While the world is unraveling at the seams at traumatic rates, I wanted to continue to use my platform as a space of positivity. Being able to reflect on what this outlet has allowed me to express has also made me appreciative that I have the freedom to voice my opinion and be heard—much like everyone else should have the ability and freedom to do so. That being said, today marks my fifth year anniversary of my blog! What began as a summer hobby on my iPod has turned into a timepiece and growing extension of my creative identity and self expression. This time has allowed me to reflect on all of the highs and lows of my life, but I think one things for sure, my blog has always been there for me and it is incredible to think that it has stuck with me for all of these years. 

To give a little snapshot of how my blog started, the summer of my sophomore year of high school was spent nannying kids across the street. While I loved having a job, I knew there were definitely times I found myself wanting to do more with my free time. Growing up, I was always reading articles, blogs, or watching vlog channels on my iPod. Whether beauty, fashion, or lifestyle related, I was always finding creative ways to stay inspired and work on DIY projects or makeup tutorials. When I found Blogger, I began writing really small posts on my iPod about my favorite makeup products and using my less than average iPod photography skills to start creating flat lays or doing photoshoots in my backyard. 

My blog was just a side hobby, but as I started getting feedback from friends and bloggers online, I began to realize what this outlet might become. This blog has grown with me through everything and has allowed me to escape, share, and explore parts of my life that I wouldn't have reflected on if I didn't have a blog. For this anniversary, I thought I would share some of the most memorable blog posts from the past five years. 

This was a very memorable year for me because it was the beginning of my yoga journey and the year that I began to to become more passionate about fitness. I have always and still am very passionate about doing yoga and am an advocate for its numerous benefits for your body. While I focused mainly on yoga during high school, college opened me up to a wide variety of other exercise regimes and work out classes that have made me interested in boxing, pilates, meditation, and trying out spin classes. I will always remember how yoga grounded me, as I have become stronger and more in control of my mentality because of it! 

This blog has been through a lot of my life and has evolved as I've grown with new experiences. It's humbling to know how much this art form allows you to do, to express, and to voice your own opinions and thoughts about anything and everything. 

If there is anything special I would ask of this anniversary is that anyone reading this is inspired to use their voice as a power for change of thought and positive discussion. I plan on continuing this blog and this community I have created because of the impact even just one voice can make. I am passionate that writing will allow us to all find creative and expressive direction in all that we aspire to do.  Thank you all for supporting my blog and creative endeavors throughout the years! Cheers to five more :)