Five Things

Want to know how awkward it is to stalk yourself on Facebook? Okay, I know we all do it... but I actually had a purpose this time. Looking for selfies. You'll know why in a bit. Anyways, I've been seeing people in my news feed posting to a page called Gratitude Journal. I'd join it but you have to post three things a day, and most people do it first thing in the morning, but I never go on Facebook in the morning. I tend to try and remind myself what I'm most grateful for each night before I go to bed. 

But anyways, lately I've been feeling kind of grateful for myself. But before you call me conceited, hear me out! 

It takes a lot to be a strong person, and while I have my weaknesses I think I am an inherently strong-willed girl. Mentally I'm in a completely different place than I've ever been, but I still have days where I just get so down on myself. And I find myself consciously reminding myself of how good a person I am-- something I think everybody needs to do. You can't be the best version of yourself at any given time without believing you're the best you you can be... for now, anyways.

So, I thought for today's post I'd write five things I like about myself. You should grab a journal and do it too! Sometimes the only person who can convince you of just how amazing you are is yourself.

#loveyourselfie

1. I'm Loyal.

I'm so fiercely loyal to my friends and my family (and my dog) and my beliefs that sometimes I think it's a bad thing. Actually, it has proven to be a bad thing a few times in the past... especially when someone turns out to be someone completely different than who you thought they were. Thankfully it doesn't happen often, but it takes a lot of patience for someone to be loyal. I mean, all the buttons people you love can push can get to be a lot, but at the end of the day I'd do anything for my friends and family. They're everything to me.

2. I'm Hard-working.

Since I was 15 I've held down a job (or two, or three...). And I've been a full-time student. And now I have an internship on top of all of that. I may be too busy for my own good, but I love it. It keeps me going and keeps me motivated when it comes to making sure I set myself up for success.

3. I'm a Dreamer.

Literally last night when I was going to bed, I told myself to dream of Paris. And guess what! I did. Then I woke up fully believing I was going to move there and learn French after working for a couple years following graduation. Wouldn't that be lovely? La Vie en Rose may or may not be on repeat all day today... But hey, dreams keep me going.

4. I'm a family gal.

Sometimes I think it's weird because one of my favorite people to hang out with is my mom. Sunday nights are my favorite because of our family dinners with our neighbors, and the holidays are the best in my book. And while my family does tend to drive me a little crazy at times (don't they all?!), there's nothing better than a family vacation.

5. I'm Confident. (#myrealselfie)

I think this comes with age, but I'm lucky because despite all my insecurities I've always considered myself to be an overall confident person. A lot of people tell me I'm intimidating which I find funny because 98% of the time I'm doing something completely illogical. But I've found that when you believe in yourself and who you are, good things come your way. Things that are meant for you, people you're meant to stumble upon, memories you're meant to make, and I find something unbelievably surreal in that.

Gotta say, I thought a "sweat pants, hair-tied (except for not in this one), chilling with no make up (and glasses) on" look would be far more intimidating to share with the world. Be proud of who you are, imperfections and all.

xoxo, 

Em

Ms. Perfect

Just take a second real quick here with me. Think back to five years ago--what you were doing, who you were friends with, what you were interested in, how you felt about your family. Is that person the same person you are today? The answer is probably no.

Five years ago I was fifteen. FIFTEEN! I remember it was the same year Taylor Swift's Fearless album came out; my mom's friend let me borrow it and told me the song "Fifteen" reminded her of me. I laughed and rolled my eyes. But now when I look back on it or whenever I hear the song, I smile. And it's not because of some old love, but more so because of all the things that have happened since then.

The Impossible Standard

I know it sounds stupid, but when we're all growing up isn't there some kind of fantasy life we hold onto? Something that we're constantly chasing after but may never get? Success, money, love, security, honesty, acceptance... the list goes on and on. And in a perfect world, we'd have it all! That kind of naiveté is the thing I associate most with being fifteen. The "perfect" life with the perfect guy and the perfect kids and the white picket fence (and maybe throw in a house on the Cape...). I dream big, alright?

I can't speak for guys because honestly, in the past five years, my ability to understand the way they work has been at a standstill. But for girls, and I see it in girls younger than me too, there is this idea revolving around perfection. There's the pressure to be perfect-- to date the right guy, to wear the right clothes, to get into the right school and to make the honor roll, to play varsity sports... Again, the list goes on and on.

Time to throw that list out the window.

I'm serious. Take the list you have in your head of who you should be and where your life should be going and get rid of it. The reality is, no matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone. Someone will always be disappointed. And isn't part of today's definition of "perfect" being liked by all? You see, you've already lost.

I have spent so many years trying to figure out who to be and who I should please. I've pondered millions and millions of times how to be perfect. Society has created this community where the ideal is everything. It impacts us, especially teens, more than I think anybody realizes. The pressure is on for kids nowadays, and quite frankly, it sucks.

My take on Ms. Perfect

We each have to decide what our own individual definitions of "perfect" and "perfection" are, because no two definitions will be the same-- after all, no two people are the same.

My definition of Ms. Perfect? I would describe her as the girl who is not persuaded, threatened, or moved by anyone else. The girl who is 100% herself without apology. The girl who grows up to be the woman that puts out so much of herself and her light and her energy to the world that she leaves it knowing she lived her life to the fullest, and knowing that she touched many, many lives. I think Ms. Perfect is the woman who isn't afraid of the "unmapped territory" that lies within her. The woman who believes in miracles, but also believes in hard work and dedication. Ms. Perfect is the girl who finally realized that it's all the small things in life that make it worth living-- that it's not a man, or an amazing house (or eight for that matter), or being the CEO.

She Makes Her Own Rules.

Ms. Perfect makes her own rules, and lives by them. But most importantly, she's happy.

Happy Monday loves!

xoxo