feels

Scatter Brain

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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I recently have been feeling like I have a lot of things going on and I’m getting overwhelmed.

I know what else is new? Right? 

But I’m stuck.

It’s that time of year where it’s getting hotter. I work closely with the school system, so it’s nearing summer break and all the kids are starting to lag and slow down and I feel by some extension that I am too.

There is this improvement list I keep thinking about.

Things I want to do and be better at, for myself-my career, my health, for my students, for my family, for my friends…

I teach 5 different creative activities and although it was my choice, I feel like I’m not doing as well as I hoped. I always have this vision and then it gets crazy and scattered and I end up scrambling in the last weeks.

And yet I am still also needed in a lot of other areas in my life- I’m in three more weddings- two of which I am maid of honor for, I’m going to be a Titi (An Aunt) in the fall I’m going to have a niece! And I’m planning for family occasions that keep popping up…the list always has something new added.

So I feel like I’m trying to be everything to everyone and still tryin to have some sort of social life and make time for myself. 

My relationships in my life with family and friends are everything to me.

And I want to show up for everyone… for everything.

And lately, I just feel kind of all over the place, and pulled in many directions.

I feel like I’m dropping the ball, and I don’t know what to do.

To the point where I just want to throw myself on my bed and sleep to forget it all.

I’ve been going and going since what feels like forever, and I’m still going.

I don’t know how to get over this bump in the road.

There is so much I want to do for myself, and I feel like my career has been put on hold for so long, and I know that it is my fault.

But I’ve made strides to better my situation in the past and I feel like now I’m just stuck and safe.

I get worried that my dream of being a writer will never happen for me.

I know I have to push myself, and when I lack motivation, I need to learn to push past it.

But it’s difficult. For sure.

I don’t know where to start.

How to change.

I’m always buying, and doing for something else, that it’s easy for me to forget or slack on going after what I really want for myself.

I need to learn how to prioritize.

I need to learn how to use my time wisely.

I need to plan accordingly and not let myself get stuck in my comfort zone.

I need to realize that the change is within me, and no one else.

I can’t keep saying I’m stressed and overwhelmed and then just shut down.

Because what good is that then?

I can’t just keep going through the everyday routine without any progress or change.

But I don’t know how to do that.

And this is not a “feel bad for me” post, this is literally my way of trying to sort this mess out.

I know I will, I’ve done so in the past.

One day things just clicked and did what I had to do even though it was scary…even though it was hard.

So I’m hoping I get my click into place day soon.

Thanks for letting me vent, friends.

And if you can relate, tell me in the comments how you push past that feeling stuck feeling!

XO

Michelle

 

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

My No Make-up Routine

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

There are some days (usually on the weekends) when I will go makeup free. I used to never wear makeup to school all the way up until college. Here and there maybe lip-gloss and eyeshadow, but rarely on an everyday basis. If I had a party or something, that was a different story. 

But now that I am working everyday I just feel I need to do a little something everyday. So I like to give my face a break on the weekends. If I don’t have to be anywhere special I will go all natural the whole weekend.

I can’t say that I always feel super confident when doing so. I used to be fine without wearing makeup, because I was so used to it. But now I’m used to having some makeup on during the week, so when I don’t I feel like my insecurities can arise. #BAGSUNDERMYEYES

However, I think it’s important to give your face a break. And I have actually gotten some compliments when using this little routine.  There was actually one day I did these few small steps. I threw my hair up in a messy bun and some hoop earrings on, and went to my aunt’s to have dinner and my sister in law was like “Do you have any makeup on today?” and I was like “No. none. Actually like zero.” And she just looked at me with a face and was like “Ugh, I hate you. I’m looking at you saying, this girl looks so pretty today.” Lol.

That was such a crazy sweet compliment that it made me feel really great. I was feeling insecure that day and I was just like cool, I can do this no make up thing. I do it no matter what, because I think it’s super important for allow your face to breathe, but now I can have a little more confidence going makeup free.

So I thought I’d share what I do on the days I decide not to wear any makeup. Like zero makeup.

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STEP 1:

First, I take my morning shower and I wash my face with a facial cleanser. I usually use Simple products, but then I switched to Cetaphil, and now I’m currently using Neutrogena.

Quite honestly, I think I’m going to be switching back to Simple or Cetaphil. I don’t care for the smell of the Neutrogena face wash. I really liked the Cetaphil one the best out of the brands I’ve tried so far.

