Have you ever had an idea or thought and shared with someone to then be totally shut down or called crazy? Welcome to the club. I totally applaud you for your thinking and doing something or thinking of something most people would find insane. 

If you want something, go for it. The amount of people that will tell you that you are crazy or insane or not thinking logically are the people who are just assuring you that it is the right decision. I’m all for trying something new or even deciding to I don’t know live in a different country with an entirely different language, culture, and having no relatives or friends in it. Life is way to short to live ordinarily. Why not do something different? 

I’ll give you a recent example. So I had plans on interning this summer, working, and pretty much living up summer like I do every other year. Shore trips. Going to the gym. Hanging out with friends and family. I had a random source of inspiration while traveling in France and completely decided that I wanted to do something different this summer. I could always do an internship during my last semesters of college. If I got one, I know I will be able to get another. As for doing the same mundane tasks and activities over the summer like going to the shore? I could live without that. So what to do? I have spent a period of 4 months in one of the most interesting, beautiful, and captivating areas of the world. I do not want to leave. When I want something, I do not care how I will make it happen but it will happen. Being that I have some other reasons for staying here for the summer, I thought why not leave this summer up to adventure and just do something absolutely crazy. Thus, I will be an au pair for a wonderful Italian family in Verona for the summer! Not only will I be able to learn Italian, teach English in return, I can train and swim with the kids I will be watching. I could not tell you how perfect this worked out. In addition, I’ll be able to travel while I’m here :D 

Thinking outside the box will do wonders. Did my parents and friends think I was slightly crazy or gone nuts when I decided this? Totally. Did I care? Nope. You can’t base your decisions on someone else’s thinking. I personally don’t think all that rationally and would rather do something different or unexpected. Thus, here I am, planning my summer in Italy. 

I am very blessed to have the opportunity to go home before I come back for the summer to see my family and friends. Will it be expensive? Yup. Am I going to miss home? You bet. Are either of those reasons going to stop me? Not one bit. 

If you want something bad enough, you will do anything and everything to do it. So if you want to quit your job and travel the world. Do it. If you fail, lesson learned. That’s what life is all about. Quit living in fear of making mistakes and just embrace them as they come along. 

xoxo,

My Goal: Focusing on Abs, Toning My Derriere, and Avoiding Dairy and Sugar  

My Celeb Motivation: Jennifer Lopez 

My goals for the month are pretty tough but I'm making sure to follow these challenges to stay on track.

Follow my Workout Board on Pinterest for more workouts!

Follow along or find your own fitness challenge!

Either way, just make sure you...

Ever hear that one before?

Damn straight I do. Add a soda too while you're at it! 

Just kidding. That phrase always gets me. Yeah, I feel awesome and guess what? That's okay!

In life, we have very few things we can control. To me, self-confidence is definitely one of them.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with flaunting or loving the way you look or feel. 

Beyoncé does it, so why can't I? 

Society has somehow made us think we are narcissistic or self-absorbed for some reason by doing that. I'm sure it has to do with the whole concept of selfies and likes on basically everything. 

Yes, after a certain point, put your phone down and quit doing it so that people will like you more. 

Self-confidence isn't finding assurance in others. You need to find assurance in yourself. 

I am thankful to have girlfriends who share the same beliefs and aren't afraid to own who they are. They inspire me to do the same. 

Most of my friends could probably tell you that I am one for dressing up anywhere I go. 

Work, school, or even Walmart. Alright, not Walmart maybe Target on a good day.  

As Cornelius Lindsey wisely stated, 

"If you live off a man's compliments, you'll die from his criticism".

So, you've always wanted to wear a bikini but didn't think you could? Wear it. 

Love the look of wearing a bold lip color but never tried it? Try it.

Scared of doing something others will think is weird? Do it anyway.

Who am I looking good for you ask? 

Myself, that's who. 

(and maybe my potential husband but shh..)

I am not a fan of those who judge others for what they wear and the sort.

I can wear a paper bag if I want to and I will look great in it. Watch me. 

I have grown into loving myself more. 

I thank my fabulous mother for exuding her own confidence through her style and words. She is never afraid to strike a pose or wear her best and I've learned a lot from that.

I love taking pictures and wearing figure flattering clothing.

If someone doesn't like it, bye. 

Ultimately, you have to be happy with who you are and all that you are. 

No one else's opinion matters. 

(Except your momma's...My momma always knows best)