Wearing: Kiss At Midnight

(Anthropologie Ardennes skirt, J.Crew Vintage t-shirt, J.Crew Jacki cardi,

Seychelles Kiss At Midnight pumps, Anthropologie Work Weekend bag, American Eagle watch)

I have to live with myself, so I want to be the kind of girl that's great to know.

I want to be able to look myself in the eyes, no matter the situations the passing years might bring. At the end of the day, I don't want to regret the way I've behaved...I want to stand tall, knowing my actions deserve respect--that I'm not all bluff and empty show. I want to be without pretense and bluster...be the same girl when I'm alone as when everything about my actions is seen.

I want to be able to like myself. I don't want it to be said that I never endeavored to learn anything new or that I lived side-by-side with people I never bothered to remember or that I never took time to throw away the hurts. I want to walk undaunted, committed to Christ...to be unafraid to wholeheartedly embrace what makes me unique while being quick to make course corrections.

I may fool everyone around, but I can't hide myself from me.

Of my flaws I am an expert... intimately aware of the things others will never know--when I'm most selfish or distracted. I can see what others may never see. I know all the subtle nuances of my weaknesses...all the rationalizations and cover-ups.

I can't fool myself. I know myself better than anyone, so when I look at the girl in the mirror, I want to know I haven't tried to cheat or disillusion her. I want to know the girl gazing back from the glass is my friend.

Wearing: Wish You Were Here

There's a blinking cursor and I can't think of anything to say.

Shocking, I know, but this deadline has me down cold.

I've met hundreds of deadlines in my life, but this one seems the mother of all mountains looming before me. I'm working on a project that is more important to me than fashion, flash sales, or outfits of the day....a project born in a place deep inside.

It's make-or-break-it time for me over here...the final stretch of a long race...the last turn around a corner that will take me somewhere new...and I can only hope I have enough inspiration and creativity left inside to complete the course.

I wanted to tell my awesome readers that whenever I'm facing challenges, your encouragement, thoughtful comments, and support help me shed my defenses yet again, take the time to enjoy the distance I've already come and push the next step forward. Much love to you all.

(Anthropologie Wish You Were Here cardi, Modern master watch, Lost Glasses tights, Peppered and Striped skirt, J.Crew petal stream tank, UO leather belt, Seychelles Kiss at Midnight pumps)