Growing up in with two brothers and no sisters, I think it's pretty safe to say I was a bit of a tomboy and a pretty low-maintenance gal. I've always feared drama, dreaded gossip, and despised conflict. Men were naturally more easy to get along with than women. These are things I've always known about myself.
Yet, over the past year or so I've been trying to accept and learn more about my true self. I'm trying to celebrate my introversion while attempting to kindly sweep my social anxeity out the door... or at least under the rug; that's probably more accurate. I've learned a lot about myself over the past couple years: tendencies and peculiarities that have always laid dormant, but now that I'm somewhat grown up (I have a genuine house now, dammit!) I've come to recognize them. Here's a few:
- My eco-friendly habits are becoming a bit severe.
- Imposter syndrome is a real thing.
- I'm getting better at speaking/public engagements... but will try to get out of it first.
- I'd have to be kidnapped to participate in anything that involves crowds.
- Being vulnerable online will always be scary, but it always helps that person who relates.
- When it comes to clothing, first and foremost - comfort. Life's too short to be uncomfortable.
- I finally like my bed-head and natural curls.
- For me, I usually find makeup to be a waste of time (except for a sweep of blush).
Over the holiday weekend, a couple family members were innocently poking fun at me; saying they were going to take photos of my mussed, no-makeup style and post them onto the blog. As if I've been sporting some kind of facade? I'm not sure. I couldn't help but laugh, "Do it!" I said. I think they thought I was joking. Demonstrably, I'm always looking like a rag-a-muffin. Even growing up my mom would beg me to run a comb through my wild, wind-blown tangles.
My photo in the top-right of the side bar was taken quickly one morning in the fall. I actually have short bangs, but having just woken up I had yet to straighten them... so they just ended up plastered to the side of my head. Those are my natural, imperfect curls you see which do whatever they like. I used to fight them, but no longer. I wasn't even wearing any make up and had to do a quick photoshop of a bit of mascara! #mascaraistheworst #allergies
I've always felt this space was a place of transparency. I talk about anxiety, depression, introversion, family, disease, and being comfortable in your own skin. It's not in my nature to shy away from difficult topics and I never showcase a facade of how my life actually is. So, in the spirit of transparency, here are some photos from a couple weeks ago when my brother-in-law was playing with Todd's camera. We happened to all be snuggled up on the dog bed and he thought it would be funny to take some 'family' photos, just goofing around. Find more after the recipe and enjoy. Here's to the good life and being yourself!
