Today I wanted to share something with you guys that has been on my heart and in my head for quite awhile. This is something that I think is especially important for you girls that are new to the blogging scene. It is also something I have struggled with in the past especially with social media and the comparison game we all play at some time or another.
I USED TO CARE…
That I work a full time in a job that I hate. Many girls are out there are blogging full time making a great income, while I sit at a desk job that I despise. However, this job pays amazing & puts food on the table for my family. This job has been my life source for 15 years while some people are unemployed so I thank God for this job. I love blogging but I can’t take a pay cut to blog full time. However if you want something bad enough, make a plan. I have a plan which will take a lot of work, but I will get there. Other girls who blog full time also made a plan and worked for it. Try to remember that nothing in life comes easy but with hard work you have the power to build the life you want.
Words of Wisdom and Inspiration
“You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that
writes your life story must be held in your own hand.”
– Irene C. Kassorla
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I USED TO CARE…
That I saw so many girls with Gucci belts and closets full of designer bags. Guess what? I don’t even own a designer bag or a Gucci belt. I’m 100% ok with that. What I do own is my dream house. So instead of buying designer I’m paying a mortgage. Let me also say there is nothing wrong with buying designer items….but I gotta pay these bills! If my husband walked in with a Gucci bag I would probably be over-the-moon. That being said, I will also NOT go broke buying things just because I see everyone else with them all over social media. I’m perfectly content with my budget friendly bags. The bag in this post is only $25!
I USED TO CARE…
About the fact that i was no longer a 20-something. I’m 35 turning 36 this year and I feel better than I ever did in my 20’s. Sure some brands may pass me up because they want younger girls. I’m OK with that. I think I’m aging pretty damn well. Well there are some days that I miss my 20’s …..the 30’s have actually been the best years of my life thus far. I’ve learned to take things a bit slower and enjoy time with my family a lot more because the years do fly by way too fast.
I USED TO CARE…
About the fact that I had never been invited to a RewardStyle Conference. The blogging world is very “clique-ish”. Every trip is usually the same group of girls. That’s not to say they don’t deserve it. They are top performers year after year. They work hard to drive those sales, but for me it’s not just about driving sales. I love the RewardStyle program and blogging, because it is fun for me. It’s about writing and and my passion for style. It’s about being unique and true to yourself. I may never go to a blogger conference. I may never go on a brand sponsored girls trip. I’m OK with that. I will also never have the same hair, teeth, shoes, purses as 90% of social media but I will be keep sharing what I love and stay true to myself.
OUTFIT DETAILS & SIZING
For reference, I’m 5’1″ & under 100 lbs. I normally wear the following sizes: Shoes (6), Tops (XS), Jeans (24/00)
PANTS (SIZE XXS Petite): Loft | TOP (SIZE XXS): American Eagle | EARRINGS: Forever 21 | SANDALS: Forever 21| BAG: Luna De Leo on Amazon
At this point in my life I am raising two kids, nurturing my marriage, working full time, blogging and running my online boutique. I have no time to worry about what other people think of me or whether or not I have the latest “it bag” that everyone else has. In my 35+ years I’ve come to realize that there are so many things we worry about on social media and the stress it can cause it not worth. I’m 100% with not being able to buy a $2,000 bag because at the end of the day I would rather spend that money traveling with my family and making priceless memories.
Oh and as usual I can’t close this post without giving you the deets of my outfit. I mentioned above that boho styles are my favorite thing to wear. During the summer months I love flowy easy styles which is why I feel in love with these pants. They have elastic and can be worn high-waisted or lower. I’m wearing size XXS Petite and they fit perfectly. They also come in several other colors. My fringe top is my favorite part of this outfit and I will definitely be wearing it all summer. I’m wearing the XXS and its a perfect fit. The best part its that you can go totally bra-less with this top! Even though its crochet it’s not see-through.
SHOP THE POST
Erica
Erin says
Comparison is the thief of joy! Stay true to you girl.❤️
Erica Valentin says
It really is! I’m not trying to keep up with any big name bloggers anymore……I’m just going to go at my own pace and post the stuff I really like. Whether I buy it at Walmart, Target, Nordstrom or wherever. In all honesty I prefer to skip the designer brands and put the money towards a trip or something instead.
Love this post! I’ve made peace with a lot of these things too over the years. I also work full time and while it can be hard to balance both, I’m thankful I don’t depend on my blog for my only income!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Same! As much as I would like to be able to quit my job and depend on my blog……..I’m ok with this not being my reality ….maybe eventually it will be and maybe it won’t but I’m thankful I have a stead income I can depend on
Love this, so open and honest. Can I also just saw that I’m SO jealous of your hair!
aww thank you so much! I’m trying to embrace my natural hair more often these days!
I love this style. Super beachy outfit.
I completely agree with the whole RS Conference and how it’s so clique-ish. Same looking girls.
Thanks babe! Yes exactly….I was just talking to one of my friends about this……the evolution of 90% of RS bloggers eventually ends up with them all looking the same….same hair……….same nordstrom picks…………same teeth……same swimsuits………..same everything……….everyone seems to be carbon copies of each other instead of their own unique self. All of the trips and conferences are also these same girls………good for them…..but if I never go because I’m not part of that group ….its all good!