Life Got Better When I Stopped Forcing It
Life got better for me when I stopped trying to force things to work that were never intended for me to begin with. I started this year off with a mission: to put myself first. In my circle, I always try my best to be there for everyone. But sometimes, constantly pouring into others leaves my own cup feeling empty. At the top of the year, I felt completely depleted and was tasked with living a new reality. Have you ever envisioned something for yourself, only for it not to work out, leaving you feeling devastated? That was me.
I remember sitting in the doctor’s office feeling numb and helpless. But right then, sitting in the weight of that moment, I made a decision: I was ready to try something new. I was tired of feeling sorry for myself, so I started investing in me. I began taking longer walks, smiling more, dancing more, taking a leap of faith to travel to Ghana and slowly, things that were once cloudy became clear.
I made a promise to myself to have the best summer ever, whether that meant hanging out with friends, taking a dance lesson, or planning the cutest party ever.
My party theme was “The Summer I Turned 27.” I chose it because I absolutely loved Belly’s story in the tv show The Summer I Turned Pretty. She was just a girl navigating life, love, transitions, and grief. Just as Belly navigated her world against the backdrop of Cousins Beach, I wanted to create that same feeling for my own milestone.
Every outfit I curate comes with deep thought. I chose a 1997 Hervé Léger dress, the same style Fran Drescher wore on The Nanny, a woman who was also just trying to figure life out. I paired it with a necklace that reminded me of the sea and new dreams, alongside silver heels borrowed from one of my dearest friends that perfectly complemented the white and blue of the dress. The entire look felt thoughtful, intentional, and covered in love and favor.
Walking into a room filled with the bright smiles of my friends and family lightened my spirit and reminded me of all my blessings. For the first time in a long time, I feel free. Free to be who I want to be, and free to simply be myself.
It is beautiful to be able to see new and fresh possibilities for yourself. So far, I have collected authentic experiences, engaged in meaningful dialogue, and truly laughed until my belly hurts. I am blessed to have another year to explore myself through enriching activities and, of course fashion. I plan on pushing boundaries and learning what it means to be a woman because I’m feeling real grown these days, if you know what I’m putting down.
I’m motivated to keep going, keep pouring into myself, and to remember that whether there’s sun or rain, the best days are still ahead.
