Personal Life Private, Lifestyle Public:

Hey My Loves,

How are you guys doing this week? Last week was my Spring Break and so I took a break and didn’t post last week. As much as I would like to share how it went, I may have to wait until my next post to write about it.  It’s pouring today and I honestly just wanted to stay home.  At the moment I’m binge watching Downton Abbey.  Years ago there was this huge hype around it but I never really got into it but because of the time I had off I thought why not see what the fuss was about. I honestly didn’t think I’d become so invested in it yet here I am already on season 3 haha.  If there is one thing I haven’t mentioned about myself is that I am a hopeless romantic and I love anything to do with history, books, movies, and shows that took place in that era. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong generation just because I feel like my heart was made for a different time and I can be quite old fashioned.  So, get comfy and let’s talk for a little.

I’ve been wanting to talk about this for awhile and didn’t know when I’d write about this but about a week ago one of my closest friends sent me a post through instagram that said “I can post on social media all day and still live a life you know nothing about” and she said “I feel like this is you, you post a lot but are so private at the same time.”  So that was kind of my green light to go ahead and talk about this.

As you guys may have noticed I love vlogging, I love to take pictures, videos, and write about my day.  To be honest I don’t know why I started to share about my day and adventures, I just like being able to capture nice moments in my life.  I had mentioned to a friend of mine that I feel like I annoy people with my posts and stories and he was quick to shut that down and said “nah, it’s like your life story on here.” I would’ve never seen it that way if it wasn’t for him so I definitely appreciate him.  Some people choose to use their social media and platforms for many different reasons; I use mine to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to share and document my life. Kind of like an open Diary.

You see, I think people who don’t know me may misunderstand me.  I’m not someone who likes to brag and say this is where I’m going, this is what I have, my life is better. That just isn’t who I am but I do love to share experiences.  I love to share the beauty I experience with others and take them along with me on adventures. Whether it be how pretty my coffee came out, the shapes of the clouds, trying a new Ice cream flavor.  Life should always be filled with adventure no matter how big or small and if I can show others that you can have fun no matter your size, shape, gender, color then my goal is complete.

There were so many things I was afraid to do because I would think “What would people say, would they laugh at me? Would they make fun of me?” If I can be truthful these thoughts happen all of the time and I have to fight them away and overcome them because who cares what others think.  I don’t have time to waste on those thoughts when I can be living my best life.  I grew tired of what ifs and missing out on so many things because I was afraid to try new things.  The minute I threw all of those worries and doubts away was the minute I started to live my life to the fullest.  I started to see life differently and if that can happen with me then it is my hope that it happens to you.  That you see life filled with possibilities, filled with magical moments, and moments of wonder and courage.  That you start to live your life unapologetically YOU. 

I am not someone who feels the need to let the world know when someone has wronged me and calling them out, nor do I feel the need to use my platform to belittle others, or show off.  I hope that those who genuinely know me or want to get to know me know that I just want to share my life with you ‘One day at a time.’  That I can be transparent when I’m going through a rough moment and use it to learn from, heal, grow, and encourage others.  I thrive in keeping my life private because it is special to me.  I don’t need the world knowing that part of me because it is very intimate and valuable to me. So it is important that I keep my Personal life private but my Lifestyle public.  

You may ask yourself why do I feel the need to share my life with others and like I mentioned earlier it’s because I don’t want anyone to doubt like I did. I want you to know that you can have beautiful moments and that you can also encourage others to have their own. I want you to thrive and feel comfortable in your skin and know that it’s okay to enjoy life. I get so many messages saying “ I didn’t know this place existed.  Where are you now?  I want to try that food too.  I want to take pictures there too.  Where do you shop at? How can I be photogenic like you”  When I get messages like that they truly make my day because I don’t post anything selfishly and if I can push someone out of their comfort zone to explore something new then that brings me extreme joy.  I don’t want you stuck feeling like you’re in a fishbowl living the same day over and over again.  I want you to look around, break out of your norm, try new foods, explore new places, get lost for a little, dare to dream of bigger adventures.

I want you to know that it is okay to post about your life but make sure you know where the line is with your personal life and set boundaries because not everyone needs to mind your business. A word of advice given to me by my mother, “There will be people who are for you and there will be people in your life who envy you and only want access to you to speak against you and keep track of you.” It is your choice what and how much you want others to know. There is nothing wrong with keeping personal things to yourself because let’s face it, no one needs to know what plans you’re working on, what moves you’re making, or your love life if you choose not to share it. I can’t complain because I have some of the best people in my life but I won’t lie and say I don’t have people in my life who judge me because I do but I choose peace over arguing or trying to defend myself.  My actions, character, and words will speak louder than the opinions of others and as much as we don’t want someone talking badly about us it’s pretty inevitable whether they truly know you or not. No matter what you do good or bad you will be judged because sadly people don’t have better things to do with their lives. That is why I urge you not to be so willing to share your personal life with too many people because you never know to the core who they are as a person.  Have your select few who you can trust and share your life with because not everyone is a friend, some are just wolves dressed in sheep clothing.  It is sad because I myself as a person want the best for everyone and even though sometimes comments may upset me I just choose to see it as some people are just not happy with their life and they are the only ones who can change it.

My friends, I choose joy, peace, love, and forgiveness daily because I refuse to let the envy or bitterness of others rule how I live my life. Whether people choose to see what I post as a positive or negative it’s up to them.  I hope that my sincerity can be felt in everything I say or post but I have no control over how you or others perceive it. SO please do not apologize or feel guilty for wanting to live a good life and for sharing your joy with others.  You have no idea the happiness I feel in seeing my friends posts whether it’s big or small, exciting or mundane. I’m just grateful to see glimpses of who they are and share in their excitement, share in their victories and sympathize in their tough times

So to the beautiful person who is reading this I encourage you to plan that trip, go away for the weekend and explore a new town or city.  Buy that dress or shirt, post that selfie, please snap a picture of your meal, try that new dessert and let me know how it was, post a video of where you’re exploring because I for one would love to see it. Be you and do you boo because at the end of the day you’re the only one that can tell your story. 

I leave you with this quote from my girl JLo:

“There is no reason to ever be ashamed of where you’re at. Not when you’re doing your best. Not when you’re in your best moment. There’s always gonna be people to tell you no. Or “You can’t.” Or “You shouldn’t.” It’s gonna happen. No matter what anybody says, you just have to still be like, “I’m still doing this. I’m still gonna succeed. I’m still gonna do my best.” Defy the odds. Why not?” – Jennifer Lopez 

Until our next unpacking, have a great day my lovelies!

Love Always,

Janny Mari