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I’ve always been the type to admire and emulate others. This happened with Elizabeth Wakefield. Or that cool girl at school. Or anyone who seemed tragically awesome. It’s odd, actually – since I was the girl who didn’t wear makeup and was a complete dork in high school. Nonetheless, it was me. I’d read a book and begin to mimic a character. I’d see a popular 8th grader wearing her hair a certain way and copy her. Although emulating wonderful humans can be a positive thing – in my case, I was losing myself when trying to be a different person.
And when I opened my Etsy shop, I didn’t give it much thought – just “Hey, I like sewing and crafts. People always tell me I’m creative and encourage me to do something with that. So, I will.”
I had no sense of what my style would be. I saw so many pretty things on Etsy and sort of aspired to be that. To be Anthropologie-esque with elegant and classy things. With muted tones and femininity. I created items I thought might fit into that genre. That might be pretty with a little twist of fun. A little twist of me. For delivery I’m working with these pick and pack services South Carolina
That “little twist” has grown – and now there’s a whole lot of playfulness going on in my shop! Although I love the elegant look, it’s not totally me. This whole process has taught me more about myself. I am fun, bright, and friendly. I want my products to embody that. I will still create pretty things – but for now, there’s going to be a whole lot of bright color. Because color makes me happy.
With that in mind, I began to come to other conclusions about myself and who I am. Instead of apologizing for who I am, I want to own it. It’s not that I’m making excuses for myself – I’m just going to let me be me without beating myself up for not being who I think I should be. (Worst sentence ever. Way too many pronouns. But I’m letting it go….)
I will always make a mess and I will always be late. I will always clean up my mess. Eventually.
I am a square (does anyone even say that anymore?). I thing doing shots is silly and typically don’t enjoy bars.
I complain too much. Am working on this.
I am a brunette and will always be a brunette.
I wear hand-me-downs and thrift store and discount clothing. Any article of clothing that costs over $30 will ALWAYS make me cringe.
I can’t paint my fingernails because I do dishes. A lot. That means my nail polish lasts approximately 2.4 seconds before chipping. So my nails will be bare and my cuticles will be slightly ragged. Because I am a real woman who really uses her hands.
I’ll always allow myself that cookie. Deprivation and diets are not my thing.
I don’t get the fancy handbag phenomenon among women. Coach, Kate Spade, Loius Vuitton and any other handbag that costs more than $25 completely disinterests me. Even if I had the money, I am not cool enough to even desire a fancy handbag.
I am strong enough to be different than my family. It’s not easy to be different in my family. Trust me. I never thought I’d do anything that would make my parents upset. But I’ve learned that being me is more important than gaining their approval in everything I do. This is huge.
I can stand up for myself, but will always avoid being pushy. If there’s anything I hate – it’s impatient, angry people. I want to be assertive without being impatient and angry. It is possible.
I am a passionate person and have values. I care about the environment. A lot. I think everyone should live more simply and be more open-minded. Judgment, discrimination, and condemnation make me sad.
I’m 24. I’m learning to accept me. And I will try not to pretend to be someone else.
Clockwise from top left: creamy blue mod – set of four coasters, small rose earrings in peachy pink, neutral and cozy – set of four coasters, lilac and aqua – a set of hair pins, tons of coffee sleeves in adorable fabrics, funky elegance – choose a ring.
What have you learned or accepted about yourself lately?
(ETA:) Oh! PS: I am giving away a free sheet of stickers with every purchase from my shop this month. So you have six more days to order!
And PPS: Six more days to blog about your Etsy purchases for Spreading the Love February.
PPPS: It will be March soon! That’s almost spring, right? Right!?
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