AN INTRODUCTION

I withdrew from college after my Freshman year. Since then, I've realized the vast opportunities I have in a world with social media and what that could mean for me.

Okay. I'm not saying everyone should spend two semesters at college, then drop out because it's more dramatic. But I am saying a lot changes from eighteen years old to nineteen years old. In my head, college was a must — that's what you do...graduate...go to college...graduate...and whatever else follows. So I made a hasty decision my junior year to pick a career. Art Education came to mind because I liked art, but didn't want to be an artist. I took the SAT's, applied to college — I did all the things you're supposed to do.

Without describing my entire experience, I can say college was fun. Aside from the busy schedule, there's a feeling of independence that college gives off. It kinda feels like your own space. After my first semester, I started to lose interest in my "major-related" classes. To the point where I grew weary of spending three more years there and not actually using my degree. Quarantine made me more self aware, and I realized art education wasn't for me. I talked to my family (who were SO supportive) and, most importantly, God. I didn't want to make another hasty decision, so I gave myself two weeks to weigh all my options. Do you want to change your major, transfer, take a gap year, or commit and withdrawal? All together, it took about a month for me to make my final decision.

Do I regret anything...no...well, yes. I regret making a hasty decision my junior year — telling myself I "had" to go to college right after high school. But I can't regret anything. What I learned and experienced throughout college, did help me grow. And I have to be honest. I do feel like a loser, being one of the only of my peers to not be in college. It's okay though because everyone has their own path, whether college is a part of that or not.

When I withdrew, my plan was to become an esthetician. I was having major struggles with my skin, so that was one reason why I chose esthetician. Obviously, I wasn't going to self-sabotage again and jump into something. I was just rolling around ideas. Now my path is a little wider. Whatever avenue i choose, and no matter when I do, I know that it has to be grounded in Christ. My Creator knows exactly where I am supposed to be in life. If my path isn't grounded in the One who gave me life, I'm on the wrong one. He gave His life to save us from eternity in Hell. Living for Him is the least we can do as Christians (listen to Glory by Evan & Erris). Our passions and gifts are not only for our enjoyment, but to help worship and praise our Savior.  

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:" — 1 Peter 4:10 ESV

When I started addressing my acne struggles I found so much importance in self care. My acne story is one for another day, but it helped me see the importance of prioritizing myself. This is where I grew so much as a person.

Self care is very trendy in today's social media culture. We've evolved from "treat yo self" to "self care Sunday." Unbeknownst to most, self care is much more than a facial and retail therapy. We now recognize for us to lead a healthy life we need to prioritize ourselves in small ways. Eating right, staying active, stepping away from technology, journaling — whatever you need to do to feel taken care of. But self care can be a facial and retail therapy, if thats what makes you feel taken care. Self care is, truly, about self respect — do you have enough self respect to show yourself some self love. 

For me, self care started with an effective, "minimalistic" (I still use more products than the average jolene) approach to my skin care. Then I moved on to my diet, lifestyle (i.e. sleep, exercise, ect.), and my relationship with Christ. I had laser focus on eating right, exercising, getting better sleep, having clear skin, and every other Elle magazine buzz word. None of those things are wrong, but I was so focused on my physical health I neglected my spiritual health. I let my insecurities cloud Christ's love — the only thing that can make us whole. My Savior picked me up when my eyes were closed and my world "upside down." A recent college dropout with acne struggles; I REALLY am a unique case. Now I refuse to close my eyes. I am in awe of His every move — never doubting Him or making Him small. We were created to spread the unfailing love of Jesus Christ and the truth that comes from His Word. Why would I not want to share my source of comfort, peace, joy, love, and everything else.

Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs, I cannot say enough good things about her book. The way she writes is so personal — you can't help but feel Christ! Like go get this book right now. It was such a turning point for me. Here's the link: https://www.target.com/p/looking-for-lovely-by-annie-f-downs-paperback/-/A-77797355

This is where I'm at. I have the purpose, but I'm not sure where to take it. Skin care is still a passion of mine, but I don't see it as a career anymore. I know it's only been like five months and I changed my plan, again...whatever, i'm young. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, I've realized how many career opportunities I have literally at my fingertips. We all have a platform...Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter. No matter how many followers you have, as long as you have ONE, you have a platform. That's amazing! A space where we can share our interests, what's going on in our lives, and Christ! My type one personality wants me to have my hands in everything, but I'll start with blogging. I am so young and am just starting to explore my options (plus i'm not a nine to five person, so if this works out ;)). Blogging has always interested me — now I have more reason. 

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' " — John 20:21 ESV

K THANKS BYE,

Summarizing a whole year into one post was difficult, but I did a good job. Now that my intro is out of the way, I have way more interesting topics to talk about. If you want to know what topics I'm planning on talking about on OLIVIA GENEVIEVE — check out my about section. Thank you so much for reading this, even if you skimmed.