Real Blogger Beauty
I knew I wanted to participate somehow, but it’s always so hard to figure out what to share on this big old internet, and what to keep to myself. I could talk about insecurities pertaining to physical beauty, but instead let’s dive into something else. So many bloggers look like they have their beautiful and seemingly perfect lives totally figured out, but I’m giving you proof that not all them do. At least not this one.
I recently turned 27, and this birthday felt a little different. I found myself reflecting on the past year and feeling a little down about my twenties so far. To catch all of you up, ever since I graduated college, I’ve been pursing an acting career. I’ve done countless auditions, budgeted like crazy, taken odd jobs, and set myself up for rejection on a daily basis. I wasn’t a care free twenty something most of the time, I didn’t “live it up” and go out every weekend, and I definitely dealt with the sacrifices necessary to follow my dream without a well paying job. For what?! I don’t pose that question because I regret trying. If I did then I wouldn’t still be doing it. But there are things I wish I could change. This isn’t where I imagined myself to be at this point, and I find myself feeling alone and jealous of people who seem to have everything work out for them. Jealousy and regret don’t look good on anyone though, am I right?!
So… that leaves me with two options. I can either feel down about the fact that I don’t have my life figured out yet, or I can use what I’ve learned along the way. I can be proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and I can trust that it will all lead me to exactly where I’m supposed to be. Because, here’s the thing- if I didn’t decide to study musical theater, I would never have met some of the most important and influential people in my life. I would never have pushed myself as a performer, and most importantly, I would never have learned extremely valuable lessons about myself and the way I choose to view the world and the people in it. If I didn’t struggle to get acting work, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten a job at that UWS boutique and discovered my love for fashion. Maybe I never would have decided to take a leap of faith to move back to Chicago, in which case, I wouldn’t have met my agents, gotten my current job or met some really great people. And maybe I never would have had the guts to push myself out of my comfort zone enough to start this blog. This amazing, fulfilling, and creative space. Do you see what I’m getting at here?
I used to think that a person’s worth lay in their accomplishments. If I set a goal that I couldn’t achieve, it felt a lot like failure. But, the truth is… life is full of variables that you can’t control. The more I embrace that lack of control, the better. I’ve realized that I have too much to offer to be defined by defeat. I’m finally allowing myself to live a little, have fun, and be open to new experiences. It can be scary, but sometimes putting yourself out there, or even walking out the door, is the hardest part. And, it’s crazy but the more I open myself up, the more possibilities reveal themselves.
Now you all know a little bit more about me! Ooof. But my point is this – if you feel lost, alone, or disappointed, take a deep breath. If it looks like everyone around you is ahead, or if you feel like you can’t catch a break – I’ve been there. But everyone’s journey is different. And like I said before, where you are right now might be leading you to something better than you even imagined. Fingers crossed.
Read Maya’s story, as well as the others who have linked up here.
June 16, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
Everything absolutely happens for a reason 🙂 Keep doing what you're doing, girl! Thanks for sharing your story!
xoxo
Jess
June 16, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
You are so cute and so sweet– and totally right about everything! Everything will happen and does happen for a reason! Keep going girl!!
June 16, 2014 @ 3:35 pm
You got this, Lauren. 🙂 I am a bit older and still feel so inspired by what you've said here–we all need a little encouragement sometimes as we figure things out! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
June 16, 2014 @ 4:26 pm
i've really enjoyed reading all of the posts from maya's linkup today! 🙂 i do feel stuck sometimes in my life, like where is it all going?! what's coming up next? i need to take your advice and try to be patient and hopeful instead of anxious about the future. xo
June 16, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
love this lauren! everything always works itself out and you are amazing! xox
June 16, 2014 @ 6:43 pm
I'm a HUGE believer that everything happens for a reason and I know that there can only be great things headed your way!! I admire your courage and perseverance and look forward to seeing what's next for you!
June 16, 2014 @ 6:59 pm
You are so right when you say life is full of variables we can't control. I've experienced that more times that I care to share over the past few months. I'm about to turn 27 and sometimes I get overwhelmed by the fact that I haven't do this or that yet, but others my age have. It's hard not to play the "compare game." Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story! I'm excited to start following along with your blog 🙂
26 and Not Counting
June 16, 2014 @ 7:14 pm
Love this campaign! It's so great to here stories about how we're not "perfect". As much as I love blogging, I'm guilty of getting wrapped up in comparing myself to others and being so hard on myself. It's nice to be reminded that we're all normal people with every-day struggles.
Love your blog even more for sharing this story 🙂
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
June 16, 2014 @ 10:00 pm
I SO relate to this! Comparing myself to others is something I struggle with on a consistent basis- I wrote my post on that as well, I'm glad someone else is going through the same thing!
June 17, 2014 @ 2:43 am
Thanks, Sarah!!
June 17, 2014 @ 2:53 am
Thanks, Jess!
June 17, 2014 @ 2:55 am
Encouragement definitely helps 🙂
June 17, 2014 @ 2:55 am
It's easier said than done, right?!
June 17, 2014 @ 2:56 am
Thanks babe!
June 17, 2014 @ 2:57 am
I wasn't always a huge believer, but I'm starting to warm up to the idea that everything happens for a reason. Thanks for the support!
June 17, 2014 @ 3:31 am
The "compare game" is no good, right? Thanks for reading, Jessica!
June 17, 2014 @ 3:32 am
That means so much, Jen. I was definitely nervous about posting this, but after reading everyone else's stories, I'm so glad I did. Thanks for reading 🙂
June 17, 2014 @ 3:33 am
You're definitely NOT alone, Katie!! xo
June 17, 2014 @ 4:07 am
Oh girl, thank you thank you for sharing! I still don't know what I want to "be" when I grow up, but I'm hoping I keep getting closer and closer everyday 🙂 Also, living with an actor in Chicago makes me know how hard the biz is – keep on keepin' on and fighting for it! Your hard work and determination will pay off 🙂 xx
June 17, 2014 @ 4:32 am
love this post and the campaign!!
June 18, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
"Where you are right now might be leading you to something better than you even imagined." I love that. I want to print it on one of those wall decal things and put it in every room of my house. Or at least where I'll see it all the time… like on my makeup mirror and on the back of my front door. Yes. So very much yes!!
June 18, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
"Where you are right now might be leading you to something better than you even imagined." I want to make this into wall decals and put them everywhere in my house. Everywhere. I love it so hard! At the very least, I might make something pretty, frame it and put a copy next to my bed, on the wall by where I do my makeup, and next to my front door. Absolute perfection.
June 18, 2014 @ 8:14 pm
Well, geeze, this just made my day! Thanks so much for reading!! 🙂