2021 Year in Review + Thank You

I’ve always recognized the importance of reflection. When I stop and think back to all that happened in 2021, I feel grateful. I’ve learned a lot, stepped out of my comfort zone, grown as a person, and matured very quickly. Of course, this year and my life is not perfect, however I think it is important to focus on the good and to live a positive life. Today, I wanted to share my 2021 highlights! Some wonderful things have happened in my life this year; some you may know about, and others you may not. Please keep in mind that while I am only sharing the good, that doesn’t mean that every day was perfect.

• Went hiking once a month for twelve months

If you have been following my blog since my first “Year in Review” from 2019, you would know that earlier that year, my uncle and I decided that we wanted to hike at least once a month for the entire year. Since then, we have succeeded in doing exactly that. This year, I was away from home for a while, so I was doing my hiking elsewhere (I’ll get to that soon…). Other than the time I was away, we went back to some of our favorite hiking spots in our area. Our hikes aren’t always incredibly intense, but we really enjoy getting some fresh air. I especially love our hikes in spring and fall because I think the weather is just perfect; not too hot and not too cold. A couple other family members have also joined us on a hike or two this year! I am looking forward to continuing this tradition in 2022!

• Celebrated my five year fitness anniversary

Fitness has looked very different to me this year. Since we are still living in a pandemic and things seem to be very up and down, I decided not to go back to the gym this year. I really do miss the environment and feeling of working out in a gym. I find it to be much more motivating, and I think I work my hardest when in the gym. Although I am fully vaccinated and had my booster for COVID, I felt it was best to continue working out at home. I have been doing weight training, yoga, and some HIIT. As the year has gone on, I’ve found it difficult to do certain workouts. While I was away from home, I really did not do any weightlifting. I am trying to find a way to continue doing the workouts I love while traveling, but it is challenging. Despite this, I have been working out more often now that I am home again, and I truly do love the way it makes me feel! When I complete a workout, I feel strong, confident, and empowered. So, in the New Year, I will continue weight lifting, doing my daily yoga, and throwing some HIIT in there as well! Yoga is pretty much a part of my daily routine, and I’ve recognized some incredible benefits. It helps that it can be done anywhere and everywhere, so there are no excuses! I am hoping that 2022 will be the year when I can finally get back in the gym and feel on track again.

• Graduated from Queens University of Charlotte

I really can’t believe how fast my four years of college went by! I remember first stepping onto campus for a tour, and also for my first day. It was a lot of hard work, and I remember feeling stressed and overwhelmed as each new semester started. It got easier every year. In many ways, I really enjoyed my time at Queens. I really grew as a person, and I was able to do things that I don’t believe I would’ve had the opportunity to do had I chosen a different school. I met some great people, learned so much about my chosen career path, grew as a writer, and I traveled abroad. Most of all, Queens has given me the confidence and preparation to step out into the real world. I graduated in May with honors, and this is an achievement I will always be proud of. Also, I am SO thankful to be done with school!

• Traveled out West

My family has had plans to travel somewhere very special since 2020, but of course, that trip had to be canceled. It was canceled yet again this year, however we were still able to do some traveling around the country! It felt so nice to go on a vacation again! In June, we traveled out west to a few places we had never been to before. I won’t go into detail since I wrote an entire blog post about the trip (linked here), but I will say that it was incredible! I really enjoyed seeing Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons! Yellowstone has always been on my bucket list, and I was so excited that I was finally able to go and experience this magical place in person. I had never seen anything quite like it! If you have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it. You will enjoy every moment, and there is SO much to see and do there. Also, Grand Teton National Park is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! I am not sure if I had ever even heard of it before, but it is now one of my favorite places. Being there felt like I was surrounded by one giant painting. It was surreal. It is also right next to Yellowstone, so if you are going in that direction, you can’t miss it! This trip allowed my family and me to travel to a few different states such as South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. It is a goal of mine to travel to all 50 states, and I am almost there!

• Started my career working in marketing

I remember so many people saying that once you graduate from college, it can be really difficult to find a job in the field you want. I was fully prepared to work in retail or in a similar job before actually working in the field I studied four years for. Earlier in the year, I applied to a few jobs, but they were not for me. Then, I happened to get an email in June that I was invited to an interview. The timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. I felt really confident about it, and I got the job! It is a remote job for a marketing company, and I am surrounded by skincare! I really enjoy what I do. My job involves: moderating our social media, creating content (photos, reels, tiktoks, captions etc.), and communicating with some of our partner skincare brands. I was also just given a new title with more responsibilities. I am now a Marketing Communications Specialist! I am looking forward to seeing where my career takes me in the New Year.

