An Introduction
Standing next to an inspirational sign wearing a straw hat in Tulum, Mexico. #goals #dreams #journey #cliché
Well, this is hard. I have been waffling back and forth with the idea of starting a blog for several months now. I love writing and always have. When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer. I’ve taken several cracks at blogging before (those close to me may fondly remember “Elise in Italy,” “See Naples and Die,” and “Heather Eats Hamburgers”). But when I thought about starting a new blog, I felt conflicted. Could I really commit to being that much of a cliché? Another young, White, Pinterest-loving woman who also has a deep affinity for matcha, yoga and travel and is the proud owner of two fluffy Pomeranians?* She voted for Hillary and she can often be spotted at the farmer’s market! She loves a bold lip and a wavy, textured lob! She drives a Prius and only buys grass fed beef! Her job was too stressful, and she was suffering from a vague, trendy, chronic illness so she quit to take time to find herself and “heal.” And how is she doing that, you may wonder? Why, by traveling through Europe of course! It’s Wild, Eat, Pray, Love and Believe Me all rolled into one neatly gel-manicured and Lululemon wrapped package!
Me with the aforementioned textured, wavy lob and bold lip
God. When I write it all down even I want to roll my eyes at myself. Add “blogger” to that list of clichés and I’ve really sealed the deal. Solidified my fate. Claimed my spot in the privileged, Millennial lady hall of fame. And that’s that, right?
Well, no. If we’re going for cliché here then perhaps one of the biggest writing clichés is that to be a good writer you’ve got to write what you know. And what I know is my story. And my story is that of a smart, driven young woman who loves travel, yoga, pretty things and her dogs. She was always a perfectionist, an overachiever, a type-A planner who could do it all. She was the first in her family to attend college. She got a Master’s degree. She wanted to change the world and help others. So, she worked really, really hard for years and years trying to achieve that goal. Even to the point where she was unhappy. Even to the point where so no longer loved or believed in what she was doing. She got sick. And that sickness overshadowed everything else. And she realized beyond a doubt that she would never be well if she didn’t leave that job and try to focus on herself and the things she loved again. She came to believe that changing the world meant caring for herself first. She was fortunate and privileged to have the means to do so. So she did.
To be honest, the apprehension that I’ve felt about starting this blog is really more about what people will think about me rather than what I think about myself. The fear of criticism and dismissal. Of eye rolls hidden behind cell phone and laptop screens. Of people thinking that I’m self-absorbed, holier-than-thou or just another bored woman with too much time on her hands. I am confident but I care desperately what people think, to a fault. But, I can roll my eyes with the best of them and I’m probably harder on myself than anyone could ever be on me, so what have I got to lose? Yes, my story may be somewhat cliché. But, I am so much more than that.
I am truthful, kind, loyal, and smart as hell. I like to live my life in the “do no harm, take no shit,” kind of way. I tell it like it is, I keep my word and I do the right thing. I am sarcastic and blunt, but caring and compassionate. I care what you think but not enough to stop me from doing what I believe is right. I am generous and sincere. My voice is unique and clear and strong. My story is different because it’s about me and will be told by me. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to share this story because it has the potential to help someone else in need. Otherwise, what’s the point? What’s more self-absorbed and privileged than using your privilege to do nothing at all but benefit yourself? So, while the world may not need another yoga teaching, almond milk drinking, Whole Foods shopping gal about town, it does need me. Clichés and all. So, here I am.
*adopt don’t shop!
Doing a yoga pose at sunset while on a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. You really can’t make this up.
