Style

Confessions of a Late Bloomer

Happy New Year!

This post is aptly titled Confessions of a Late Bloomer because I just reached a very big milestone earlier this month. Amidst all of the holiday cheer I have been nervously and excitedly been preparing to take my driver’s test. Yes, you read that correctly – at the age of twenty two I am finally the proud of owner of a driver’s licence. It has taken me longer than most for a variety of reasons, driving anxiety being a major one. But with the support of friends and family I have finally done it.

So in the spirit of fresh starts I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate my fellow late bloomers, because it’s never too late to conquer a fear, learn a new skill, or pick up a hobby.

I can now confidently say that I was definitely a late bloomer when it came to my personal style – and there are photographs floating around cyberspace to prove it..I shudder at the thought.

I should preface this by saying that I don’t think you ever truly stop exploring your style identity and evolving in your personal style but there is a pivotal moment in the journey where you start dressing for yourself and stop dressing for everyone else. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I really began to feel comfortable in my own skin, playing with makeup and style and finding my own style identity.

When I was a senior in college I joined the Variant Dance troupe on a whim. I have always loved dancing but never had the courage to join a class or team after being scarred by a mean girls dance class when I was a kid. It turned out be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I learned so much, developed long lasting relationships, and had so much fun. So the moral of the story is that you’ve gotta take chances and try out things that you’ve always wanted to do whether you’re fifteen or fifty. Enjoy the journey and don’t take any moment for granted.

As you approach 2016 with a new set of goals and renewed sense of gusto think about what you want to conquer this year and place an emphasis on growing and developing as a person. The risks you take can be big or small just don’t stay stagnant in a place of fear and unhappiness.

Cut your hair, start a Zumba class, paint a room in your house, go back to school, start a new job…the opportunities are endless and change can be liberating.

Prioritize your health and your happiness and make time for yourself and the ones you love.