STEP 2:

After I get dressed I do my skin routine- splash some cold water on my face. I don’t know why I do this. I know I just showered, but for some reason it’s just like a boost. And I feel like it preps my face for my face lotion.

STEP 3:

After I dry my face, I apply my Simple Moisturizer, I’ve been using this for a while and I like it. Accept I recently bought the wrong one by accident. So currently I am using the Rich Moisturizer. But I like the Light Moisturizer with SPF in it. It’s light texture, not greasy, and smells good! I think I’ll be switching back to the light. (it’s the one with the yellow sign on the front.)

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*This is also the time when I brush my teeth, clean my ears and blow my nose and all that jazz. You know usual human things.

STEP 4:

Apply chapstick or lip balm. I use my holy grail- the old school blue tub Blistex.

STEP 5:

Apply a little bit of Vaseline to my eyelids. I can’t remember where I saw this. I feel like it was in a beauty guru’s no make up routine. I just think it gives you a little natural shine.

STEP 6:

This next step is a bit weird and unconventional, lol. But I usually pinch my cheeks a bit just to get some color. HAHA.

STEP 7:

I curl my eyelashes with my Revlon eyelash curler, and brush my eyebrows in place with my elf eyebrow brush.

STEP 8: (OPTIONAL)

Rock the messy top knot or side bun and add some statement earrings for flare if your looking to spice things up.

 

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This is a selfie I took after doing this routine.

 

And there you have it. That’s about it!

I don’t always do this on my no makeup days. If I’m just home, I won’t do anything! If I have to go out and don’t want to wear makeup then doing these small little things can make me feel a little more confident. What do you do on your no makeup days?

 

*Most images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

The walls I’ve built.

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

 Why is this so difficult for me?

I feel as though I fear the truth.

Some untold story, hidden within.

To have to face the reality that I waited far too long.

Haven’t been diligent enough.

Been closed off.

Unapproachable.

Other opinions twisted and swirling in my mind.

Feeling as a judgement placed on my heart and character.

Am I incapable of change?

Void of something.

Trying to fill it elsewhere.

Making excuses.

Placing blame.

Afraid of intimacy.

Afraid that he won’t understand the journey I’ve struggled through.

Or lack thereof one.

Privacy will be gone?

Insecurities will be high.

Lessons learned.

Through the observant eye.

A new anxiety producer.

Hard work down the drain.

Something wanted and waited for my whole life.

When opportunities knock, why retreat?

Love.

Falling in.

Falling out?

Forever?

Is there such a thing?

I’d like to think so.

A romantic at heart.

A sarcastic cynic in mind.

What ifs are the luggage I carry with me everywhere.

The barrier which stops the leap.

I sit with myself, still unsure.

Still confused.

Stuck between yes and no.

Between “go for it” and motivational self-made pep-talks…

And crimpling self-doubt.

Stubborn to a fault at times.

Open to new possibilities at others.

The inner struggle- a tug of war with myself.

In the end… it’s up to me.

Can I break these walls, let the light shine through.

And if it should only shine but for a brief day, can I find my sunshine again.

If light goes dim, can I find the switch in the next room.

In times I have rushed myself before my heart was truly ready.

Jumping before my mind and heart have reached a compromise have never proven my best strategy.

The journey is to be continued.

And I am a work in progress.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m calling off all bets.

It means I’m going to bet on myself.

Trust myself.

Sit with myself.

Stay tuned.

This is my next chapter.

My next anxiety.

My next lesson.

2017.

I see you.

And I raise you a glass of change.

Cheers.

-<3-

 

 

 

Change.

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Hi friends,

I know it’s been a minute. I am sorry. Every time I attempt to work on a post or even think about working on one, I would get discouraged or sidetracked. Holiday season, work, amongst personal changes have sort of taken over. It’s a mixture of an artistic slump and a life slump. But if you follow me, you do know that this blog means alot to me, and I always come back no matter how long I’ve been away. Because in my heart…I’m a writer and I am always writing a story in my head. So I’m going to hit you with a little emotional rant of sorts.

***************

Change.

Why is it that word scares us so?

What about it instills that fear in us?

Unfamiliarity.

Insecurity.

Loss of control.

Why is it that anytime you get comfortable in your day to day…life has a way of just throwing a pie right in your face?

I love pie, but not change. (lol)

The intelligent, rational side of me understands that change is part of the natural progression of life.

It’s not only predetermined to happen, it has to.

What’s that saying?

