Branching Out

This past year (or not quite a year) has been a challenge for me.  It's not necessarily one particular thing that has challenged me, but a variety of things.  Friendships, dating relationships, relations with coworkers...  I've been challenged in a lot of ways, good and bad.  I've learned a lot about myself and a lot about the people around me.  I've learned who I can truly trust and depend on though good and bad and I've learned who really has my back.  I've developed friendships with some very unlikely people that I would have missed out on had I not opened myself up to new opportunities.

I feel like these challenges have caused me to branch out of my comfort zone in a lot of ways.  I've put myself out there in ways that I haven't before...  In some ways the result has been good and in others it's backfired on me.  I'm learning to trust God and I know that he's doing these things to make me stronger and wiser.  

Loft Romper Styling 

This isn't a fashion post necessarily, but in all of this I've also branched out a bit with my style.  I consider myself to be a reasonably stylish person, but there are some things that I look at and think, "No way!  Not on this girl!"  But really, what have you got to lose when you grab that cute item in the store and aren't quite sure if it's you?  Try it on and just SEE!  Branch out and try something new!

I had this happen last week...  I went into Loft to get another cotton tee.  Something basic, safe, and (of course) on sale.  As I was wandering around the store, I noticed this cute floral romper...  Totally cute, but totally not something I would typically go for.  I decided there was nothing to lose, though, and tried it on.  I loved it!  Out of my normal element?  Yes!  But, that's part of why I love it so much.  (And did I get another tee?  Nope!  I decided to go for something DIFFERENT!)

Now, I'm not saying that God teaches me lessons while shopping, but this connection did occur to me.  I'm not the same person I was a year ago.  I've learned a lot, cried a lot, and grown a lot.  I've learned to branch out of my comfort zone.  It's not always 100% comfortable, but it can be a very rewarding experience.  :)