Saturday, December 16, 2017

On Being Yourself



Happy weekend, friends! It's finally here. :)

So, today's blog post is going to be a tad more personal. As 2017 draws to a close, I've been reflecting on what the year has held and what I've learned. I think of accomplishments (like graduating college), gaining new skills (graphic design and photography), but I am also reminded of the year's struggles and how they have shaped me. And I know this is *cheesy* but I really want to talk about what I've learned about being yo'self.




So, this year has been a journey. That's the only way I can describe it. There have been such victories this year, but there has also been a big battle with insecurity. Insecurity is something I have wrestled with so hard. And for what? This can manifest itself in the form of perfectionism, comparing myself to others, and eventually it bleeds into my art. When you compare your gifts, your body, your talents, your style, etc. to everyone around you, it zaps your joy. It takes away your individuality and that precious celebration of who Christ has made you to be.

So what have I learned?


I've learned that being 24 is not what I thought it would be. (Yo, I finally understand Jon Foreman's "24" now.) This thing we call the 20's is an odd little beast. Maybe I'm a late bloomer and I should have done all of this self discovery in high school, but I still feel like I'm coming into my own. That I'm still realizing who I am and who I want to become. And maybe that is something that is ever-evolving; maybe we are always getting to know ourselves at different stages of life.

But one thing I know for sure is that I never, ever have to change for anyone.
And neither do you.


There is something so inexpressibly wonderful about individuality. It floors me how beautiful and diverse the Lord has made every living soul, and I'm starting to let that leak into my own confidence as well. If you're struggling with insecurity, I want you to just OWN IT, yo. Are you into fandoms and geek culture? Rock it. Don't dress like the magazines want you to? Do you, boo. Have a quiet heart in a room full of loud souls? Be the listener. That's awesome.

*So much cheese on the bloggeth today*

If there's anything 2017 has taught me, it's that life is short, and the days are passing quickly. There is not time enough to fear, or worry, or stress. Go out and love yourself, love others, do the thing you have always wanted to do but always thought you couldn't. Give yourself grace.

What about you?

What has 2017 taught you about yourself? About life? If you want, list 5 radical things that you love about yourself in the comments below, or 5 things you want to do in the New Year. Love y'all! You rock. 

22 comments:

  1. GREAT POST !! <3

    5 things I want to do in the new year:
    -finish writing my book (like actually finish done done done not just finish another draft)
    -submit queries to publishing houses JUST TO SAY THAT I DID
    -cook more
    -show love more freely
    -go on a road trip (even just a teeny one). :)

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    1. Thank you so much Olivia! :-)

      Those are the most awesome goals! I need to finish my novel too, yo. LIKE, IT'S TIME. And going on a road trip sounds like the most freeing thing ever. I want my sister and I to drive across country sometime soon!!

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  2. I stuggle with insecurities a lot, although I've found way to become more confident, it's still a battle for me. It's nice knowing that someone older and wiser is sort of in the same boat as me. Because then it means that even if I don't fully "get over" my insecurities, I can still be an amazing person who does amazing things. <3

    ~ Ella Marie

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    1. It definitely is a battle but with Scripture and a great support system, it can be won! I think focusing on the truth as well as things you like about your life/yourself/etc. can really help. Thank you so much for this comment! Praying that you find your confidence!!

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  3. !!!!!!

    Okay, so I reeeeally love this post because I feel like I am at a similar place in my life. 2017 has been the biggest year of growth for me so far, and I am so excited to see what 2018 holds.

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    1. Ooh, I so agree - 2017 has been a year of growth. Which can be hard, sometimes, but necessary. I hope you have an awesome 2018! I have a feeling that it's going to be the best year yet. :)

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  4. 2017 has taught me that I can let go. Of friends. Of fears. Of destructive mindsets. It has taught me that being myself is the most wonderful feeling. And it's taught me that where I am in the present is exactly where I need to be.

