blue nails

“You seem truly, really happy.”

Someone who has known me my entire life told me that the other day. It sparked a lot of reflection as I looked back on the past couple of months. It started in small ways: painting my nails in bright colors again, pinning my bangs back, and finally feeling authentically driven to tap into my creative hobbies. I’ve been quietly returning to the parts of myself that make me feel whole, and I’d be lying if I said these shifts weren't influenced by someone.

Life has a funny way of introducing people when you least expect it, yet exactly when you need them most. I realize now that since August, I’ve been running away from the very things that make me me, largely because I was trying to fit the mold of an unfamiliar version of myself to please others.

Reconnecting with the habits and traits that define me has been a grounding, lovely experience. I want to be the best version of myself for myself first, of course, but also for the people who accept me exactly as I am.

Xo