You can’t look backward, only forward.

It feels like you blink and you miss it.

I have no idea how time escaped me.

I feel like I’ve always said…when I grow up I want to do this and be that and live here…

And yet then I woke up and realized I’m 25 and still trying to get my life together.

But then there’s this…

I think what gets me most is when it all happens at once.

All the change hits you and your not as ready as you thought you were.

I’ve always been a- dance to the beat of my own drum kid.

I never liked to do things just to do them.

They needed to be backed by an emotion or a need.

My heart had to sit with it, for a while, before a decision was made.

And I am still that way.

Risk taker isn’t a word I’d use to describe myself.

However, as part of my discovery into myself and my self growth, I’ve learned that risk taking is how you get places.

And so I’ve been practicing just that.

That realization.

That’s when I want to run…far…away…away from everyone and everything and just be.

Be safe and in my comfort zone.

Last year I felt really inspired and worked on alot of self-growth.

This year- felt a little less inspiring.

Not in the sense that I wasn’t happy, or enjoying life.

Just in the sense that life just kind of flew by.

I guess it’s not so bad that I’m busy.

I struggled for so long to find work, that I am very happy and humbled to be employed and actually enjoying what I do, even if it’s not a lifelong career, I am learning about myself and what I am capable of.

But as the year ends and the New Year will soon be rolling in, we are conditioned to reflect on our lives over the past year.

And mine, I gotta say is kind of a blur.

Good, happy, exciting things happened, and are still happening, but I find myself a little stuck.

I feel like I’m just going through the motions each day.

There’s a routine and I’m ok with it, but now my thoughts of the future and where I’m going next are stirring up again.

Work, school, relationships with my loved ones.

Where do I want to be? What do I want to do? Who do I want to be?

I have so much I still want to work on.

How do I achieve my true happiness?

I don’t think that’s a definitive destination.

I think happiness is ever changing.

There’s that word again.

There are always going to be two sides to every coin.

Good days and bad days.

We aren’t always going to be smiling.

Sometimes we’ll cry and sometimes we’ll feel the weight of those tears in our souls.

And sometimes we take that as a sign that we are broken.

Who ever said that crying was a sign of weakness?

Shame of you.

I see your bottled up feelings, and I raise you a pack of Kleenex.

I’ve cried in front of rooms full of people, and still lived to tell the story.

Who’s tough?

There are things that I thought I would have accomplished by now in my life.

There are places I thought I’d be by now.

25 isn’t exactly the youngest number.

And it isn’t exactly all it’s cracked up to be.

I don’t know maybe it’s just the time of year that stirs up all of this.

Or maybe it’s something to think about and really figure out.

I know I will always keep striving and going, it’s just that change scares me so much.

Add anxiety, stress and certain insecurities to that and it can be crippling.

Sometimes I just wish I could go back and ask for a re-d0.

Maybe I would have done a few things differently.

But then again, I do think that this is my journey.

It’s unlike anyone else’s and it may not be perfect-

but it was meant to be mine, and no matter how scary and painful the struggles I’ve dealt with may have been, I found a way to overcome them.

And although a work in progress-

I am so much stronger because of them.

If I’ve learned anything from where I’ve been, it’s that I was born to be a success story.

And so are you.

xo

Michelle Leigh

Hang in there my fellow 20-somethings!

New Year, clean slate, make new memories.

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my RIOT. [Part 2]

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

****LETTERS OF LOVE & FRUSTRATION-The Walking Dead Edition****

Dear Glenn,

You were a leader, a loyal man of honor. You took whatever came your way and handled your business like a boss, but with an odd heir of grace in a rather grace-less world. You were our heart, our family. And the thought that you will never crack a joke, kiss Maggie, or meet your baby, well it just breaks my heart to pieces.

Glenn- from your first words, “Hey Dumbass” to your last “Maggie…I’ll find you.”- I have never not loved you, believed in you, or trusted you. Unfortunately you were the heart and moral compass of the show that got taken away from us this season and in the very first episode of the season, none the less. You will be greatly missed, there aren’t words to explain just how much. Maggie will never be the same without you, and The Walking Dead will never be the same without you.

You truly were one of my favorites and this to date (and forever) will be one of the most felt Walking Dead deaths ever. I think you deserved better, I think you had more story to tell. I think you would have made an amazing dad. Forever and always, your loyalty, heart, fearlessness, bravery, friendship, love and kindness, will be with us. We love you, we’ll miss you, and….we’ll find you. This isn’t goodbye it’s see you later.