    5 things I want to do in the New Year:

    1. Survive the Spring and Fall semesters.
    2. Involve myself with a non-internet community.
    3. Give in some way, every day.
    4. Publish my first book.
    5. Stick with all my other goals. :}

    I love this post. Maybe because cheese is my fave. ;)

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    1. Ooh, preach, girl! Letting go of everything and just being yourself is something I want to do more and more of in the new year. It truly doesn't matter what people think or what society says we have to be. I love your advice about enjoying the moment, too! :)

      Great goals, Rosie! :) Praying that you find that awesome community and achieve your goals. <3

      Thanks so much for commenting! Cheese for the win!

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  5. Age is so weird. When I was 15 I imagined my life at 20 being a lot different than it is now. Age is a weird thing. But I'm learning to go at my own pass and not get to wrapped up in what others are doing. This post is great, we should all be ourselves a little more. (:
    Things I like about myself-
    Willingness to care for others
    Flexibility in life
    A smile that shows my happiness
    The fact that I overthinking sometimes.

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    1. I totally agree, age is the strangest. I always thought I'd have everything together at 24, 25...but I'm still figuring it out! I think we're all just trying to figure it out, honestly, no matter what the age.

      Caring for others is one of the most beautiful qualities ever! I love that. Thank you so much for commenting and your kind words, Vanessa. Have a rad week! :)

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  6. It's good to read your reflections, Erin. I've been thinking about what I learned this year, and I think I got a bit of this too. I don't have to be ashamed of who God's made me to be, and that's freeing. On that note, if you want encouragement, check out what the Bible says about not being ashamed - there are so many good promises! It feels way too early to say this, but: all the best for 2018, and thanks again! :D xx

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    1. Thank you so much, Jessica! :) I totally agree about digging in Scripture for truth on that. Psalm 34:5 is one of my absolute favorite verses on the topic of shame and victory! :) It's not too early, I'm already SUPER pumped for the new year. Hope you have a rad Christmas and a great new year, too!!

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  7. I'm preparing my post about 2017 but I learned so much this year, I didn't even expect it at all! Such a crazy year.

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    1. I love learning years! It's crazy how much we can grow, change and learn in a year. I honestly can't wait to see where 2018 leads! Thanks for commenting, Mary. Best wishes in the New Year!

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  8. 2017 has definitely been a journey year for me too. Okay now for the lists.

    Radical Things about Myself:
    1.) I don't like Frozen.
    2.) I like Asian or European foods better than most American cuisine.
    3.) I like cold weather much more than warm weather.
    4.) I don't care for sports.
    5.) Griffins are my favorite mythological creature.

    Goals for next year:
    1.) Attend Realm Makers for my fourth year.
    2.) Get my newest novel ready for pitching by Realm Makers.
    3.) Attend MegaCon Orlando
    4.) Take a trip to NYC and New Jersey to see family.
    5.) Experience at least five new foods I've never experienced before.

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    1. Griffins are the bomb and so are you, Victoria! Love these lists. :) <3 Thanks for commenting! I hope your 2018 is awesome and that you accomplish all of these rad goals.

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  9. I love this post, Erin :) 2017 was a crazy year, and I don't even know if I fully understand what all happened this year or why it did, but God pulled me through. This post was a huge encouragement, girl! Here's to a great 2018 :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Autumn! :) That means a lot! <3 I hope you have a super wonderful 2018. I'm pumped!

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  10. Wow, I love this post, Erin. Why is it SO FREAKING HARD to just be yourself??? It seems like it should be so easy, but it's the hardest thing in the world. This week I actually read The Color Project by Sierra Abrams, and it gave a really interesting look into the topic- it's been twisting through my mind ever since!

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    1. Thank you so much, Grace Anne! You rock!! :) Honestly, I have no idea! :( It feels like we're always being told to be a certain way when really our unique individuality is so beautiful. Ooh, that sounds super cool, I'll have to check it out. Thanks so much for commenting! Have a wonderful new year!!

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  11. this was so beautiful. I am so proud of you for all you've accomplished this year <3

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    1. Aw, Faith, this comment made my day! :) Thank you so much! I hope you have the very best 2018!! <3

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Go with grace.