What I Wore + More- Red Aztec Cardigan and Chambray

Cardigan: Pick Your Plum

Shirt: J Crew

Pants: TJ Maxx

Boots: Thrifted
Earrings: ONE little MOMMA

Lately I have been thinking a lot about being brave. The word brave was a big contender as I chose my one little word this year. I didn't choose it, (possibly because I was too scared of what it might bring) but I'm still thinking about it. I am terrified of many things including roller coasters, heights, being embarrassed, and confrontation. My instant reaction to being put on the spot is what my husband and I call 'the sweats.' My husband will often jokingly ask me, "So did it give you a sweat?" Yes, yes it probably did. 

Anyway, this week I've been caught in a little battle of comparing, hustling myself, and trying to fit in. I'm talking about the blogging world today, but really it applies to every part of my life. I'm finding that takes A LOT of courage to be yourself- not to just be yourself but to be only your WHOLE self. This past year I have been working on being authentic and I really have made a lot of progress. But recently I have found situations where I think I'm being real and then when I look back I realize that I was only being part me and part trying to fit in. I was too scared to just go all in. This is frustrating for me because it doesn't feel good to try and fit in. (Probably because it's impossible!) It feels so much better to be 100% true to what you think, what you believe and what you want.

The internet is a very easy place to be someone else. Some people love it for that very reason, but I love it for it's opposite. I have loved connecting with so many people around the world because of and in my struggles and my successes. One of my hopes as I continue to blog is to be more true to myself completely and then be content with what comes back to me. I love blogging- so much more than I thought I would. I love reading blogs and writing mine. And you know what I love about my favorite blogs? I love to read something with inspiration, beauty, honesty and creativity. Yes, I love this outfit. I had this cardigan at the top of my Christmas list and these vintage boots were a fantastic thrifting find. Pairing an Aztec cardigan with a chambray shirt is a great way to mix an on trend piece with a classic. But I have a hard time just describing an outfit and leaving it at that. I want to include some inspiration, beauty, honesty and creativity in every post- not just every once and a while.

I want to make this blog my favorite blog. Not your favorite blog- but mine. I do hope you love it too. I think you will because I think you and I have a lot in common. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you handle this? How do you stay true to yourself?