Ashland and Celebrating Little Victories

These pictures are from January. This was the last day I can remember it being truly warm enough to walk around outside without a coat on before the extremely freezing temps swept through Kentucky. We’ve made it through the worst of the cold days and we’ve even had a 70 degree day or two this month, but it sure felt like a long stretch of I’ll never be warm again. I can’t wait to venture back out to Ashland on a warm spring day. We’ve taken photos there before (remember these?) but never in the gardens. What better place for spring outfit photos, right?

I’ve been working on some ideas for this little blog that I’m pretty excited about! Oh man, how many times have I said that, right?! ;] There’s actually some progress to be seen this time though! I’ve started on a revamp of my design – enough so that it’s up with just a few things that need to be added. I have 4 or 5 half written posts, a sheet of to-do’s/goals, and motivation like I’ve never had before. I think *maybe* I’ve finally realized that I have control over my successes and my failures. Everyone acknowledges that in their mind, I think, but then you have to actually apply that logic to your life. It’s not always as easy to take action on what you know. Sometimes it’s easier to binge watch episodes of Breaking Bad and wake up 30 minutes before work. Actually, that’s always easier. ;]
I feel like my mid to late twenties will truly be some of the best years of my life. I’m finding out more and more every day who I really am and that I am a capable, strong woman. I’m not such a pushover and I don’t accept being treated poorly. I have more confidence. I chase my goals and I actually believe that I can achieve them. Sometimes it feels like a small out of body experience when I’m following through with something I never would have done on my own previously, even just a year ago. This isn’t all to say, OH WOW GUYS, LOOK AT ME BEING A NORMAL HUMAN ADULT. It’s just that I’m so happy to be knocking down walls that held me in for so long. I want to challenge all of you to think of something that you’re struggling to do and write down ONE goal that you can complete over the course of the next week that will get you closer to doing it. It could be anything. Doesn’t really matter if it’s something that everyone else does without an issue; if it’s hard for you then it’s something to work on and feel accomplished about when you make progress! It really helps to think of something that you can do NOW to move in the right direction because if not now, when?! I recently drove on the interstate for the first time, ever, in life. That’s not a huge accomplishment for most people. For me, it was a milestone in my battle with anxiety. So write down your small goal, accomplish it, celebrate even the tiniest victory, and then write down the next one! Baby steps, friends!
What I Wore:
Cardigan: LOFT // Christmas Gift
Dress + Boots: Express
Ring: Vintage // Thrifted
Necklace: Vintage // Family heirloom
Belt: Forever 21
Headband: Aerie