Hi! You probably know me as some super artsy, thrifter, athletic, Christian college girl who likes to occasionally break out in dance on her Instagram stories. I've been writing these weekly Odyssey articles for about three years now, and have never written one to "you" - the girls that follow me, message me, support me, or are inspired by me through Instagram. So I'm sitting down tonight, writing these words entirely for you.
For starters, thank you. Your compliments about my style, my positivity, Christian truth I share, or design and photography talent, never fail to make my heart happy. Lately, it's been a lot of happy, encouraging comments about Avery & I's relationship and how he gives you hope of a good man, and those too make my heart happy.
Putting yourself out there, as you are, 100% real, for thousands to see is scary. But for every negative comment I receive, there are always two more positive comments, so thank you. You keep me encouraged as much as I may encourage you.
Secondly, I'm no different than any of you. I have weird quirks and passions, break up stories, embarrassments, you name it, I'm human. And I hope I make it apparent enough to you that my life is not all sunshine & rainbows, but that it is ALL good. I worry girls get too caught up, thinking someone they follow is better than them, higher up than them, or whatever.
But I'm just your average college girl sharing a little joy where she can on a platform that tends to discourage girls. So reach out to me, give me your prayer intentions, ask to meet up, or just answer some questions you have, about ANYTHING. I'm an open book! I've answered questions about cameras, photography, style, boyfriends, Catholicism, you name it. I want to be personal with you on an app that tends to remain fairly shallow.
And lastly, I hope I add positivity and a little bit of goofiness or relatability to your feed. I hope some of you look up to me like a big sister, and you don't ever hesitate to reach out to me. I hope you feel a sense of authenticity and a breath of fresh air.
I hope you're reminded of your worth and sheer beauty as a daughter of the King and feel inspired to view and respect yourself as the masterpiece you are. I hope you admire art and design a little more every day and I hope you stop and appreciate the beauty all around you (and maybe snap too many pictures just like I do).
I'm no rich and famous fashion blogger. I'm a college girl, on a tight budget, with a knack for finding Goodwill sales. I like to get deep and thoughtful when reading the Word, and sometimes I feel inspired to share it with you guys. I love learning about the essence of each individual human the app introduces me too, and I love even more so, capturing that individuality through photography.
To me, this app isn't just a square grid for pretty pictures, it's a place that challenges you to be influential, good, and wholesome. So to the girls that follow me on Instagram, I hope I make it as such, because you deserve nothing less.