THIS ONE'S FOR THE GIRLS

Joggers: H&M | Cardigan: ASOS | Boots: Ego | Sunglasses: ASOS | Body: Primark (similar) | Choker: New Look (similar)

Is it just me, but does anyone else look at other women and think 'gosh, men are so lucky'. Women are just the most amazing creatures, full of beauty, grace and power. But like every woman I have my insecurities, my hangups and things I wish I could just change. And being on this blogging journey I've sometimes had to come face to face with those insecurities. Seeing yourself in pictures on a daily basis, you quickly become very critical of yourself. Remember I talked about my negative Nancy ways, well sometimes I unleash them onto my physical aspects and can be cruelly critical about my looks, body, hair, just the whole package at times. I remember I once had the quote under a picture " If a friend talked to you in the way that you talk to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?" I eventually took that picture down, because I didn't like how I looked - ironic I know! But the message is so true. We can be our biggest critics, when we should be our biggest supporters, for ourselves and other women.

So try talking to yourself how you would to a friend, family member or that girl crush you have. It's so easy in this 'Instagramable' age to judge yourself against at times very unrealistic ideas of beauty. This need to look perfect can sometimes consume you and make you forget that PERFECT DOESN'T EXIST. Back in the day I may not have posted up these pictures, some of you may be thinking she's chatting rubbish. But honestly I wouldn't because (and now I'm gonna point them out) you can see small rolls of fat on my sides and under my arms. Which if my sister or mum saw, they would be like "what fat" and even I know in my head it's normal and so what if anyone has some fat rolls. But I was so critical of what I put up here, half the time I wouldn't put anything up - but that has all changed! 

I've said that this is the year of being real and facing fears, and I'm sticking by it. Putting yourself out there isn't easy and honestly is the biggest reason I put off starting this blog for the longest time. Creating a social presence means I'm opening myself up to scrutiny from literally all over the world. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. While I've been the most critical of myself, strangers have been the most accepting - specifically the girls out there. Although men think we want them to say nice things to us (and sometimes we do) for me nothing and I mean nothing is better than receiving genuine love, appreciation or kindness from another female - but make sure you share that love with yourself also. So let's try cut out on any self- hate or anything that stands in the way of female empowerment and instead here's to us ladies *raises coffee mug* we are beautiful and yes, we are different but TBH those differences is what makes us bomb AF!! xx