DIY - Simply Matisse

Baby, baby, baby...No, I'm not pregnant. But the w

Baby, baby, baby...No, I'm not pregnant. But the whole flipping back and forth between wanting one has plagued my mind for a few years now.

I've struggled to find articles or people who openly talk about being confused about what they want. It's either they're confident they want a child or that they don't.

For me, I'm still walking the thin line between both. There's a part of me that wants a child, but another part says no way!

I'm talking about all of this in my latest blog post. The link is in the bio.

I'd like to hear from you, though. Have you always known you wanted or not wanted a child? Am I alone in constantly changing my mind?

[Image: I'm walking across a wooden bridge while wearing a black dress, leather jacket, pale-coloured scarf, and a light brown hat.]

What? Two throwbacks in one day? That's right, I'm

What? Two throwbacks in one day? That's right, I'm doing it.

As my second-year students begin their journeys to find their corporate placements, I can't help but reminisce on my first day of placement back in the spring of 2015.

I've shared this image before, but it's a goodie. You see, as soon as I entered the office of the agency, I was quickly sent to help host some bartender training sessions.

Was I panicked? Yes. Did I think I'd fail on my first day? Yup. Did I manage to kick ass and learn I could handle being thrown into the deep end? HELL YES!

But to even get to that point, I had to figure out where I wanted to do my placement. What did I want from my PR career? Since then, I may have changed my PR direction, but the road to where I am started with placements.

So, back in 2020, I took to the blog to discuss my path to placements and my tips on securing a placement.

If you're on your way to looking for a placement or just want to learn more about my humble PR beginnings, check out the link in my bio.

[Image: Four small transparent cups, each with a shot's worth of various rum.]

This is an appreciation post for someone who inspi

This is an appreciation post for someone who inspired me to get into public relations.

To the fabulous and brilliant @allycarlson, you've always been a force to be reckoned with ever since we were in high school. Your passion and talent for what you do have always driven me to be a better professional.

I'll never forget this night when we were both nominated for the YMCA Peace Medallion. We were young. We were driven. We were passionate about change.

And you know what, nothing has changed! And yes, we're still young, hahaha.

While we haven't talked in a while, know that you still push me to do my best.

From one PR professional to another, here's to you!

[Image: I'm holding up a photo of Ally and at the YMCA Peace Medallion presentation.]

Here's me. Well, two versions of me. Sure, you mig

Here's me. Well, two versions of me. Sure, you might be thinking, "Obviously! The one on the right was you when you turned 20, while the one on the left was from turning 35."

And on the surface, you're right. But what these photos represent for me is so much more. That 20-year-old was a walking wreck. I loved what I was in the mirror, but how I got to that point was very unhealthy. As for my mental health? That was in a severe downward spiral into oblivion. I was self-destructing by the second. I didn't look at mental health as something I should care about in the slightest. I loved her, but I had no self-love. I was willing to do things to my mind and body that only caused pain.

The significant transformation happened in my 30s, and that's where that picture on the right comes in. You see, turning 35 in October had me looking back at my journey; my mental health transformation. I'm still amazed at how lost 20-year-old me was, but I needed her to help get me where I am today.

Today, I embrace therapy, healthy living, and life in moderation. Are there crappy days? Of course! But now, I have the skills and coping mechanisms to help me through.

When I look in the mirror, I love what I see more because I feel whole and complete even if I'm bigger than I was then. It's because I don't focus on body parts but rather how I feel overall.

I'm happy with myself, and it took most of my life to get to this point.

Welcome to my Transformation Tuesday post. Not your typical one, but one that is authentic to me.

[Image: On the left, I'm eating a cupcake in a field. I hold a rose in front of my face and am smiling on the right.]