RIP GLENN Love you, forever. ❤ #Family

 

Dear Steven Yeun,

I hope you know how much we love you. How deeply your portrayal of Glenn as impacted millions of us. I already miss seeing you on my tv screen every Sunday night. And I wish you the best of luck on future projects. Can’t wait to follow your career. But to me, you’ll always be my Glenn.

 

Dear Abraham,

Thank you for rocking the trendiest mustache ever, for being a sassy ginger, for having the best southern accent, and for- my favorite of all- thank you for the countless hysterical zingers. You brought a little laughter to a very dark world, and we will miss your leadership, and your safe soul.

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Dear Michael Cudlitz,

Thank you for being your bad-ass self and for honoring your fans to the very end of your Abraham journey. The next show or film to get you, is very lucky. I’ll be watching for you. 😀

 

Dear Maggie/Lauren Cohan,

You got this. We got you. Hand in hand we walk.

baby-glaggie

Dear Scott Gimple and Robert Kirkman,

A little something comes to mind…oh yea that’s right…

Dear Daryl,

I love you, I love your southern slang & twang, your ability to own any situation, your worldly training and variety of skills, your fashion sense ;), your tough guy exterior and most of all your big ole heart of gold. The guilt of causing Glenn’s death will probably get you killed this season, but I hope you kick some serious ass before you go. (Please don’t go!)

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Dear Norman Reedus,

<33333333333….

Hearts, hearts for days.

*****************************************************************

Here are some images from my Walking Dead Season 7 premiere party…you know before my heart was ripped out of my chest.

This table scape is also perfect for Halloween!

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This is a chocolate two layered cake with butter cream frosting and crushed Oreos in the center, surrounded by crumbled Oreos again and gummy worms, topped with a raspberry/jello/cool whip concoction as the “brain.” It looks kinda like a heart. #SorryNotSorry Lol.

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I used red “fruit punch” flavored Gatorade for the Walker Blood and Lollipops for the Walker Claws. (my brother found them at the dollar tree they are originally called zombie fingers!)

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Death Predictions :*/

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Seconds before watching the premiere…

 

 

DISCLAIMER:

I’m going to be posting quite a few things about The Walking Dead this weekend, my usually scheduled Monday post, was a no go. It was just too soon for me to fully write up and process all that I had to say. I tried, but it wasn’t ready.  I will fill out the rest of this week with new posts. I need to get them all written and ready and then I will post accordingly. I need to get it all out, by week’s end, because then I can hopefully start to heal and move on. This is my venting. I hope you understand, fan to fan. 😀 If you aren’t a Walking Dead fan or you disagree with my thoughts, come back soon for a different vibe. Right now this is my RIOT time. xoxo

*I do not take credit for any images/gifs used is the first portion of the post.*

*All premiere party photos are my own.*

-<3-

“Ughhhhh” – A Monologue

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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Do you ever just feel like screaming the words “Fuck you” at the stop of your lungs? No filter. No editing. Bare. Vulnerable. Loud. This life is so unnecessarily stressful, we are pulled every which way. Anxiety a burden. Minds racing to far past our feet. The high road is easier spoken then taken. When hearts become doormats for jealous shoes. When you are asked to simply just deal. And understand. The bigger people get shit on, always. And somehow the world has let that be ok. No… you’re stressing me out. Avoid the stress. When we learn to be adults then maybe this is something we can talk about. Silly things, childish fears. I’d rather not shed you the tears. I am who I am .I do what I do. I have the biggest heart, and it will always shine through. Try to shade me and it won’t work. Your façade is crumbling I see it in the dirt. I walk past and leave a trail of glitter. Because I have no time to spend on the hurt. The pain the sadness the taunting  you’ve created. This experience is now jaded. And now faded I feel. So I will walk away and hope that your heart heals. At the end of the day we can only be responsible for our own actions and whether or not we are adult enough to own them. 

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

Dear Future Husband,

michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

When you get to be in your 20’s….it’s easy to feel like time is running out. Here is a letter to my Future Husband, whoever you may be. I have a feeling we’ll be really happy.

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Dear Future Husband,

I’ve waited forever to meet you.

To see your face so clearly.

To know your heart and your understanding.

To be held in your strong arms.

These words I’ve wanted to say.

I can’t quite explain.

I’ve waited my whole life,

to run to you with my worries and insecurities.

To feel comfortable enough to do just that.

