#OPTOUTSIDE WITH BLACK GIRLS RUN! ON BLACK FRIDAY

#OPTOUTSIDE WITH BLACK GIRLS RUN! ON BLACK FRIDAY #sponsored

By: Toni Carey (@toni_carey/@blackgirlsrun)

It seems like just when you begin to feel the crispness in the air and the first hint of pumpkin spiced all things hit the shelves, we  leap frog to Christmas decorations, holiday planning, and gift buying. Forget about all of the holidays (and regular days) in between, it's just a mad rush to Christmas shopping and December 25. 

The older I get the more it becomes my least favorite time of year. The commercialization and hype of the holiday makes me feel, dare I say, a little jaded. The true meaning of the season is often lost in "let me one up you" gift giving".

And then you have Black Friday, which seems to start, earlier, and earlier each year. Years ago, when I worked in retail, I rarely saw the best in people as they snatched designer handbags from the shelves while they pushed and shoved each other. Not to mention, traveling to see family was pretty much a no-go since working that blessed day was mandatory. 

But, guys, there is hope. REI is again shaking things up with its #OptOutside campaign, and is closing all of its 149 stores and paying all 12,000+ employees to take the day off, because Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with the people you love, in the places you love!

I could not be more on board with REI's decision. This Black Friday (November 24), our wallets are taking a rest day and we will be outside enjoying nature and enjoying life. NEW this year we have planned events in several cities across the country, so be sure to stay tuned to attend an event near you! 

We're encouraging you to shake things up a bit too and pass on the Black Friday chaos and head outside with your friends and family, for a walk, run, or simply a breath of fresh air. 

Share how you will #OptOutside on Black Friday here. Don't forget to share your photos on Black Friday using hashtag #OptOutside #blackgirlsrun

Also in Blog