The first step to achieving a state of sophrosyne: Being OK with who you are.
You need to be OK with who you are and what you are. Your opinion makes the most difference. Don’t ever beat yourself up for not fitting in, being weird, or being an awkward turtle. It’s OK to stand out, weird is the new cool, and awkward moments sometimes make great stories. You wield the pen of your story and you should love what you write.
Focusing on the fyner things in life.
Keyword on “fyner” things. OK, obviously the spelling on this sticker is incorrect, but it allows you to pay closer detail as well as to take notice. You don’t need to focus on everything in life, because that just prevents you from going anywhere far. I used to stumble on every little detail and that had me completely overstressed and miserable. I was stuck in the past. Pick and choose your battles. Don’t put too much unnecessary focus on the minuscule details, but rather focus more on the things that matter most to you. Plus, remember to take things with a grain of salt; hence the wacky spelling. It’s OK to have a little fun. Don’t take everything so seriously.
It’s OK to hit pause.
Trust me. You guys already know my severe cases of going MIA and falling into a hole. I get it, completely. There are just some days that suck and well…it sucks to suck. But don’t feel like it’s not OK to have feelings. We’re all human. What goes up must come down. We wouldn’t know happiness until we know sadness. Light wouldn’t exist without darkness. So don’t stress. Hit pause, relax, rejuvenate, and restart.
It’s OK to like something someone else doesn’t.
To be perfectly honest, I was testing out these new frames from Warby Parker (via home try-on) because I’ve been dying to get my hands on some clear beauties. I actually discovered these through Soothingsista’s January Favorites Video and was super happy because my current frames are Warby Parker and I love them! The best part of these frames are that they are made to fit a wider face, non-existent nose bridge and are angled differently so they don’t hit one’s cheeks. All my asians out there can feel the pain on this one! The constant issue of pushing my glasses up is now solved!
I absolutely love them and can’t wait to get them once I re-examine my eyes. My vision unfortunately got worse so I need to get a stronger prescription. Anyway, I asked my mom’s opinion and she did not like these frames at all. She claimed that they’re weird and questionable. I got a little offended, but after much learned experience I let it go because I’ve learned you can’t please everyone so don’t sacrifice your happiness for someone else’s approval. It’s just not worth it.
It’s OK to step out of your comfort zone.
Y’all know that I typically stick to a monochromatic theme. I do love color, don’t get me wrong, but it just depends. Yellow is certainly one of the colors that I never wear, just because I feel like I can’t rock it. But when I saw this top, I knew I wanted it. Even though the color wasn’t to my liking, the words spoke to me and gave me the courage to live a little. Sure, I dressed it up in black and threw on a typical go-to: Adidas Superstars. Either way, it felt different to me. I had a bold message on my shirt, and I stood in front of a bold message on the street. I actually laughed to myself when I saw this garage door. It worked perfectly with my outfit and I kept thinking in my head black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow.
Last but not least, I am what I am and it’s OK.
Always be comfortable in your own skin. Worry less, live more. If you like to hang indoors and potato instead of staying out late, do it. If you like to drinking tea instead of coffee, so be it. Don’t subject yourself to others opinions and don’t let their judgment draft your next decision. You are who you are and if someone can’t accept that, they don’t deserve to.
I’m content with who I am. I may not know 100% of myself, but that’s life’s discovery. I’m always pushing myself to learn more, complain less, and just grow. Inches for miles.
Mariann Yip
March 9, 2017I totally agree with your post and it’s important to remember that you can’t please everybody and that’s ok. Do what makes you happy and at the end of the day that’s all that really matters!
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Aw thanks so much! I totally agree.
Miki
March 9, 2017Such a great post. Being different is not a bad thing. You are never going to be able to please everyone and that’s perfectly fine, too. 🙂 The hardest part for me is pausing from time to time. That’s so hard, but I’m very grateful my hubby helps balance me out so that I step away from time to time.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Ah yeah it’s always great having a good support system to help you get through the tough times!
Samantha Mariko
March 9, 2017These are all inspiring words for anyone who feels a little less confident than usual, and needs that little pushing to keep going. You look really good in these clear-framed glasses – love it!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Thank you so much Samantha! 🙂
Stephanie
March 9, 2017Oh my dear goodness this post is everything. Sharing it on Twitter right now! Seriously love all your points – and I need to follow them to a T because they’re all so helpful for actually having an enjoyable life! Thank you so so much for opening up and showing your heart to us. Love you to death, girly!
Stephanie xx
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017You are always the sweetest!! Love you girl 🙂
Linh Dao
March 10, 2017YES. i love all these pointers. So amazing to actually read it because it is such a great reminder! Thanks for sharing!
Linh
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Thanks a bunch!!