• Celebrated one year with Tom

On July 22, Tom and I celebrated one year of our relationship! Sadly, we were apart at that time, so our celebrations occurred over a video call. We made the best of it though, and very soon after that, we were finally together in person. I couldn’t believe that a year had gone by, but we were and are so thrilled and excited for many, many more years together!

• Traveled to England to see Tom (twice)

For the past couple years, I’ve made it a goal for myself to get out of my comfort zone more often. When making this goal, I wasn’t sure what I would end up doing down the line, but looking back, I am proud of my courage. For a start, I traveled with my university to France, which was a dream come true. And this year, I traveled completely on my own for the first time to go and see the love of my life. What I thought would be a terrifying and intimidating experience turned out to be amazing. Not everything went right (for example, my luggage was lost for a bit and my flight was changed), but I somehow got through it all and ended up in London to meet Tom in person for the first time after waiting for a little over a year! Since then, I traveled back to England once more. I had never spent so much time away from home or my own country. In 2022, I plan on doing some more traveling, and it is still a big goal of mine to do the things that scare me, because it is always worth it in the end.

• Celebrated two years of “Compass to Confidence”

I truly can’t believe that I have been blogging for two years now! I still love it as much as I did in the beginning, even though I have not been doing it as often. My life has been a bit busy lately, but I will always enjoy and love having this space to share whatever is on my heart. I am grateful to be able to share my passions, give tips, and inspire others to become confident through my words. It is my mission to guide my followers to confidence, and I will not give up on it. My blog has even allowed me to gain more confidence in myself, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I and my blog have come. I am looking forward to the content I will make in 2022, and I hope you will continue to follow along on the journey!

• Got engaged

Last but not least, the biggest highlight of all: Tom and I got engaged! After speaking about engagement and marriage for a while, Tom proposed to me on November 24^th soon after we arrived in the US. I always imagined what that moment would be like in my life, and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. From the very beginning, even before we started dating, I never had a doubt in my mind. I knew that he was the one for me very early on. I have never felt anything quite like Tom’s love before, and it was and always will be so special and precious to me. I am grateful to have found my forever person. Now… who is going to help me plan the wedding?!

This year has taught me so much, and overall, it has been wonderful and very enjoyable. I am looking forward to accomplishing more of my goals in 2022, and I can’t wait to bring you along with me. I will be sharing more about fashion, beauty, fitness, travel, entertainment, and more about my personal life! I also wanted to say thank you to those of you who have read my blog posts this year. Whether you have been following along from the beginning, or you are new to Compass to Confidence, thank you. Writing and inspiring others has always been my biggest goal in life, and every time I upload a blog post, I feel like I am reaching that goal. I am forever grateful. Be on the lookout for a blog post in the New Year, and I wish you all the best in 2022! Until next time…

Couples Holiday Outfit Ideas

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and now it is all about Christmas! I couldn’t be more excited, and I wanted to share that holiday excitement with all of you! Around this time of year, there are always so many events to attend and activities to take part in, so we thought it would be fun to share a few holiday outfit ideas for couples! Let’s get into it…

Decorating the tree

When lounging around at home, everyone wants to be comfortable. With these outfits, I wanted them to be cute but also perfect for staying at home. After you’ve picked out the perfect tree, it’s time to decorate! For my outfit, I chose to wear a simple black turtle neck. It is super cozy, and you can create so many looks with a neutral colored turtle neck. I decided to wear a cream colored sweater vest on top to keep the look trendy.  I used to say I didn’t care for sweater vests, but I liked that this one was simple and pretty. Both tops were purchased from H&M. For my bottoms, I wore a favorite pair of denim jeans. These are a medium wash, and I really like that these are slightly baggy because it means a bit more room to move around in, and they’re also on trend. For Tom’s outfit, we also wanted to keep it simple but also very nice. He wore a burgundy crew neck top that is from All Saints. I always feel that these tops can really bring a look together because they’re nicer than a simple t-shirt or long sleeved top, but they aren’t over the top or incredibly fancy. Perfect for the holidays! When it comes to bottoms, Tom prefers the look of slim pants, so he had on a pair of slim black trousers to complete the look.

