a little bit of inspiration.

So I am still trying to figure out personal branding-- or my own personal brand rather. How do I want to be perceived? Is my professional identity distinct from my everyday self? Is there room to evolve? I am coming to the realization that there really isn't an absolute answer. I am going to represent who I am at this moment. Tomorrow that may be someone different. I will share with you what speaks to me in hopes that maybe it speaks to you too. I intend on pushing boundaries. Sharing my view and likely verging on risque...
Consider yourself warned.

One thing I know for certain is that no matter which stage I'm at, I will always be looking for advice or words of inspiration. Aren't we all?

I came across a blogpost that really made me think. smile. and reflect. Though it isn't "professional" or deeply profound per say, it's an incredible example of the scope of social media. There is a girl across the world that may not have a single thing in common with me other than the fact that we're 20somethings growing up in the same world. She compiled a list of wisdoms that she wish she knew then. I'm glad I know it now.
[ **Please excuse any inappropriate langauge.]

Take a look.

To me, it really sums up life in the big city when you’re a girl becoming a woman. And as Lily sings, what society thinks or does with a woman who’s “past her prime”—in this case, thirty. I know I’ve felt past my use-by date, even as young as twenty, and I wonder what that says about the messages and images we’re bombarded with as girls and women? I’ve been that drunken girl in front of the bathroom mirror, touching up her face and wondering what was going to come next that could possibly save me from a sometimes lonely and empty existence. You go out feeling fabulous in a new dress and come home with either a one-night stand or, more likely, the start of a raging hangover—and hope against hope that someone will someday come along and take you away from all of it. As women, what does it mean to have triumphed in society? Landing the rich husband, the fab career, having a baby or two? Funny how our options, though supposedly endless, seem to fall within the same narrow confines of women centuries ago. Even Sex and the City shows women who haven’t really “made it” until they’ve married their Mr. Big .

If I could give some advice to all the lovely young things out there who think it’s all over: 1) It’s not and don’t believe those fools who tell you it is. 2) The man of your dreams, soulmates, partners—they do exist. But it takes really knowing and loving yourself to find that person. When you don’t need someone to take you away from it all, you’ll find the one who will (if that’s what you still want!) 3) Define your own success. Define your own happiness. It’s yours, no one else’s. 4) Evolve! If it hasn’t been working for you, change it up, because no one and nothing else will do it for you. Realize that what you wanted and are looking for at 20 probably won't be the same as when you’re 30. So stop behaving the same way. 5) That probably means less clubbing and [feeding your body chemicals] Trust me, you won’t find Mr. Right in the bathroom of a bar. (Seriously, I’ve tried. Many times.) 6) You are young and beautiful. Really enjoy your perfect skin and your thick hair and your endless energy. You have it, so flaunt it. Collagen and Botox will never make you look 25 (or 30) again! 7) If you really want to hold onto your looks, don’t smoke, don't do too many drugs or drink too much and (it has to be said), avoid too much sun. 8) Don’t waste your time, energy and youth on guys who always have excuses for why they can’t commit to you. 9) Editors Note: You're going to have to check the real deal for this one...I had to draw the line somewhere. 10) Never, ever be afraid to ask for what you want, whether it comes to love, money, understanding, anything! You’ll most likely get what you ask for, in one way or another.  BONUS: 11) Don’t take my advice (or anyone else’s) if you disagree. You’re a smart cookie who can and will figure it out for yourself.

And don't you forget it.