A little inspiration for you all...

Hello loves,

I have been doing a lot of thinking these past few days, and I wanted to do a post about what has been running through my mind.

I am nineteen years old, and I feel like I haven’t accomplished very much in my life. I am from a teeny tiny town in the middle of the United States, and I haven’t checked many things off my “life goals list.” Watching YouTubers and bloggers that travel all around the world makes me feel as though I’m lacking in life experiences. Traveled out of the country? Hasn’t happened. Visited the big cities in the US? I was in LA last year (it was perfect, by the way!), but I haven’t done that either. Even starting a YouTube channel? Only a dream. But this year I want to change this.

I am a nervous person by nature, which is why I have always been afraid to push myself. I didn’t take photography classes because I thought I wasn’t going to be good at it. Now I’m interested in photography and wish I would have had learned basics earlier on so I could be taking better photos now. I was too scared to learn an instrument, but now I’m wishing I would have learned guitar because I just love that instrument. It’s probably my favorite, and now I would have to start as a beginner. At my age? You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…

Well, this is all going to change, starting now. Last spring, I decided on where I was going to college and what I wanted to do. Instead of going to college for something “safe,” I’m going for magazine journalism and English. I love to write, and I’ve learned so much from my first year at college already. I know there aren’t heaps of jobs in journalism, but I figured I need to pursue what I want, and so far I am in love with my decision.

After graduation, my parents are hoping that I stay close. I appreciate my small town roots. These experiences helped me become the person I am today, but I’m looking forward to exploring. I love to travel, but I have hardly had the opportunity to see what this big world has in store. I’ll have mounds of debt, but I’ve decided to just move somewhere I’ve always wanted. Right now, I have my sights set on LA, NYC, or London. I’ve never been to New York or London, but I’m planning on studying abroad in London next spring (I can’t wait!). I can’t hold back—I just need to do it. I’ll be 22 when I graduate (which, is my golden birth age too—it’s gonna be a good year), and that’s the perfect time to set my roots somewhere new.

My dream has always been to write for a fashion magazine, and that is what I still aspire to do. I don’t want to give up on that. I just want to keep on working hard to get there. I’m hoping to see my name on a byline in Refinery 29, NYLON, or Company magazines. (A girl can dream, right?)

I’ve realized that this is the time in my life in which I need to do what I want to do. I don’t want to look back 20 years from now and regret not doing what I want. I’m planning on starting a YouTube channel this summer, and I’m hoping to get all the funds I’ll need to study abroad next spring. Maybe when I’m abroad I’ll get my hair done like Lou Teasdale’s at a Bleach salon, maybe I’ll finally visit a city in the US that I haven’t been. I’m not sure what that “thing” will be, but maybe I’ll just do it.

This is my final statement for you: do what you want, even if that means doing something little tomorrow. Want to make a little splurge on that makeup palette you have been eyeing for the past month? Always wanted to ask that cute guy out (I have…)? Just do it! I need to push myself too. Maybe that means saving up for that backpacking trip that you’ve always wanted to take through Europe with your besties or a weekend in Cali. Just find a way to make it work. Fight for it. And, most importantly, try not to regret anything. You will make mistakes, but these mistakes will help you become an even stronger woman.

I’m hoping to look back on this post a year from now and smile. I’m hoping I can say, “Yes, I did that! I never thought I would!” I’m sick of sitting back and wishing. I just need to do it.

Sorry about how long this is, but I just wanted to share my recent “inspirations” with you all. I’m hoping I follow through with these things, and I’m hoping you all can take a chance and follow what you want to do too. What have you been holding back from doing? I would love to hear more about what you aspire to do—maybe I can get some new ideas of things I’d like to do one day too!

Thanks for reading,

Maggie D. xx

Here's a little edit I made from a photo I took on my way to LA last year.

P.S.: Check out Nina Nesbitt’s “Way in the World” if you still feel like you’re trying to find yourself. I’m at that stage in my life, and it basically sums it all up. I think you would like it J