Gift shopping

When I go shopping, I like to look stylish, so I put a bit more effort into this look. For my top, I have on a gray mock neck top. I love how soft it is, but it is not too thick (I tend to get too hot in tops like that). It is the perfect layering piece, so I threw on a favorite coat of mine. It is a navy blue trench coat! I absolutely adore the details on this coat, and I think the color is perfect for winter. Plus, it looks great with pretty much any neutral colored outfit. For my bottoms, I went with a pair of faux leather pants. I bought these at Target last year, and I just think they are so cool and edgy. Leather is always an awesome look for this time of year. For my shoes, I went with a pair of pointed-toe ankle boots from Just Fab. I purchased these last year. I love the color block look, and the nude, cream, and black look so chic together. I love that the heel is not too high either. For Tom’s outfit, he is wearing a simple and comfortable red long sleeved undershirt and a very nice gray half-zip. What we love about this half-zip is that it goes with most of his clothing items, and it always looks very smart. It is also really great quality! He purchased this from Crew Clothing, and we believe it was well worth it. On the bottom, he wore a pair of slim navy blue trousers. When you find a style of pants that you really love, it is a good idea to own a few pairs. Navy blue and black are colors that really do go with everything, and they are a great item to reach for daily. Lastly, Tom decided that his Lacoste sneakers looked best. These shoes are great for most occasions because they look much nicer than athletic sneakers, but they aren’t as fancy as dress shoes.

Looking at Christmas lights

Depending on where you live, winter can get pretty cold. For most people, this time of year means layering, and if you plan on going out to see any Christmas lights, you may want to bundle up! For both of our outfits, we prioritized comfort and warmth. I chose to wear a favorite white v-neck tee as my first layer (but truly any cozy top will do). On top, I wore my new half-zip fleece. I purchased it at a store in England called M & Co, and it is from a really great outdoor brand called Regatta. I couldn’t believe I got it for only 15 pounds! It is so warm and once again, a perfect layering piece. On top, I had on my double breasted collared coat. I purchased this before I traveled back to England. I thought it would be a nice coat to wear most days, and I really love it. It went with all of my outfits and kept me warm too! For extra warmth, I chose to wear a big scarf that has a very nice pattern on it. I love the shapes and the different shades of blue. Scarves are a must for me when it’s cold, especially with this coat because it does have a lower cut in the front. A chunky scarf fills up that open space perfectly. I also had on a cute little headband that was so soft and will definitely keep my ears warm. For my shoes, I chose to go with my London Rebel lace-up boots in the color black. I wore these most days when I was in England and they were so comfortable to walk in. I love the different material toward the back of the shoe, and I just think they look super cool. For Tom’s outfit, he had on a long-sleeved under shirt and his new half-zip fleece on top. His is a beautiful emerald green color and it is from the same brand as mine. His was purchased for only 10 pounds! It was a definite steal for us and we couldn’t be happier with them! On top of that, he decided to wear a nicer coat that he purchased from John Lewis. It is navy blue, a color that I think looks amazing on him, and it is such a great piece that adds style to any look. He also wore the same trousers as the previous outfit. For his shoes, he chose the same pair of Lacoste sneakers.

Christmas Eve dinner

If you have a fancy holiday dinner coming up, Tom and I have got you covered! For my outfit, I am wearing my new favorite top! Tom actually bought it for me from a new favorite store of mine called Mango. This color is just stunning and lately Tom and I have been obsessed with it. I love the classic look of the lines going down this top, and it also has a mock neck which I love. Over that, I had on a gorgeous white sleeveless blazer. I love the length of this as well, because it ends mid-thigh. I think it is unique, and the contrast of the dark green underneath looks stunning. For my bottoms, I had on some black flare pants. I love these because they are so flattering and comfortable! They remind me of 70’s fashion! Flares are back in style, and that makes me so so happy! I decided to wear my black pointed-toe ankle boots to keep the professional and chic vibe going. To complete this look, I put on a pretty headband with little pearl accents. For Tom’s look, he is wearing a caramel colored crew neck top. I bought this for Tom at H&M. The color is a bit different than what he owned already, so I thought it would be a nice addition to his wardrobe. It is very flattering on him, and once again very smart. For his bottoms, he is wearing a slim pair of black trousers. Since holiday dinners tend to be a bit more upscale than your average dinner, Tom wore his brown dress shoes.

Holiday movie marathon

There is nothing more fun than Christmas pajamas! I tend to buy new ones every year (along with fuzzy socks of course)! If you are into all of the best Christmas movies and you plan on watching every single one, you’ll want to wear the cutest and most festive pajamas! For my outfit, I am wearing a green Christmas tree top. I bought this at Old Navy last year, and I love that it is a bit more subtle, yet still festive. For my pajama bottoms, I am wearing a classic pair of plaid pants. The colors are perfect for the holidays! Tom’s pajamas are somewhat similar. For his top, he is wearing a cozy dark red long-sleeved top. It isn’t too tight or too loose, it is perfect for sleeping, or of course, a Christmas movie marathon! His pajama bottoms are also plaid, but with slightly different colors. Also, I would recommend completing both of these looks with fuzzy Christmas socks because how could you not?!

