For the past few years, I have contemplated the idea of starting a blog. However, I was worried that I might be perceived as another voice incessantly cluttering our precious feeds. In an overly critical society, I was afraid that people would think I was anything but authentic. Most importantly, I was concerned that I would not say the right words to interest others.
I am a perfectionist and tend to be overly self-critical. I have spent time getting to know (a.k.a. over-analyze) this aspect of my personality. As a graduate student, I learned that a design project has an infinite number of solutions. I would find myself lost in the process for hours curating the perfect design. It took me awhile, though, to understand that a project was not finished until I decided it was finished. A professor may have wanted me to tweak something here or add something there. However, if I felt confident in my work and met the client's goals, then I could accept it as my best work. And if the professor loved it, too, well then that made it even better. Admittedly, I occasionally struggle completely embracing this new outlook. However, I now have more time to enjoy and celebrate my accomplishments, rather than frantically agonize over what someone else may think.
I wish I could say the decision to finally begin blogging was purely intrinsic, but I have to give some credit to the minimalists (as well as family and friends) for motivating me. I frequently play their podcasts in the background while working, cooking, or running. One podcast in particular spoke to me. I learned that striving for perfection can actually lead to procrastination. Wanting to write the "perfect" post has prevented me from simply taking the first step. Life is not perfect (it does not have to be and that is totally okay) but if we wait for the “perfect” moment, then it may never happen.
Some of my favorite moments from 2017 have been spent losing track of time chatting with friends, family, and even strangers–exchanging stories, laughing, and (sometimes) crying. There is much to be learned by sharing a conversation. This year has been quite the adventure and I am ready to share it with you. As fall fades into winter and as we transition from pumpkins to pine trees (quite possibly my favorite time of the year), I could not think of a better time to start writing.
My intent for this blog is to serve as a creative outlet where I can document my travels, design inspiration, and life updates. Similar to my design projects, there are many topics that I could write about on this blog, but I am going to write for myself. And if you love it, too, well then that makes it even better.
Feel free to take a look around and thank you for joining me on this personal endeavor! XO