On Being Yourself

Happy weekend, friends! It's finally here. :)

So, today's blog post is going to be a tad more personal. As 2017 draws to a close, I've been reflecting on what the year has held and what I've learned. I think of accomplishments (like graduating college), gaining new skills (graphic design and photography), but I am also reminded of the year's struggles and how they have shaped me. And I know this is *cheesy* but I really want to talk about what I've learned about being yo'self.

Here we go!

So, this year has been a journey. That's the only way I can describe it. There have been such victories this year, but there has also been a big battle with insecurity. Insecurity is something I have wrestled with so hard. And for what? This can manifest itself in the form of perfectionism, comparing myself to others, and eventually it bleeds into my art. When you compare your gifts, your body, your talents, your style, etc. to everyone around you, it zaps your joy. It takes away your individuality and that precious celebration of who Christ has made you to be.

So what have I learned?

I've learned that being 24 is not what I thought it would be. (Yo, I finally understand Jon Foreman's "24" now.) This thing we call the 20's is an odd little beast. Maybe I'm a late bloomer and I should have done all of this self discovery in high school, but I still feel like I'm coming into my own. That I'm still realizing who I am and who I want to become. And maybe that is something that is ever-evolving; maybe we are always getting to know ourselves at different stages of life.

But one thing I know for sure is that I never, ever have to change for anyone.
And neither do you.

There is something so inexpressibly wonderful about individuality. It floors me how beautiful and diverse the Lord has made every living soul, and I'm starting to let that leak into my own confidence as well. If you're struggling with insecurity, I want you to just OWN IT, yo. Are you into fandoms and geek culture? Rock it. Don't dress like the magazines want you to? Do you, boo. Have a quiet heart in a room full of loud souls? Be the listener. That's awesome.

*So much cheese on the bloggeth today*

If there's anything 2017 has taught me, it's that life is short, and the days are passing quickly. There is not time enough to fear, or worry, or stress. Go out and love yourself, love others, do the thing you have always wanted to do but always thought you couldn't. Give yourself grace.

What about you?

What has 2017 taught you about yourself? About life? If you want, list 5 radical things that you love about yourself in the comments below, or 5 things you want to do in the New Year. Love y'all! You rock.