Christmas Day

The final two looks! We wanted to share a very dressed up option because I always enjoy getting fancy. For my outfit, I am wearing this gorgeous red dress that I purchased from Lulus a while back. I really love the bright red color, and the lace design all over is beautiful! The little ruffles here and there add something fun and girly to the dress as well. I absolutely love midi dresses, as some of you may know. They are always so classy, and I prefer them over mini or maxi dresses always! I went with my go-to pair of black strappy block heels because they really do bring this look together. For Tom’s dressed up look, he went with a gorgeous white button up top. The detail going along the buttons in the front is very stylish with this kind of top for men, and he wore a burgundy and black vest on top. This color is a favorite of his, and it is always a popular and trendy one for fall and winter. There is even a subtle print on the vest, which adds something special to it. It was purchased on Amazon and is really great quality as well. We were very impressed when it arrived! On the bottom, he wore a pair of slim black pants. It goes best with the look, and the contrasting colors of black and white really looks wonderful. For the shoes, Tom went with a pair of black dress shoes. These are similar to his brown ones, however these are best for very fancy events.

Thank you so much for reading today’s post! I normally do these kinds of posts on my own, but I asked Tom to join in this time, and I am grateful that he said yes! If you would like to see the fun reel we made, check out my Instagram @sacchere14. You will see us wearing all of these outfits in the video.

OOTD: Love, Love, Love

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine’s Day, no matter how you spent it! I hope that you showed love and appreciation, not only to those you care about, but to yourself as well! Today, I really wanted to share an ootd (outfit of the day) with you all, because I was so obsessed with my V-Day look! I went shopping recently, and fell in love with one item in particular, and I knew I had to center an ootd around it!

I am outspoken when it comes to self-love, and one of the simple, yet impactful ways that I practice self-love is by wearing clothing that makes me feel confident. Lately, for me, dressing up is a thing of the past because I spend almost every day at home, staying as safe as possible and trying to get by during this chaotic time in our world. It has been getting  a bit frustrating at times, but dressing up and looking nice (even if it is just for photos) is always fun and it puts me in a good mood!

When it comes to my style, I truly adore anything that looks professional, chic, or classy, and I have such a love for vintage inspired pieces!

Let’s start with my latest obsession: this gorgeous top! I am so in love with this shirt because it is the perfect mix of vintage and trendy/modern! I love anything pink, and I’ve been a big fan of puffy sleeves as well. There is so much detail in this top that I find stunning, such as the pearl accents, the lace, and the mesh sleeves! I have seen quite a few shirts like this lately, and I was so happy to get my hands on one! I bought this at Ross for $13.99! I love stores like Ross and T.J. Maxx because everything is very affordable yet stylish as well. Underneath, I thought about wearing a black strapless bra, but I ended up going with a bra that almost matched the color of the top perfectly. If I wanted to go for more of an edgy look, maybe then I would wear black, but I decided to keep it feminine this time.

If you would like to purchase this piece, I would definitely check out any Ross stores you have nearby, and if you are unable to do this, I will link tops that look similar here and here! These mesh sleeve tops are very on trend, so you can do a quick online search and there will be a variety of similar tops out there!

When I go shopping, I really like to think about what outfits I can create with the new pieces I buy. I rarely buy clothing without thinking it through anymore, but I actually struggled to come up with a pair of bottoms that I liked with this top! I thought about styling it with a pair of jeans, but that would have made the look a lot more casual. I ultimately decided that I wanted to look polished and put together, so I went with a nice pair of slim black pants. I bought these a while ago at Old Navy. I thought that they would be great for internships/work, and they are very comfortable! In my opinion, these are a staple piece that every girl should own! I don’t remember the exact name or price of these pants, however you can really find them anywhere and in a wide range of prices! I will link a couple similar pairs here and here!

If you have read most of my “What I Wear” blog posts, you have definitely seen these before! These are such classic shoes that again, I feel every girl should own! These are my go-to black block heels. There is a dainty buckle at the ankle, and they are the perfect height for me! I also love a chunky heel because they are much more comfortable to walk in, and yet they still look stylish. I bought these on Amazon a couple years ago for around $20-$30! You can purchase them here!

As for my jewelry, I decided to keep it minimal since the top already has the pearl accents. Of course, I had to wear my anniversary bracelet. I bought this bracelet on Etsy, and I was able to customize it through the seller as well! You can buy this bracelet here! This bracelet will always remind me of my love! I then chose to wear a new pair of earrings! I had been wanting these for a little while, but never bought them for myself. These earrings are so beautiful, and they are also super affordable. My mom ended up buying them and giving them to me as a gift at Christmas! You can purchase them here, or if you prefer studs, that is an option as well, just click here! The rhinestones can be either pink or blue! And lastly, I wore my two gold rings that I wear every day. They were my mothers but she let me have them when I was around 12 years old.

