Quitting

GET THE LOOK
c/o Wallis Kimono (here) (similar) // Old Navy Denim (here) (similar) // Sole Society Heels (similar) (similar) // Target Bag (similar) // Mint Sugar Boutique Tassel Necklace - SOLD OUT (similar) (similar) // c/o Sophistifunk Bracelets (here) // c/o T + J Designs Watch (here) // Forever 21 Glasses (similar) (similar)

First of all I wanted to say thank you for all the comments, tweets, and emails that you guys sent my way yesterday. I tried to get back to everyone, but some of you are set up as a no-reply blogger and I couldn't respond to your comment. If it weren't for you, coming here, taking time to actually read what I write and then leaving a genuine message, I would have quit months ago.

Speaking of the word quit, that has been on my mind lately when it comes to blogging. I am pretty positive we have all felt this way at least once. Now, don't get me wrong, starting my blog has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I have said it a dozen times in previous posts. I have grown extraordinarily as a person and it has taught me valuable life lessons, ones that took me thirty-plus years to figure out. It's my creative outlet, but this outlet also comes with hard work, dedication, perseverance, long hours, self comparison, becoming burnt out at times and feeling inferior. 

What I have had to remind myself is that the pluses have by far outnumbered the minuses. I mean, hello?! A simple girl was swooped off Texas soil and whisked away to London because of this blog. (Thank you, Wallis). I can't leave out the fact that I met and became in real life friends with girls because of this blog. I could bore you to tears with all the stories and highlights that have come from my little space in blog land, but I won't.

What I will share with you is my knack for quitting. Since I was a little girl, I have always considered myself a quitter. I would start something and never finish it; dance class, a plethora of sports and jobs. Plain and simple. I would quit if it was too hard, got boring, thought my ego would get bruised or out of pure laziness. This syndrome trickled into my adulthood as well.

After beating myself up one afternoon, pondering my self-professed quitter syndrome, something hit me. I actually believe that the smack to my head came from a higher being. All of the sudden I was instantly reminded of all the things that I haven't given up on. Things that actually matter. Pieces of my life that are more important than any sport, career or activity.

I could have easily thrown in the towel on my marriage when we hit rough patches, family when they told me things I didn't necessarily want to hear, faith when it was tested, college degree and friendships that got rocky. I won't ever give up on what matters most. So many things in life come and go, but family, genuine friendships, life lessons and achievements are here to stay, as long as you pause and realize their importance.

Even though there are days when I want to quit my blog because I think it's become too much work, that I am not good enough, wonder where it's really going or if I am wasting my time, I know that if I walked away from this, my own special place, I would regret it all my days. It has become one of my greatest personal achievements.

Everything and anything you are passionate about takes time to develop, curate, grow and requires dedication, courage and commitment. There are not too many people in this world that have it easy or been given free handouts served on a silver plated platter. Most of us have to put in the time and effort toward the things that mean the most to us. And yes, this blog of mine means a great deal to me. Maybe in five or ten years, or quite possibly next year, I may not continue with what I am currently doing, but if and when I stop it will not because it got too hard, stressful or out of laziness. 

To make a long story short, whatever it is you are passionate about, believe in or are striving for, don't let your past predict your future. The present is here and now, do what you love, love what you do and just because you may walk away from certain things doesn't make you a quitter. It's just setting you up for your life's next adventure and making you all the wiser in your choices and decisions. Just make sure you are doing the things you are doing for the right reasons. Life is short, people.

P.S. I know that my outfit had absolutely nothing to do with my content today. I love this kimono and wanted to share how I styled it. Sorry if you thought the photos and my ramblings were supposed to mesh somehow. I like to refer to these kinds of posts as having "blogger brain". I hope you enjoyed it regardless.

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Moving onto photos and words that do relate, I am thrilled to share a blogging fashionista with you. Her name is Lauren with Fizz and Frosting.

Lauren and I have so much in common it's scary. We both run a style blog. Clue number why I love her. She is bargain shopping babe and is a master hunter when it comes to finding fab pieces for less. Lauren drinks wine. Hello? So do I. She is a mom. So am I! Okay, maybe she doesn't actually have children, but does have sweet furbabies to take care of.

Back to strictly talking about Lauren. She nailed it with the monochromatic look, and even taught us an optical illusion with that post. Need ideas for work wear attire? She has you covered with this one. I am still obsessing over that leopard top. She gets crazy creative with remixing her wardrobe and is constantly giving us tips on how to take one piece and style it a completely different way. And did you know that neon can actually be subtle? Well, Lauren shows us how to make it happen and even wear it to the office.

In case I wasn't clear, Fizz and Frosting should get added to your blog roll if you are looking for fun, practical, trendy and affordable ways to work your closet. See you at her place.

Today, Lauren is offering a $25 gift card to Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic. The winner can use the gift card to any of the three stores. Make sure to stop by Fizz.and Frosting and tell Lauren thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 

 

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Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.