Deddeh Howard
March 10, 2017This post is by far my favorite, so inspiring and beautiful. You’re amazing girl.
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Always so kind 🙂
Kusum
March 10, 2017Your posts are always thoughtprovoking, Jenn! I so agree, the real beauty lies in our uniqueness and differences, its what make the world a wonderful place.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Aw thanks so much! Totally agreed!
Atsuna Matsui
March 11, 2017Self-acceptance really is soo important and I feel like I’m finally at a place in my life now, where I feel like I have achieved it. 🙂 After you have self-acceptance, you no longer seek social approval and you have way more self-confidence since you’re more real and you know who you are.
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017So glad you’re in a place where you achieved self-acceptance! Cheers to amazing things to come!
gracie
March 11, 2017I love those clear frames on you. I am scheduled to get an eye exam next week and may try them to see if they look good on me too ! Loved reading your post, you made some great points. Self acceptance is the best thing that can happen to anyone !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Yes!! I love clear frames. They definitely make a subtle statement 😉
Jo
March 11, 2017Self-acceptance and allowing yourself to feel your feelings instead of burying them inside is truly so important to self-growth. I love these photos, Jenn! They go so well with the tone and message of your post. By the way, totally know what you mean about the eyeglasses thing. It is so annoying to have those marks on my cheeks just because of my frames! I’ve always admired Warby Parker’s collection but haven’t yet tried them out. Will definitely check out those frames!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Yes!! You totally get me. Definitely check out their wide/low nose bridge collection hehe 🙂
Thomas Falkenstedt
March 12, 2017This was such an important read for me as I’ve had a rough time lately and have felt somewhat lost in life. I’m familiar with your MIA and the reasons behind them and that’s why I’m even more proud of you going out of your comfort zone by wearing something you normally wouldn’t (and also something your mother didn’t like at first glance). You are ok, more than ok, you’re amazing!
xoxo
Thomas
http//thomasfalkenstedt.com
P.S. I drink tea and not coffee, haha!
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Aw I’m so glad that this resonated with you!! Thank you always for the kind words. It really means a lot! And duly noted for if we ever meet 😉
Kristina
March 12, 2017I love this so much. And tris is a message I want to constantly drive into my two daughters’ minds as they grow older. Be you, because there’s only one you and no one is youer than you (I think that’s what Dr Seuss said ha)! I’m so glad you’re able to just be you and be okay with not just following the crowd. It’s so refreshing. And you look amazing in those glasses 😘
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Aw thank you so much!! I definitely want to drive this home for my future kids as well. It’s so important!!
Candace
March 12, 2017Parents don’t get fashion, so don’t feel offended at all! I personally think the glasses look great on you and flatter you really well. Your monochromatic looks are definitely my fave!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Haha yeah I guess it’s because they’re stuck in the old fashioned ways! Thanks so much!
Sharon Wu
March 13, 2017you are always so inspiring to me babe! always love the messages that go with your gorgeous photos. I wish I could pull off these frames as well as you do! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/travel/spg-credit-card-american-express/
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Thank you so much, Sharon 🙂
rachel vogt
March 13, 2017Oh such a cool tee shirt. Love this post.
http://rachelvogttrends.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Thanks!
Josie
March 14, 2017such a heartfelt post. Love these words and how you try to encourage and help people with your posts. You might be making someone’s day right now without knowing it. It is so important to be OK with oneself! Always
xo, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Jenn Hanft
March 15, 2017Thank you!!! I really do hope I’m making someone’s day 🙂
Carmen
March 15, 2017I love this motto and you styled the tee totally on point! Those pictures are great and you totally rocked the location 🙂
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Jenn Hanft
March 16, 2017Thank you so much Carmen!
marcy
March 15, 2017YES, I missed your honest and sincere post Jen! Self acceptance and been unique and different is so important.
xoxo
Marcy
Jenn Hanft
March 16, 2017They are definitely crucial!! Thanks for reading 🙂
Izzy McLeod
March 15, 2017So true, love the look, the words, and the grafitti behind you in this post!
The Quirky Queer
Jenn Hanft
March 16, 2017Thanks love!
Didier
March 16, 2017Looking great! Totally agree with you: You should always be ok with who you are!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Bernice
March 16, 2017Your new glasses are very stylish and compliment your style very well xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/03/16/Why-he-put-a-ring-on-it—from-Michael-Hill
Jordan Chapman
March 17, 2017Love this post! You can’t help what you love and who you are, so embrace it!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Mary lee
March 18, 2017really love your blog, really liked this post too! embrace your weirdness 😀
http://www.marylee31.blogspot.com
x
Jenn Hanft
April 2, 2017Aw thanks girl 🙂