2015: Game Time
It’s New Years Eve!! Whaaaaa?! I honestly can’t believe how fast 2014 flew by… but this was a year full of momentum, and I feel like I’m finally settling into my groove. Things are coming together and I’m filled with optimism and excitement for the future. Not bad. Not bad at all.
As we enter into a new year, everyone talks about resolutions. This might sound negative, but the whole idea of New Years Resolutions isn’t my jam. Why?! Well, as I mentioned in this post earlier this year – I’ve learned that life is full of variables you can’t control, and if you feel like a failure every time you set a goal that you don’t achieve, you aren’t going to get anywhere. So, instead of resolutions, I’m reflecting on things I learned this year that I want to keep exploring in 2015. Let’s break it down:
1) Strength – This is a big one. You guys learned from this post that yoga has become a huge part of my life and I feel like it was kicked into high gear in 2014. I was never super athletic growing up, and being petite, I always knew that my legs were never going to look like a Victoria’s Secret model. Bummer. That being said, yoga (along with some other fun workouts like barre and spin) have not only gotten me in shape, but solidified my need for exercise on a regular basis, both physically and mentally. It helps me feel balanced and encourages healthy choices, which is essential for a food (and carb) lover. By no means do I have a perfect body, but yoga has helped me to appreciate the body that I have for what it is and what it can be. I love pushing myself (I can now do side crows and headstands, baby!) to get stronger and to stay brave. Here’s to Swim Week 2015!
2) Beauty – Being obsessed with fashion means that I look at pictures of beautiful women all the time. It’s hard not to compare yourself, but I’ve learned some very valuable lessons from blogging. Each of my “blogger friends” (which I’m thrilled to just call my friends now) have a unique style, something that sets them apart from everyone else. That’s what makes them so captivating and, well, beautiful. Here’s the thing- it’s not superficial to care about how you look! It’s how you present yourself to the world! Find out what makes you feel beautiful and keep doing it. Wear the clothes that make you feel great and get rid of the pieces that make you feel self conscious. And a silly example: I never leave the house without some sort of lip color in my purse now. I feel better with it on! What’s wrong with that? Nada.
3) Confidence – Easier said than done. Understanding the points above helps, but it’s hard. I’m a work in progress, and a lot of the goals I set as a 22 year old still haven’t been achieved. But 2014 was a year that I stopped pouting about that and instead, I put myself to work. I decided not to live and die based on what other people think of me. You don’t want to cast me in that show? Fine. You think blogging is stupid? Whatever. We’re all figuring it out, and I’m proud of myself for dreaming big and trying. And when I forget this, I pump some Beyonce or Banks to remind myself. We ***Flawless.
Enough about me. Before I let you go, I just need to thank you for supporting Lake Shore Lady in 2014. Your follows, likes, comments and encouragement mean so much to me. You inspire me to keep improving – and I promise that there will be more great content coming your way in 2015!!
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Oh, and HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
*Photos by Ali B Photography from this post!
December 31, 2014 @ 2:23 pm
Love this post! Happy New Year girlie.
December 31, 2014 @ 8:59 pm
Great post Lauren! I've loved seeing your blog grow this year! Let's take a yoga or spinning class together next year!
xoxo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
December 31, 2014 @ 4:20 pm
Love this post, Lauren! And I'm not a fan of resolutions either. Where's the fun in that??
P.S. – you're rockin' that red dress.
xo,
Natalie | CincinNatalie
cincin-natalie.com
January 1, 2015 @ 8:58 pm
Happy New Year to you too, babe!!
January 1, 2015 @ 8:58 pm
Thanks, Natalie! Happy New Year!!
January 1, 2015 @ 8:59 pm
Yes, PLEASE! I can't believe we still haven't met. Congrats on your engagement and thank you so much for following LSL!! xoxo
January 1, 2015 @ 9:01 pm
I totally agree that my "blogger friends" have really become "friends" in 2014. You rock little lady!