That is all for my Valentine’s ootd! I really didn’t have anywhere to go on this cold and rainy day, however I spent most of my day video chatting my boyfriend who lives almost 4,000 miles away! We got dressed up, watched a movie, and enjoyed our time spent together! It was a perfect first Valentine’s Day full of smiles, laughter, and so much love!

Thank you so much for reading! Until next time!

Lessons from Love

_{A gift to my love.
Photo by: Tom Patch (@notapatchontom on Instagram)}

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and I have been thinking about sharing a post relating to romantic love. While I am no relationship expert, I have been experiencing what I believe to be true love, and it is honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever felt. Today, I will not be the only writer in this post; my boyfriend Tom is going to be sharing some of his gorgeous words as well. We collaborated on this blog post to share some of the things that we have learned from being in a strong, happy, and healthy relationship with one another. Everyone deserves to be loved, and today, we hope to remind you of that.

Every relationship is different, and every person is unique. We all look for different qualities and characteristics in a partner, and this is normal. However, the things that we share today could be beneficial and very helpful in any relationship. The most important thing is to simply to show love to one another. Today, Tom and I are sharing some lessons we have learned from love.

_{^{Love will never try to change you. It is all about accepting your partner just as they are. While we all have what we believe to be “flaws” whether they relate to our physical appearance or our personality, we have to remember that love is about opening up and being vulnerable. More importantly, it’s about showing compassion and acceptance, and being understanding.}}

_{^{We may not always see it, but everyone is special and we all have a purpose in this life. Sometimes, almost like magic, someone will appear in your life, take you by the hand, and remind you of why you are special. It’s important to believe it for yourself, but to have someone stand by you and be there to constantly remind you, is such a powerful thing. Confidence and bravery will come in waves, and it can spark something deep inside of you. Rather than judging, we should all focus more on listening and accepting. This will allow your partner to be seen and heard, and they will feel even more comfortable opening up as time goes on. Never be afraid to show your true colors, because someone out there is going to see the brightest shades of love in you.}}

_{^{– Amanda Sacchere}}

_{^{A healthy and beneficial relationship is built on trust and confidence, in each other and together. The trust and confidence to talk about anything and everything, even the taboo or controversial, is a powerful and sustaining path to an unshakeable partnership.}}

 _{^{It can often feel like many aspects of life sadly encourage a diluted way of communicating, therefore neglecting depth and sometimes resulting in feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. A loving relationship on the other hand, should facilitate the opportunity to come as you are, to speak openly and candidly, without the fear of being judged or ignored. Think of it as both a physical and emotional safe place to be, where the world’s clamorous distractions are faded into insignificance like the diminishing background noise in a potent film. With a comfortable space, loving partners are empowered to discuss anything and everything they wish, ensuring that words spoken will fall upon a caring, listening ear. Love tones don’t need to be pitch perfect, but the simple act of regular, deep conversation is enough to strengthen an already beautiful bond}}.

– _{^{Tom Patch}}

_{^{Reassurance is important. Even though your partner may know that you love and care for them, you should still remind them daily. You don’t have to go all out with grand gestures. You can simply use your words to let them know how you feel about them. You can even get creative and use your passion to express your love; whether that is through writing, photography or even singing! If you let time pass you by without telling your person that you love them and that they are the only one for you, they may begin to feel lonely, or as if they are not important to you. Challenges will arise, as they often do in life, however when you put in the effort and work on building a strong relationship, you can get to the other side, and you will be victorious together. Never stop showing love to your partner. There are so many beautiful ways to show someone that you care.}}

_{^{– Amanda Sacchere}}

_{^{Actively encouraging and supporting your partner in every good thing they do is a very beautiful and selfless demonstration of care. This continuous, conscious act produces far-reaching benefits and outcomes even greater than the sum of the effort invested. Social media is awash with motivational reminders of the importance of kindness and encouragement. The intentions behind those lovely words on screen are clear, but putting those words into daily practice is hugely rewarding for everyone, particularly your partner. The words and actions you use to lift people up are powerful and effective, offering peace, joy and empowerment to both you and your recipient!}}

_{^{Isn’t it remarkable how the language of love can raise people up to heights they never thought they’d reach and engage with people on a level they’ve so earnestly been waiting for!?}}

