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Monday, April 18, 2016

Change.

I don’t remember exactly when the thought creeped into my head. But I do know that it was some time ago and it went something like this: 
What if I quit blogging?

So the thought sat simmering in the back of my brain and was occasionally the topic of conversation when I discussed life goals with my husband or close friends. For months on end nothing changed. I blogged when I had time and didn’t blog when I was busy. Every few weeks I would have a great idea or feel very inspired and the frequency of my posting would pick up. But the feeling that I kept coming back to was that, in the end, it felt empty and I constantly felt rushed to get content up on the blog. 
And if I was being completely honest with myself, I would admit that some time in the last year or so my blog had stopped being a good representation of who I am, how I wanted to spend my time, and the values that I upheld.
I didn’t want to live my life behind a screen. I didn’t want to miss out on real life because I was too busy documenting it, even if it was just the outfit that I wore that day. I didn’t want to constantly be connected to Instagram, Facebook, e-mail, or the blog.
Quite simply, it was a hobby-turned-into-a-second-job that I no longer wished to prioritize over many other aspects of my life. I would be remiss to not mention that I also became increasingly tired of myself. I was tired of taking pictures of myself, looking at pictures of myself, and writing about my outfit choices. In a world of 'me me me', I didn't want it to constantly be about me. That's not the energy that I wanted to put out into the world. It's just not who I am.

The hard part is that I think if I had the time, my blog could have the potential to grow with me and change into something more than just daily outfit photos-- to be much more representative of who I am now, compared to who I was four and a half years ago. (Seriously, I have so many ideas!) But the truth is, the older I get, the more I can accept that there are only 24 hours in a day-- and eventually, we have to prioritize what matters to us more now and how we want to spread those 24 hours now. It doesn't make sense to keep the blog on life support, just in case one day I have the time to dedicate to it and revitalize it. If that day comes in the future and it feels 'right', then I will consider getting back to it then. But for now, here we are.


Needless to say, after months of contemplation, I have finally come to the peaceful conclusion that I must turn over this chapter of "Hello, Gorgeous!". I'm not entirely closing the book-- because, really, who knows what the future will hold. But I am being honest with you and letting you know where I am right now and how that will affect this blog. After this post went live, a few of you asked if I was keeping the blog up for outfit inspiration/etc and the answer is YES. Because I'm not fully "closing the book" , I intend to keep the blog up and all of my social media accounts open. You know, just in case. :)
I am so incredibly grateful for all the good that this blog has brought to me (and hopefully to you). I appreciate every single visitor that stopped by, and every single comment, e-mail, and other communication that you sent my way. From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate your endless support and love and I thank you for having a part in my journey.

I want to close this post by telling you about one of the coolest things that I have had the privilege to be a part of. On Wednesday of last week I was interviewed by one of my good friends for her new podcast: Mama Bear Dares-- an incredibly wonderful podcast that focuses on positive and inspirational content for mothers and women as a whole. Although I was initially nervous when she asked to interview me, I jumped in with both feet and we got real deep, real quick, and had an blast doing it! We talked about so many things that I have never had the chance (or maybe the guts) to talk about on here, including: disordered eating, body image, finding your own style, embracing change, and finally, some of the reasons behind my departure.
So if you're interested in any of those topics, I really encourage you to check out the podcast. I simply went to the Podcast app that comes standard on my iPhone and searched for "Mama Bear Dares". You can also download the podcast on iTunes here. My episode is episode #15-- but the other episodes are just as good too. Trust me, you'll be hooked instantly!
Tesi and Leslie, the awesome hosts behind Mama Bear Dares, are also hosting a pretty sweet giveaway: a 30-minute Skype styling session with me! :) Instructions on how to enter are included in the podcast. Take a listen and show them lots of love-- they truly deserve it! 


https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-bear-dares-podcast/id1090430338?mt=2
You can find Mama Bear Dares in the following places:
iTunes | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


Thanks for everything, friends. You are all so freaking gorgeous, inside and out! <3






27 comments:

  1. You read my mind with a lot of your words in this post! I have had those same "what if I quit" thoughts popping into my head and I do kind of feel like my blog is on life support because I don't post a lot. BUT- I tell myself I am not a business blogger so who cares, but then you still end up feeling pressured. Anyhow, I think it's great that you are being true to yourself and doing what you feel is best for you right now. Who knows, maybe it will change. That is the upside of having a blogspot.com and not a .com you have to pay money to renew yearly.

