Embracing your insecurities

Hello lovelies!

I’m delighted to share a bit of news… Flat Eleven has turned ONE.

That’s right, Happy Birthday baby blog!

I can hardly believe that the past year has been spent writing, creating and sharing with all of you. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Of course, this has only been the beginning.

I’ve been learning so much over the year. After all, you can certainly take a look back to my first posts to see how far Flat Eleven has come. These are posts curated from Pinterest photographs, and from an anonymous standpoint. Before I truly decided to share more of my personality, my image.

At first, I was afraid to share so much of my life.

Did I want readers to know what I looked like? To recognize me? Did I want my friends and family to know about my blog? Or potential colleagues, former classmates, even enemies?

I was insecure.

Until I came to the bold realization that it simply didn’t matter.

Creating a blog has been my way to open up and show you all a glimpse into my life. Naturally, we all keep secrets. I don’t divulge every single detail of my existence. Maybe someday.

For now, I’m happy and content with my progress.

What I’ve learned in the past year from Flat Eleven?

1. Photograph everything.
2. Travel.
3. Eat well. (And drink well).
4. Grab opportunities.
5. Be comfortable with who you are. Embrace the insecure.

The last two are possibly the most important. Let me repeat them. Be comfortable with who you are. Embrace the insecure.

Blogging over the past year brought out the best in me. I’ve become more social, branched out from my regular routine and become far more independent. In fact, often times, I now find myself seeking out the newness, the opportunities.

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy simplicity every now and then. I’m not constantly rushing about or on the go. But I’m definitely exploring my world more thoroughly, taking risks and challenging myself along the way. Fully embracing and overcoming any insecurities that I may have once had.

So in my little way, this post in particular is my celebration. Celebrating a year of blogging, celebrating the new me, and celebrating the endless possibilities to come.

And also, maybe a little bit of celebrating my new haircut! After two years, I finally chopped off a few inches and dyed it a bright shade of blonde. It feels fresh, it feels healthy and it feels new.

I like it.

Embracing the outtakes.

There was a time when a part of me wouldn’t want to display a bunch of photos of myself like this. I’m not a massively vain person. I definitely feel that I have my flaws.

But through blogging, I’ve come to the realization that it’s okay to have insecurities. It’s what you do with those insecurities that counts. You can either turn your life into something incredible, or hid in the shadows.

And while I’m generally a fan of dark clothing, I never want to be hidden in the shadows.

What insecurities have you overcome in your life?

How did you overcome them?

xx Kelly

PS. We’re also celebrating my new blog look! What do you all think of the new layout?