_{^{– Tom Patch}}

And lastly…

_{^{When someone loves you, you’re going to know it. You will feel it not only in your heart, but in your mind, body, and soul. You will be radiating gratitude, positivity, and fearlessness. Falling will be effortless, and showing love will forever be the goal. Love does not leave you questioning your worth, and love certainly does not make you feel lonely, insecure, or weak. You won’t have to question their heart or their intentions for you because they will make it as clear as day. You should be able to wake in the morning with the confidence and belief that you are loved. People often put in the effort when it comes to those they care about. Sometimes, that will mean phone calls throughout the day, and it can even mean crossing an entire ocean to get to the one you love. Words are powerful, but actions speak for themselves.}}

_{^{– Amanda Sacchere}}

Love is a journey that two people choose to take together, hand-in-hand. There is so much more to experience and learn. There may be challenges to overcome, but there will also be incredible and momentous occasions that you will share. Choose each other daily, and always choose love. Tom and I are looking forward to creatively sharing more of our relationship with the world in the future.

As many of my followers may know, my blog is all about finding confidence. So, I wanted to remind anyone and everyone that self-love and self-acceptance is what will lead you to finding romantic love. While it can be very difficult, I encourage you to take that first step. When you find confidence, and when you practice loving yourself daily, you will attract all of the right people into your life. I say this because I truly have experienced this first-hand. By loving yourself first, your romantic relationship will flourish and bloom, like a bud turned to a rose, and it will be so much stronger as a result. You will give and accept love freely, and there will be no holding back.

We hope that you found today’s blog post helpful! Tom and I enjoyed writing it, and we hope that our words will inspire someone out there to stay positive and to never give up on finding a real love. Thank you so much for reading! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

For Tom,

I am forever grateful to have found my person in you. I am the luckiest girl in this world to be able to experience your wonderful love. Thank you for everything! We are still growing, my love!

_{“Your heart is my home.”
A beautiful gift from Tom.}

Where True Love Lies

Love is a very powerful thing. When we think of love, we often think of romantic love. We forget to put ourselves first. Many go looking for love in other things and in other people. While it is great to find love and happiness elsewhere, the most important place to find it is within yourself. This is what will change your entire life.

I believe that so many people choose to take the easy way to finding love, and that is by searching for it in others. Deciding that you want to love yourself is actually a very difficult first step. This is why so many people skip over it. It takes time, hard work, and serious dedication toward growth, acceptance, and self-love. Although it is challenging, I can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

I’ve mentioned this before, but loving myself has truly brought me so much joy, confidence, and bravery. Not only that, but I feel that all of my relationships are blossoming in a beautiful new way. Don’t get me wrong, I am not where I want to be just yet, but like everyone, I am a work in progress and that is ok. I am proud of how far I’ve come, but I am not stopping here. I want to continue to grow and better myself. Self-love really will bring you anything and everything you could want in life.

If you go looking for love in other places before looking deep within yourself, there is a good chance that things could turn sour. Insecurity and a lack of confidence can ruin a lot of things that could have otherwise been beautiful. Part of what builds a strong relationship is loving yourself. I truly believe that once you start this journey, you will soon be able to freely give and accept love to and from others. There will be no holding back. What makes this even better? Finding a partner who has also learned to love themselves.

I truly feel that what you put out into this world, you will attract. It all starts with you. Once I realized this, everything changed. For the most part, I have always been a positive and optimistic person. However, when insecurity ruled my life, so many people and things seemed to bring me down continuously. It wasn’t until I made the conscious decision to love and respect myself that I started to attract all of the right things into my life. Some of my biggest dreams have even come true because of it.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with taking some time to learn about yourself. There is nothing wrong with being single. There is nothing wrong with alone time. And there is nothing wrong with you if you struggle to accept yourself. It takes time, but you can and you will get there.

No matter what, at the end of each and every day, you have yourself, and that will always be enough. You should be your first love. I will always be proud of myself for learning that first and foremost. I wouldn’t change a thing because everything has led me to where I am today, and I feel more in love with myself now than ever before. It is freeing. It is powerful. And it is life-changing.

Instead of looking for love in other people or in other things, look inside and you will come to find that the true love you are looking for has always been and always will be yourself. Once you find this, the world is yours for the taking.

If today you let negativity, self-hatred, and insecurity win, you can try again tomorrow. You don’t have to let this pattern continue, and there really is no deadline. Your life is yours, and you can choose what direction you go in. You don’t have to stay stuck. I promise, once you begin to love yourself, everything will change for the better. Take your time growing, loving, and accepting. Remember that your self-love journey is your own, and every day will look a little different. As we go through different phases of life, self-love may look different. This is ok, and it is all a part of the journey. Continue to do your best, and never stop showing love to yourself and to the world around you. It will eventually make its way back to you in ways you’ve never imagined.

