This is a big one...

Every now and then I just feel like I have something to say.  Today is one of those days.

Be yourself.  Seems obvious, right?  I always thought that I WAS being myself, and I think I was, to a certain extent...but I always worried that if I truly gave into what my heart was telling me that I would be judged or talked about or looked down upon by others who didn't understand.  One morning a few years ago I woke up and said to myself...what if I just do exactly what I want to do???  Imagine that!  And what if it made me really happy?  I starting thinking, why do I care what other people think?  Why shouldn't I just go for it? 

A few weeks later, I did just that.  I scheduled an appointment to get a tattoo.  I had always wanted one, but didn't know what to get, and honestly, I was scared people would judge me or look at me differently.  Once I became a mom though, I knew exactly what I wanted to get. 

The weird thing is, everything has actually become quite simple since having kids.  Instead of getting lost in motherhood, I suddenly started finding myself even more and realizing who I truly want to be.  I want to be true to myself now more than ever, so that my kids will grow up learning this important lesson much sooner than I did.  Just BE YOURSELF...to the core!  Even if it means taking the road less traveled.  Even if it means not everyone will like you. 

A few months later, I poured my heart out and told my husband about how I had always dreamed of having my own fashion blog.  He was kind of surprised, and warned me nicely that I might only have 1 reader, (my mom!) but I said, that's okay!  I want to try!

In this same year, I picked up some ballet shoes and started dancing again.  It was the thing that brought me the most joy in life, so why had I given it up?  I knew the minute I put those shoes on and did my first rusty plie that I had absolutely made the right decision.  I felt more like me... not just me, but the most authentic, honest version of myself than I had in years.   I met some truly wonderful people in the process who love dance as much as I do.  My husband noticed the change as well, and said I seemed really happy when I danced.  He was right.

It's been nearly 2 years since I started the blog and made these changes, but let me tell you, it's been the best decision I ever made!  I have done more than I thought possible, have been happy doing it, and it has been very rewarding. 

The funny thing is, I feel like I'm just getting started!  Life is too short to not do what you love!  What are you waiting for?  Don't keep thinking, "one day, I'll follow that dream."  Make that day today.  Even if it means not following the beaten path.  Maybe some people think I'm crazy for starting a blog and putting on a tutu to dance on stage, but you know what?  I'm happy!  Isn't that all that matters?

So BE YOURSELF! It's really so simple!  If you have made it to the end, thank you for stopping by Honestly West today.  It truly means the world to me.