To see you in a suit.

And smell the scent of your after shave and cologne too.

I know it sounds silly, but I dream about you without knowing you.

To stare into your eyes and know true safety.

To tell your mother I think she raised an amazing man.

To bake treats for your family gatherings.

To sit on my couch watching a movie as I lay with my legs draped over yours.

To add you as my plus one.

To have you stand beside me during Sunday mass, in the most beautiful church you’ll ever see.

To let you meet my god daughter and hope you’ll be good friends.

To put you in a room with my crazy, huge family and tell you it’s all going to be ok.

To kiss you at midnight.

To be your Valentine.

To fight with you when I think I’m right.

To have you get down on one knee in front of me as I weep joyfully.

Yes.

I can’t wait to love you all the days of my life.

Love,

Your Future Wife.

P.S. I hope you’re thinking about me.

Because I think it’s about time that we finally meet.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

 

 

 

 

Alicia Keys- No Makeup Movement

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I remember hearing something stirring up about Alicia Keys starting up her own #NoMakeupCampaign a while back, and I just now recently saw it in action at the 2016 VMA’s, and can I just say…. SHE. LOOKED. FLAWLESS. RADIANT. BEAUTIFUL. It was inspiring.

GET IT GIRL.

I could have just stopped there and I would have already made my point.

But in typical rambling fashion, you know a michelleleighwrites post is never short. So let’s talk.

After seeing how amazing she looked on that red carpet, I wanted to dive into the story behind this movement. So I found and read a few articles that dug a little deeper.

Articles:

POPSUGAR

YAHOO! NEWS

The most powerful thing I found was Alicia’s essay she penned for Lena Dunham’s online feminist newsletter “LENNY,”  entitled “Time to Uncover.” Her reasons for making such a bold choice stem from her own insecurities. Like many of us women out there, including myself, we have this intense pressure we feel to live up to a standard of beauty that the media inflicts upon us from a very young age. And the older you get, the more serious the impact can feel. I used to rarely ever wear makeup. Other then if it were a holiday or special occasion, I was usually make up free all the way up until my college days. And even then, I didn’t go the whole crazy route that you see makeup artists or beauty guru’s go nowadays. Don’t get be wrong I LOVE watching those videos just as much as the next girl, and I do think makeup can be this incredible artistic expression. But sometimes I just sit back and think “How much stuff are you putting on your face?” Even personally, when I sit down to do my makeup, sure I’m more of a drugstore makeup girl, but sometimes between the concealer, and the foundation and the powder and the primer, by the time I finish, it feels like it took me forever.

Watch Alicia discuss her movement in a radio interview with HOT 97- [@ the 2:05 mark]

 

 

Ever since I started working more regularly, and having to come face to face with more people each day, I’ve started doing a regular simple makeup routine. It doesn’t take too long and I like the outcome. But I’ve felt more of that pressure to have to put makeup on lately. I have started to really feel like I have to cover up my acne scars, blemishes and under eye circles. And I used to never really feel like that. I would just wash my face, moisturize and go. What happened to that? That freedom?

In Alicia’s interview she notes that going makeup free and sporting her bare face for all the world to see has been “a beautiful challenge.” Stating that the movement is about being yourself. She emphasizes that she doesn’t want this to be “taken the wrong way,” it isn’t an anti-makeup campaign it’s just a campaign to encourage women to feel beautiful in their own skin, “to be free, to be who you are, to be yourself.” She also states that she believes in being “perfectly imperfect.”

Alicia’s words-her message, has really resonated within me and I think it’s having an impact on many people. Even though I’ve seen she’s gotten some criticism, I am a complete supporter. Her husband is as well.

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Alicia’s newest video-no makeup-and gorgeous.

Alicia has said that this raw real no makeup movement was inspired by a photographer who was shooting her new album artwork. The photographer wanted to shoot her as is, free of makeup, just from the gym, in a head scarf.

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Further explaining that the realness of her appearance will balance out with the realness in her new album.  I haven’t come across an album release date, but I will certainly be checking up on it, once it’s out!

Do your thang, Alicia. We get it. And we’re here to join. I know I am. Everything I’ve seen about her lately is filled with such beautiful messages, and inspirational good vibes. She seems so centered and happy, even though she admits to still working on things, aren’t we all? There is so much positivity she exudes that it’s beautiful to watch and it inspires. There’s a rich realness there and it’s freakin awesome that she’s from New York too!