Thank you so much for reading today’s blog post! I hope that you found this message helpful, and I hope you will share it with someone you care about. Until next time!

My Top Ten Favorite Poets of Instagram

Those closest to me know that I have always had a love for writing. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl, but my love for poetry grew over the years and eventually, I began writing my own. I haven’t shared it with many people, but I do want to share it all soon (be on the lookout for more relating to this!)

As social media grew over the years, I have discovered so many talented writers through Instagram. I truly see social media as a very positive thing. While of course there are negative things about it, I find that for myself, social media keeps me in touch with friends and family, it inspires me, and it is a space for me to share whatever is on my heart. I try to use my platforms wisely and to share content with intention. Helping people is such a big goal for me, and if I could do that through my writing, nothing would make me happier.

When it comes to writing and poetry, I believe that there really are no rules. You don’t have to go by the book and do what everyone else is doing. I often write short little poems in my notes on my phone, and they may not rhyme or have a certain number of stanzas, but to me, it’s still poetry. I have always loved the way that writing can resonate with so many people. It often makes people feel less alone in this world. People can interpret words in different ways, and this can be helpful because they can then relate the words to their own personal lives. I love that there is a whole community of poets on Instagram, whether they are anonymous or open with their identity.

Today, I wanted to share my top ten favorite poets on Instagram. I follow so many poetry pages, so it was a bit difficult to narrow it down, but these are the pages that I chose to share with you today!

In no particular order…

@markanthonypoet

I absolutely love this poet because he often writes about love. His words are very encouraging and uplifting, and they bring me so much comfort. I love many of his short poems because although they may seem simple, they make me feel the most. Mark has multiple books including “The Beautiful Truth” and “True Love.”

@loveaprilgreen

I think that April may be one of my all time favorite poets on Instagram. She always words things so beautifully and I love the way that she focuses so much on personal growth and self-love. I find her poems to be very inspiring as well. I resonate with her words very often, and I always look forward to seeing what she creates. April also has three books titled “Bloom for Yourself” “Bloom for Yourself II: Let Go and Grow” and “Becoming a Wildflower: Poetry and Prose for Courage.”

@atticusxo

Atticus is well known in the poetry community. He is an anonymous poet and a New York Times Bestselling author. I have been following Atticus for quite some time now, and he has remained a favorite of mine. I highly recommend reading his beautiful words if you have not done so already. He has written multiple books including “The Truth About Magic” “Love Her Wild” and “The Dark Between Stars.” He also has a collection of tees, hats, jewelry etc. at his online store!

@j.ironword

Another poet I’ve been following for a while now! I absolutely love the way that this poet shares simple yet beautiful truths that we often forget. He very clearly pours his heart out into his words, and I always enjoy seeing his new posts! Check out his books “Abstract Heart” “She is Me” and “Live Loud, Love Loud.”

@beautaplin

I think that Beau was the first (or one of the first) poets I ever discovered on Instagram. I have one of his books, and I have always adored his writing. It is hard for me to explain why his poems speak to me so much, but it is so clear that every word was and is written so thoughtfully, and the end result is always captivating. Beau has many books, but to name a few: “Bloom” “Here at Dawn” and “Worlds Of You.”

@arianapoetess

What I love about Ariana is the way that her words truly speak to my soul. Her poetry is inspiring, and I love the theme of her content. Her photos are romantic and I love the simplicity and beauty of the flowers in many of her posts. Her words can bring peace, and when I read her poetry, I find myself sitting still for a moment to take in what I had just read.

@dthomasquotes

I have recently discovered this poet and fell in love with each post I would see. I love that Dane shares his poetry as well as little snippets of his personal life on his page. He keeps his posts very positive, which I love! I always try to keep my life positive, even on social media, so it is refreshing to see his content. If you are interested, Dane has a few books to check out: “In a World of Wishes” “Black and Blue” and “Light in the Darkness.”

@rafpoetry

I have found this poet somewhat recently, and I always look forward to seeing his poetry. His words are often simple yet motivational and stunning. He shares words of love and light, and they absolutely warm my heart.

@the.ace_

As a writer and influencer, Ace shares simple and short lines of poetry, and I really like when his posts show up on my feed. Although the lines are short, they can still resonate with the reader, and they are great daily reminders that I believe everyone should hear.

@priyakannan.offl

Another favorite poet of mine! She frequently shares short poems and statements that are always very inspiring to me. She will usually write longer poems in her captions, and I love the simplicity in her content’s theme as well. The words shared on this page make me feel a mix of emotions, and I think that great poetry and a great writer will do that to you. They makes you think, and their words make you feel.

