It all comes down to confidence

Ok, ok, I know I've been kind of MIA lately. Researching grad schools, making jewelry, and keeping up on my social engagements has kept me in a happy tizzy of excitement. Truth be told, I feel happier and more alive than I have in ages, and you better believe I am riding this wave for all it's worth.

It's weird, but that tripe about "putting out positive vibes and getting positive things back" seems to be coming true. Strangers stop and give me compliments; I've had wonderful times whenever I've gone out to a cafe or bar; my friends seem more kind and supportive than ever. Even work is going my way: I'm giving an important presentation to a major client next week, and today I had an article published on a well-respected industry blog. Happiness begets more happiness, it seems.

In a lot of ways I feel this is a turning point in my life. Most people my age would say that college was the time that they built up the most confidence; but I've always been a late bloomer. I actually hit rock-bottom at one point in college, and though it was generally a happy time, I had major problems with insecurity and lack of confidence. Since then, I've grown up so much (the sink-or-swim work world will do that to ya), and at this moment I feel braver, more confident, and more willing to take risks than I ever have. Finally committing to grad school - and a trip abroad - are both good decisions, and simply committing to those things has made me feel like I'm finally living my life the way I've always wanted to live.

So, to sum up, it seems that my keys to happiness are:
- Making plans, and sticking to them. No surprise there.
- Taking risks.
- Surrounding myself with kind, giving people.
- Enjoying the little things - the warm sunshine, an inside joke with a friend, a dish cooked well.
- Making things. The interest my friends and co-workers have shown in my jewelry has been tremendous, and I feel a great burst of pride whenever I wear something I make. Sure, it's just jewelry, but when you can turn a silly bauble into a point of pride...it's pretty nice.
- Being in service to others.
- Not caring what people think.
- Being upfront about my weaknesses. This is a big one for me. I know I have my flaws, but I don't beat myself up for them, and I'm willing to acknowledge them without getting all torn up about it.

And to tie this back to fashion...dressing becomes pretty easy when you're happy and confident. More than ever I'm dressing to be bold and get attention, because for the first time in my life I can handle attention with grace and resolve - and a certain sense of, "fuck what other people think; I enjoy wearing this, and regardless, I'm too busy making Grand Plans for the Future to care if my shirt is perfectly ironed!"

It also helps that it's dress and skirt season, and I love me a dress and a skirt. But that's beside the point.