My Bravest Summer Yet!

I remember being a kid and at the end of every summer expecting some sort of growth be it physically or mentally. For some reason I decided it would be these three months that would mature me the most. Perhaps it was also starting another school year and the fact that my birthday came in the fall. Having now worked every summer since I was 17, this idea seemed to fade away as it no longer seemed to apply to my life. June, July, and August were just like all the other months in the year except on Saturdays and Sundays I occasionally got to frequent the pool, and wear less clothes.

This summer however was a tad bit different. This summer I made perhaps the biggest decision I will ever make in my life, and then I made many other brave decisions. The first big decision I made was to fall in love. I admit I am a hopeless romantic. But falling in love to me has always seemed foolish, dangerous, and unnecessary. I'd spent the last four years of my life dating, and having fun, but I always protected my heart not allowing anyone to get too close, and if they did for some reason, well I found a way to push them away. But this summer I gave myself completely. I gave everything I had. There were moments where I stalled and relapsed into past behaviors, but I always came back a more devoted lover and for that I am proud of myself. The second and most brave thing I did was separate from the military. This had always been the plan for the most part, to separate when my enlistment was up. But it was still very, very scary. I was warned time and time again about the economy, and how there were no jobs. I was told I wouldn't do it and that it was too easy to just stay in. It almost felt as if everyone was either calling my bluff, or calling me stupid. But I did it. I got out. I'm broke. I have no medical insurance, and no idea what the future holds, but I have never felt more alive or more happy. I'm taking a chance at life. The last bravest thing I chose to do this summer is to do what I love and broadcast it to the world. I created something from nothing almost every day this summer. I made food, vases, clothes, bowties, cupcakes, cake pops, and so much more. And then I got on Instagram, and twitter, and Pinterest and Google Plus, and I shared those creations with the world. I even created this blog. And the feedback I have received has been so encouraging. I don't have a ton of followers, or hundreds of likes on my post, but the little praise I do receive inspires me to keep creating. Because there is nothing else I'd rather do with my life than inspire creativity in others.

All in all I'd say this has been the scariest, most adventurous, most relaxing, most inspiring summer I've experienced yet! And if I had to evaluate my growth, I'd say I've grown tremendously. I've learned to embrace change, take risks, and trust in God that everything will be ok. Below are the last pair of shorts I made this summer and they are by far my favorite. I call them my Groovy, Girly, shorts :).