The past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to feel more comfortable under my skin. And while I am aware confidence goes beyond looks, I’ve come to realize there is nothing wrong with wanting to invest in yourself. For some that may be the way you look or the way you dress. For others, it could also be the way they think and approach life.

No matter how you deny it, the way you present yourself factors in the way people perceive you. As I look at myself, boy, do I need a lot of work– both inside and out.

Growth is about not only welcoming, but inviting change; about finding ways to improve and one’s willingness to learn. At 25, personally, I would have thought I’d achieved more. But then again, with growth comes trust– in the process, the ups and downs and trials and errors.

So here I am… mix your typical quarter life crisis + urge to evolve/change, and you got yourself a hot mess like me! 😂 kidding aside, I’ve been trying to put myself out of my comfort zone more often than usual lately, starting off by working on things I can easily target. Honestly, it’s unnerving for me, like I’m some imposter, trying to be someone I’m not. But in this day and age people have learned to embrace what older generations would label as “kaartehan”. It’s actually, and rightfully, basic self-care.

Investing in yourself is also taking care of yourself. If you come to think of it, you actually save a lot of time and money in the long run. I’ve only just started to venture into these kinds of things. I’m not used to spending on myself, but now that I finally have, I feel like I can carry myself with much more ease. You can never go wrong with setting aside a little something for yourself or for things that make you come out a better version of myself.