Gettin’ Back in the Groove

Photo credit: Ali Stone of Those White Walls

Being a late 20-something millennial during a time when social media makes everyone’s lives look Instagram perfect and success seems to happen overnight can be a tough row to hoe. In fact, I often feel guilty—as a blogger—perpetuating this image of perfection. I’m very aware of the fact that I—by virtue of my career choices—have placed myself in a position to be the “standard” for a lot of people and I don’t pretend to not know the harm a seemingly easy breezy life can cause to another person’s self-esteem or sense of accomplishment. It’s for that reason I’ve always made sure to be very transparent about both the up’s and down’s of my life. What I post on social media is only about 10% of my life and the rest looks like student loans, constant encounters with f*ckboys, breakouts, and Saturday night Netflix on the couch by myself. Lol. In fact, even I find myself occasionally succumbing to the evils of constantly comparing yourself to others. Between the girls with flawless makeup, the people with perfect home decor, and the bloggers whose passports look like the subways in Harlem, it can be REALLY hard not to feel like you’re failing at life. And once you start mentally beating yourself up, it can be just as hard to stop.

These past few months for me have been filled with a lot of self-doubt. Here I am a nearly 30 year old law school graduate with degrees from some of the top colleges in the country and yet I often look at my list of accomplishments and go, “WHERE’S THE REST, SWAY?!” Like, “What have you been doing with your life, Blake??? Get it together and do something with yourself…and school doesn’t count!” Luckily, I have great friends who grab me and shake some good sense into me—sometimes literally. In fact, many of them have downright yelled at me over my “humility.” Anyone who knows me knows that no matter how many followers I get or how many cool blogger opportunities I get, I will always see myself as just a “regular girl.” For me, it’s more important that I remember where I started and where I’m trying to go in life than to get caught up in the superficial glitz and glam of the now. But I think the unfortunate result of that is that I sometimes don’t give myself enough credit and that’s something I’m learning to be kinder with myself about.

So, over the past few weeks, I’ve taken a few steps back from all the social media-ing just to refocus my energy and attention on me… instead of the constant peering into the lives of others that can be a breeding ground for self-doubt. Here’s to giving myself a little more credit and being a little more patient with myself. YOU GUYS DO THE SAME! YOU DESERVE IT!

What I’m Wearing:

Top: Bebe

Pants: AKIRA

Shoes: c/o Shoedazzle

Headband: Urban Outfitters

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