These are just ten of my favorite poets on Instagram. I have so many more that I could have shared in this post, but I’ll save that for another day! I highly recommend checking out and supporting each of these poets and their work! You won’t regret it!

It is difficult to explain my love of poetry, but what I can say is that reading someone else’s words and having them resonate with your soul feels like magic. It feels like someone understands the words you are trying to say, so they create poetry out of it. Poetry is made from love, pain, and simply living life. It takes a special kind of soul to be a poet, for poets can reach deep into their souls, feel each and every emotion, and put them together in a way that makes readers feel seen, understood, and inspired.

Thank you so much for reading! Until next time!

How to Live a Happier Life

So many people go searching for happiness. What I have come to realize is that happiness always comes from within. The sooner this is realized, the sooner happiness can begin.

I think that all anyone ever wants is to be happy. The problem is many people do not know where happiness comes from, so they go off to find it somewhere else. Happiness is a choice, and it all starts with you. Every morning, I try to wake up and choose to have a great day. To be happy. Obviously, not every day is a great day, but your attitude really is everything.

I often describe myself as a very happy and positive person. I think I’ve always been like this. I find joy in the little things, and I tend to have an optimistic view of life. This doesn’t mean that I am positive and happy every single day, but that is always my goal.

Today, I wanted to share some ways to live a happier life overall, but I am changing things up a bit. I am really excited because I decided to include a few of my friends and family members in on this blog post! I asked them all the same question: What is one thing you would say to someone who wants to live a happier life? This may seem like a surface question, but in reality, it is extremely deep and personal. I am going to include a few of my family members and friends responses, and my own as well. Keep in mind that these responses are paraphrased, however I included their main point(s). I also included a couple quotes that stood out to me the most. Their answers were brief, but in my opinion, very meaningful.

Here were the responses (in no particular order):

Say positive mantras daily

Whether that is “Today is going to be a great day” or “I am grateful for what I have”. By focusing on the positive things in life and remaining optimistic, happiness will follow. “Never underestimate the importance of recognizing the silver linings in life.”

Love your job

No one wants to spend their lives miserable. We all start somewhere, just make sure you are working hard to get to where you really want to be. They always say that when you love your job, it doesn’t necessarily feel like work. Make sure you’re doing what you love. (This person also mentioned that having a furry friend in your life can bring so much joy as well.)

Let go of your past

Holding grudges will only hurt you in the end, so there is no reason to hold hate or bitterness in your heart. This person also stressed the importance of removing toxic people from your life and forgiving everyone.  Remaining positive is key in her life as well.

Spread more love and less hate

Being cruel and mean will get you absolutely nowhere in life. Love and kindness are powerful. What you put out into the world will ultimately come back to you. Spread love always.

Don’t worry about what other people think

It shouldn’t matter so much what people say or think about you because at the end of the day, your own opinion of yourself should matter more. Focus on yourself and do what you want to do. That is what is going to bring happiness. “Nobody is putting as much effort into thinking about you, as you are.”

Delve into your passions

Focus on your goals and your dreams and work hard to make them a reality. You really can do anything you want in life, and by working toward your passions, happiness will always be with you. Do not let anyone discourage you or make you believe that you can’t accomplish your dreams.

Go with the flow

Sometimes, being a planner (especially during an unpredictable time) can lead to a lot of disappointment. There are going to be moments in life when things will not go your way, and it is important to adapt in these situations. Understand that change is going to come, but know that how you react matters most.

Think positive thoughts

“Your thoughts control your actions and they will control your mind too.” Remember to always remain positive and never let negative comments from others bring you down. Do the things that make you happy, and spread kindness to everyone. This person also mentioned the importance of incorporating meditation into ones daily life.

Surround yourself with family

It is so important to have your loved ones around you. Family should always be a priority, and making time to be with them is what makes this person very happy. Not everyone has a great relationship with their family members, so if this is you, try to find friends who feel like family, and keep them close.  Having good people in your life can help you in ways you couldn’t imagine.

Every answer I received was beautiful and personal to the individual. I found it interesting to see what everyone said because happiness means something different to everyone. Some common themes I found were positivity and kindness. I was very happy to include these people in this blog post because they mean a lot to me.

Remember that ultimately, happiness is a choice. Yes, good things are going to happen and yes, bad things are going to happen. But, at least to me, you can choose how to react to most situations you face. Being happy truly does come from the heart. If you wake up every day, focus on the positive, and choose happiness, I promise, you will find it.

Thank you so much for reading! Until next time!