something. It takes guts to challenge yourself, and no two experiences are the same. Now that we are in the swing of Frocktober, I am able to remember and embody the joy it brings me; what a privilege to work with and support Em, Malinda, Raych, Jonté and Katey.

Not everything about Cancer is doom and gloom

Through fundraising, I have discovered joys are rarely delivered – they are found;
might as well be well-dressed for the journey!

Frock on!

A

Photo by @natventuring Photography
Frock from @Mercado32 Clothing Exchange

To make a tax-refundable donation: https://frocktober2016.everydayhero.com/au/two-fine-femmes

For all event announcements and some fabulous frocks, follow my Instagram; @thetangibleblog

To become a 2016 Frockette/Frocker Fundraiser, sign up here

To donate or find out more about Frocktober, or see Megan Hess’ beautiful campaign art – go here!

If you have unwanted, unworn, unloved frocks, I will collecting them throughout the month of October, to donate on!

Cover Image artwork an original creation, by me – not to be used without permission.