No Compromises

Top: Express // Cardigan: clothing swap // Bag: Material Girl // Pants & Bracelet: Sirens // Toque: H&M // Booties: Expression via The Bay // Necklace: Forever 21 // Lip Colour: NYX Jumbo Lip Liner in Burgundy

Photo Credits: Luvania

Tough decisions. Life is full of them. Regardless of whether you are contemplating a life-changing move or if you should get off the couch to hit the gym, the choices you make often determine whether you will stumble onto a new opportunity in the near future or remain in a stagnant lifestyle.Whenever I try out a new restaurant, I'm never that person who takes a good twenty minutes to decide on my order; in fact, my boyfriend often compliments me on my ability to make quick and efficient decisions with minimal fuss. However, over the past year I have learned the importance of making tough decisions on issues bigger than the flavour and toppings of my next plate of pasta. 

For instance, learning how to save for various trips here and there has taught me how to budget (although I could certainly improve in this particular area), as well as to determining whether certain items or services are needs or wants. Moreover, while pushing myself to do new things out of my usual comfort zone has been a wonderful experience; I've also learned that life can get darn complicated if you fill it with too many obligations, activities, and responsibilities. Consequently, I've discovered another aspect of myself: I have a tendency to be too nice at times. That characteristic has sometimes resulted in me being influenced to do things to which I normally would have said "no"; things that might even go against my usual code of conduct or values. Fortunately, I have learned how to resist, how to stand up for myself, and to what extent I'm willing to adapt to the situation in question.

The main point of this rambling mess? Don't ever let things as inane as materialism and superficial values compromise your character; know who you are and never lose sight of that person. 

While I know that the subject of today's post is much heavier than usual, I think that the occasional voicing (or blogging) of these 'deep' thoughts can be a very cathartic process. Reflecting over my doings of the past year has made me think about what character-building I have undergone within the last twelve months; as well, it makes me even more determined to work hard towards becoming the person I wish to be. 

What have you learned about yourself over this past year?