Exploration in Self Love (Pt. I)

Hello friends!
It's been two months since I wrote my prologue to this series. And there's no way for me to say how many posts I'll write regarding self love, because, well, there's so much room for exploration.

   Since the beginning of summer, I've been making it a point to make every day exciting, in some way or another. So for this week's blog post, I basically just want to talk about what I've been up to this summer and how it's been helping me grow and love myself.

1. Exploring New Places

   You don't need to travel far to find a new and exciting place. Dayton is surrounded by so many beautiful parks and architecture. Just being outside is super helpful for my anxiety. But lately, on my days off, I'm always on the move, always wanting to travel to a park or to local shops with a friend. Even spontaneous trips are my thing now. Who knew.

2. Changing up my look

   Whether it be taking more time on my makeup or getting my hair chopped, making myself look nice is something I enjoy doing. For me, doing my makeup is therapeutic. I take time before I go out and about to just sit and play with shadows and lipsticks. It just really helps me de-stress and almost put my "game face" on before I leave the house. And having Chelsea cut a foot of my hair off was the most liberating thing I've done in a long time. I really do feel beautiful. I feel like people sometimes underestimate how much changing your appearance can affect how you feel about yourself. Having shorter hair makes me feel more feminine and grown up. I just feel more open, confident, and ready to take on the world!

3. Doing More Photography

   Ever since taking Cassidy and Aaron's first session of engagement photos in the winter time, I've felt way more confident about my photography skills. I've been making sure I continue blogging weekly and taking as many photos as possible. It's become something I'm super proud of. I even took a second session for Cassidy and Aaron and am even getting asked by more people to take photos for them! It's all been such an honor and an incredible learning experience for me.

4. Learning New Things

   Besides expanding my knowledge and experience in a field that I already understand, like photography, I've been learning how to do new things! For example, at the beginning of summer, I spontaneously asked my friend Brooke to teach me how to long board. And she did! And, yes, I did wipe out at the end and bruise my tailbone. But it was so exciting to learn something new. Another random thing I've more recently learned is how to do the alphabet in sign language. My friend Vanessa taught me it during a slow work day and I kept practicing throughout the evening.

5. Spending Time With Others

   It's said that you're shaped by those around you. That you mold and change as you hang out with different types of people. Well, I've been making a point to spend one-on-one time with people I cherish. Friends old and new. And there are so many people who I still want to make a point to see, despite my busy work schedule. It's important to keep those positive people closest to you, and sometimes it's important to be selfish enough to cut off the negative influences, as hard as it can be. To you, friends, thank you all for making my summer special.

Thank you all for reading! What sorts of things do you when you practice self love?

Keep on grinning!

Lydia