Vanity

These are roses I received for my graduation and I was so elated because I actually never received flowers before. When I came home late that night, I decided to move my makeup to a desk in my room from my bathroom and placed the flowers right next to it. This has really changed how I view my mornings. As I'm putting my makeup on, I feel this sense of reverence to the prettiness of the flowers. Weird, right? I feel as if I could never compete with the beauty of these flowers and spend more time in awe of the flowers than I do putting on makeup. It puts a smile to my face. The sunlight makes it an even more joyous occasion.

Post - High School

    I've been anticipating this day for years, but most considerably my senior year. I graduated this past Thursday and I have to say, it's all pretty bittersweet.

           

 I turned 18 in April. College is right around the corner and I've already chosen my classes. I received my license last month and my diploma shortly after. I drove out on my own for the first time on my last day of high school. I went on my first date late May. I went out on my own unsupervised and have been doing so since May. Plenty of firsts for me this year.

It may sound pedestrian or even strange to you, but many do not know, I was (still am) raised in a strictly religious household. But I promise, I'm not at all psychotic and depressed and deprived of society~

   I finally found time to read again and spent hours almost each week at the bookstore, stretching $40 to buy multiple books. I've gotten back into my art. I've been (attempting) a healthier lifestyle and working out. The very thought of me growing as a person and simply becoming more confident to do more of what I want to do excites me. The possibilities are thrilling. I can easily get into my car, turn on the ignition, and just go and see where the road leads.

I'm on the verge of tears writing this post. Tears of joy (including the familiar goofy, reminiscing smile).

This summer, I'm taking the time to spoil myself. I'm catching up on all those nights of sleep I missed in favor of straight A's and 5's on AP exams. I'm doing at-home spa treatments. Smiling more.

I don't want to be an example of "youth is wasted on the young". This is the time to live. This is the time to laugh and go on road trips and have bonfires, just like in those teen movies. Be optimistic. Have summer love(s). Don't be afraid to say no or yes. Go.

Just go.