Ok, so my last post was quite emotional. Shout out to those who reached out to me with such kind words, whether they could personally relate or my words just spoke to them. I'm honored that my words could evoke so much emotion for others. You see, right there - I get my passion from you guys. My readers are so important to me and anytime I receive comments about my posts, I’m stunned (in a good way). Ever since I can remember, writing has been my passion. At about 10-years-old, I was fairly certain I was going to be an author. ::eye roll::  It was going to happen - my 10-year-old self was sure of it. Now at 24-years-old, I sort of feel like my childhood dream is coming to life with Lipstick + Love.

As a blogger, writing for a large audience can really be intimidating. It’s not only putting yourself out there with your words, but it’s really scary when you think how many people could see this stuff. Yes, I know I’m not a huge blog, but posting anything publicly can make anyone feel vulnerable, especially me. More often than not, I find myself thinking of a post, but then hesitate because I’m afraid to really put my feelings out there for the world. Seriously, it’s like public speaking, but on paper…errr…my blog. The more and more I write; the more I realize who the hell cares what others think. If you like my blog, great. If not, deuces. I’m not forcing anyone to read my words, to relate to them or to even like them, but if I can reach out to one person with my posts – then I’m doing something right.

A few weeks ago I spoke to my sister-in-law, Lauren, about how scary it is to really put yourself out there. Since she’s a personal fitness coach and runs a page for her teammates, she’s also struggled with really putting herself out there. Whether it’s posting a sweaty selfie after a rigorous workout or just posting about something close to her heart, it’s daunting. After bouncing ideas back and forth with her, you could seriously cut the passion with a knife (funny enough in my kitchen) - it was pretty damn easy to tell we both are passionate about what we do. To really engage with our followers/audience, being vulnerable is all part of the game. Sometimes you just have to say, 'who the hell cares' what others think. We've both definitely embraced, 'doing the damn thing' and putting ourselves out there in ways we never thought we could.

 My blog has evolved into not only posts on my favorite makeup products or summer must-haves, but ones that really show my readers who I am (Getting Over a Curveball // Uncertainty Shapes You // Experiences Mean The Most). 

To me, I’ve embraced being vulnerable. I've put myself out there for the world to see and ya know what? It's pretty damn liberating. If my words can help just one person, I'm doing something right. To me, that's all that matters.


Go get your vulnerability-on. Lauren shared this incredible video with me on struggling with putting yourself out there. Go for it. Do the damn thing. What do you have to lose?

 

Photo credit:
Photography | Kristin Gainey Photography
Hair & makeup: Monica Wakefield
Jewelry: Roxanne Kelly Designs