What My Closet Taught Me About Being Myself

I've always thought of myself and have been described as a confident person but my closet tells a different tale! Not too long ago, I was trying to purge things from my closet and I was struggling. Even though I never felt like I had anything to wear, my closet was busting at the seams with clothes. I started trying each item on in an effort to figure it out and I started remembering. I bought that yellow top because I thought it looked cute on my friend, I bought the pink distressed jeans because they were trending one summer, I bought the one sleeved bandage dress because someone I admire told me they like the way it looked on me. My insecurities were laying all over my floor. It hurt. It hurt to look at my insecurity. It hurt to look at the wasted money. It hurt to see that I was trying to be someone I wasn't. But it helped too! I made a list of what I DID like! I like earth tones and muted colors, I like stripes and small prints and plaid. I like v-necks if they aren't too low. I LOVE denim and fringe and boots and jackets! I stripped out everything that wasn't me and started building something that was me. I decided that being comfortable in my own skin was more important to me than what people thought of my wardrobe! The funny thing is that I FEEL more beautiful and confident and comfortable in my 100% Aubrey wardrobe.  Too often, we set our eyes on what others are doing and try to emulate what we admire instead of looking inward and discovering our own passions and talents. There is a difference in being inspired by someone and imitating them.  Are you interested in a certain thing because when you learned about it, it ignited a spark in you or because you idolize the person doing it? That question will save you a lot of heartache! When something ignites in you , you know! But even if you aren't sure, anytime you pursue something new, be aware of yourself. Is it fun? Are you happy? Are you truly interested in what you are doing or is your motivation impressing someone else?  Is your opinion swayed by someone else's approval? We have one life, spend it wisely! Don't get discourage when you realize something isn't for you! Scratch it of the list and pursue the next thing! The experiences aren't wasted time, the wasted time comes into play when we continue spending our time on things that don't fulfill us!

When you feel comfortable telling your boyfriend you hate Nascar, or your group of friends that you disagree with their parenting advice, or your coworkers that you don't like the restaurant they always go to, or when you're honest about things you DO like when you aren't sure how they are going to be received, you find out that you like yourself which is 1000 times better than having people admire you for someone you aren't and not only that but your honesty attracts people that are passionate about the same things and then you're in good company! I know there are moments when we look to outside opinions because we aren't sure of ours, but when you get others opinions be aware when that still small voice that doesn't agree. The first step to feeling beautiful and worthy is accepting who you are!