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  2. I've had the same thoughts.... and I will be heartbroken to not see your posts anymore. You were my number one inspiration! Best wishes to you!

    www.erinlindsay83.blogspot.com -Low-Budget Fashionista!

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  3. Best of luck to you!!! You will be missed. Thanks for sharing such great outfit inspiration with us!!!

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  4. Another blog I read recently posted about releasing things that no longer serve you. I applaud you for recognising that your blog no longer fits with the life you live (or wish to live), and I wish you all the best in the pursuit of peace, happiness and a rich life!

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  5. Wishing you the best in your new ventures! You have truly helped grow my confidence in myself by teaching me how to flatter and pair outfits. I know you will have the same effect on others in whatever area you pursue next. Thank you for everything!

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  6. Thanks for all the inspiration. I will miss seeing your gorgeous outfits, but I'm excited for you. Can't wait to hear the podcast. Best of luck Yasi!

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  7. We will all miss your posts dearly. You truly are an inspiration and I'm glad I found you. You are so warm and personable it felt like I've known you for years and years. Hopefully you'll come back to it one day. If not, blessings and prayers your way for the future to come!!

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  8. Although I just found your blog a handful of months ago, it was quickly added to my very few 'favorites'. With few exceptions I would check for new content every day. I never posted before and don't do social media. After not seeing anything from you in a month I knew something was happening :) I enjoy your posts because I have the same style likes but don't always k ow how to put things together. I really appreciate that you put links where to buy the items (or similar). What I will miss the most, though, is your attitude and life view expressed in your writing. True, I haven't met you in person, but I like to surround myself with authentic, positive, fun, and interesting peeps; Let's just say I'd be honored to know you if we ever crossed paths. You absolutely should do what is best NOW for yourself and your life with your husband! Thank you for sharing...perhaps you dont realize-you are encouraging and inspiring!! Thank you

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  9. Kudos to you for having the courage to change and adapt when life calls for it! Of course, we will all miss you and your posts! I'm glad you've decided to leave up all the content you've already created! Best of luck to you in life!

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  10. Blogging is such a roller coaster....I miss your style, it is so unique and fun !

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  11. Hello Gorgeous, you have such a good point. Sometimes in our lives we get overwhelmed with social media, to the point we forget about our REAL lives and commitment. I think when things happen in our lives that are major! It gives us a different prospective, on how and who we spend out time with. I think you made a good decision, God Bless you and your future.

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  12. Yasi,

    Your blogs was one of the first I started following, but I have never commented before today. Thank you for all you have given all of us with your blog and being so willing to be open and transparent with your life! You have definitely been one of the inspirations behind me starting my own blog!

    http://outfitsandotherbits.weebly.com/

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  14. I felt like I knew you through this blog, even if I only knew what you were wearing-it was a connection. Yours was one of the blogs that inspired me to step into the world of blogging, even though my content isn't about style or fashion. Fact of the matter is, you were an inspiration.
    In the end, we can only give so much of ourselves, show so much of ourselves, and represent ourselves in so many ways across the different mediums. None of them will ever capture us WHOLE.
    I thank you for all that you have shared, and for your time, and your dedication.
    I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and in LIFE.
    God bless!

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  15. Hello and thank you - for each of the posts - for outfits that I would never have put together but have become free to explore. I totally get what you are doing in moving on to the next journey of growth. Thank you though for having this blog during this time. You are gorgeous and have helped create many others to feel that way too. Blessings to you! <3

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  16. Yasi - Thank you for all your efforts with your blog. I have truly enjoyed it myself, and have referred many young women to it. You inspire women to dress well and show that it does not have to strain your wallet. I appreciate what you have done for so many. Now, go live your life, and if you feel like returning to this venue in the future, well, it is a proven winner. Cheers!

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  17. You are beautiful and I have enjoyed your blog and photos for years. You have given me much inspiration!!! Good luck Gorgeous!! -Shelley

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  18. Thank you, Yasi! You have provided so much inspiration to me over the years. I love your style, and will miss you, and will check back regularly. Best wishes in your future!

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