 

*I do not take any credit for any music, images, videos used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

5 Struggles Every Girl Can Understand

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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Shaving on the regular for the summer…we all dread it, am I right ladies?

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Let’s be real in the Winter, we don’t give it a second thought. But now we actually have to care. What an imposition! Lol. #DangAnkles #AlwaysKnickingMyself

 

Cramps that crimple you…but why is there a war going on in my uterus?

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Seriously though, sometimes I can’t move from my bed and I don’t even want to. #Zombie #WheresMyChocolate #LeaveMeAlone #IllRipYourHeadOff

Rushing to get ready and then this happens…

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Clean up on aisle- I ain’t got time for this! I’m rushing as it is and now you wanna play games.

Breaking out the spanx…Tight dress…You know what you gotta do.

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#CurvesForDays #SmoothItOut #BreakingASweat

Ran sacking your closet for an outfit and coming up with nothing.

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#LifeStory

Ah the trials and tribulations of being a girl. It’s wonderful isn’t it?

We all have our struggles and we all know what a pain they are, but at the end of the day the show goes on and we pull through. #GirlPower #Sweats #MessyBun #NoBra #NoMakeup #Netflix #IceCream #DoYoThang

* I do not take credit for any of these photos.*

-<3-

“Don’t Cry” – Something we should never say

michelleleighwrites 5 Comments

Dont Cry

 

“Don’t Cry”

We say it all the time.

To infants.

To friends.

To ourselves.

I found myself holding back tears often. In fear of showing “too much” emotion. Yet as I grow older I realize the importance of allowing yourself to express those emotions. It is not good for you, for your health, for your relationships, to keep things all bottled up inside. It’s important to let them out.

“No cry.”

“Stop crying.”

I’ve caught myself and others saying this to my goddaughter.

It’s a reflex, I think. An attempt to soothe, to calm, to comfort.

We say it because we are uncomfortable in the moment, in the sadness. In seeing someone we care about dealing with that sadness or hurt.

We say it because we think we are helping. Because we don’t know what else to say.

We are indeed trying to help.

There are good intentions behind it.

But at the age of 3 now I have seen her try and stop herself from crying when she is sad, or hurt, and it’s a lesson she doesn’t need to learn. Not now. Not ever.

“Don’t cry.”

We say it all the time.

But is it right?

When we say these things, we are telling ourselves, telling others that it’s not ok to feel.

That feeling whatever it is we/they feel is wrong.

But it isn’t.

Crying is natural.

We have tear ducks for a reason, no?

It’s a bodily function.

Blame it on biology.

Or applaud it, for allowing us a form of expression.

It’s ok to cry.

It’s ok to feel whatever it is you feel.

Whether you are right or wrong, in that moment, you feel it.

And no one can change that.

No one can tell you how to feel.

Because feelings aren’t something you can always control. And that’s ok.

And I’ve learned that sometimes the tears are just going to come.

And you have to learn to be ok with that.

Screw it.

Let the tears flow.

Sure it’s awkward.

It creates some unnecessary anxiety in you.

“What will people think?”

“Oh my god, what’s wrong with me?”

“I’m a total mess.”

“I look ridiculous.”

“I can’t believe I let this happen.”

No, you can’t control it all the time.

No, you are not a mess.

You are human.

Life will go on.

You will recover.

You will be ok.

Life is going to take a toll on all of us at some time, whether you are a child or an adult.

Whether you are crying because you lost a loved one, because someone broke your heart, because you finally got that job you always wanted, or because well… you are PMSing and watching Pocahontas. #Trustory #ColorsoftheWind #GetsMeEverytime

These thoughts of uneasiness stem from that gut feeling in you that thinks you’re doing something wrong. #ThanksSociety That somehow crying in front of people means you will never recover, or that it’s the end of the world for your social life.

But everyone is human.

People understand.

And one day it’ll be your turn to comfort a friend in need.

When you let whatever hardship you’ve been harboring out you feel a sense of relief and release. Letting go of whatever it is that is troubling you.

It is OK to cry. In Public. In Private.

Cry- if you want to.

Cry- if you have to.

Cry- because you need to.

And never let anyone make you feel less because of it.

It takes just as much strength to be vulnerable in front of someone that it takes to remain “put together” all the time.

Strength isn’t void of feeling.

It’s allowing yourself the space and time to go through the emotions you need to feel.

Once you do, you’ll feel a little bit lighter.

Cry like it’s your party and you want to.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images or gifs used.*