Your "Purpose" In Life || Insightful Saturday

Heyooo!!!! How is everyone? It's been a rough few days for me. Between roommate squabbles and work work work, I am SUPER grateful to be able to just sit down for these few minutes and talk to you all. You know when you don't express yourself properly for a while and you start to feel like you'll explode? That's where I am right now, so thank you all so much for sticking with me through my mini rants. I love you guys.  This post today is about "purpose", whatever that truly means. I feel like modern society is becoming accustomed to this routine that everyone's purpose is to go through school, go to college, get a good, stable job, and save money to pay for your children to do the same thing. While that is a very safe route, I have found that it is becoming increasingly difficult for all of us with artistic souls to find solace in that situation. I personally have bounced around back and forth between jobs, majors and living situations because, to put it lightly, I get bored easily! It is so hard for me to stick to one thing, as I want my life to be a constant whirlwind of new and exciting experiences. Luckily, blogging has fallen into my lap, and I now have a way to document how I feel about all of these experiences, and maybe one day I'll find a way to narrow them all down until I have one career.  But for now, I am a wanderess, and I think I am okay with that. :)

"Brooklynn, how can blogging be your "purpose"? You're not even contributing to society. You really think that is better than being a CEO???" Wooow, thank you so much everyone I have ever met ever, that is a great question. Yes, I do think that blogging is a better opportunity for myself than being a CEO. But, get this... ....everyone is different! Blogging is a better option, FOR ME. I'm not sure what percentage of my readers are higher ups in major companies, but if you are, that's lovely! My point is that there is merit in whichever career you choose, because even if it isn't directly benefiting someone you know, you are always inspiring someone. (Of course there are exceptions to this. No, I do not think prostitution or drug dealing are acceptable career choices, I just think everyone can do anything they set their mind to. Please keep those exceptions out of my comments, lol.)

Take this photo, for example, as a visual representation of the differences between someone who chooses a life of logic vs. a life of creativity. Both are beautiful. Both are necessary. Both create amazing things. They are just different. But, in my opinion, there are three very important things to remember when trying to discover your "purpose", no matter what path you choose: 1. You were given an array of skills and talents that no one else has. No one else can do anything exactly the same as you. So its okay if your purpose isn't to be a doctor or lawyer, because what's really important is that you use your special talents to build a life that you love. (for example, I am good at talking. My family has joked about it for yeaaaars. BUT here I am, doing just that, and loving it.) 2. You don't need validation from others that your dreams and goals are important. Does it make you happy? Does it give you the life you want? Go for it.  3. It is okay to change your mind. It is okay to live your life one way and then decide that something else will make you feel happy and fulfilled. You can live the life you want, even if it takes time. It is okay to discover yourself through your passions! No matter what anyone says. You may be wondering what inspired me to write this, and it is simply that I have recently been trying to change my mindset. I feel as if I have been spending my entire life apologizing for who I am because it is an inconvenience to others, and I don't want to be that way anymore. I want to be who I am and if others don't like that, then maybe they don't need to be around me anymore. It is okay to like who you are, even if that isn't the person others want you to be. Your purpose will find you.

What is your passion? Love, light, and choosing happiness,

Winter Skincare Solutions!

Heyoo!

If you live somewhere cold like I do, its probably becoming a bit chilly in your neck of the woods. And although cold weather means a lot of lovely things, (layers, boots, hats, hot cocoa...squeee!) it also means that we may have to alter our usual beauty routines to fit the dryness that comes with the change in weather.

My facial routine usually consists of washing my face and putting on a spot of moisturizer every morning and night, along with a face mask twice a week. (I will comprise my favorite mask recipes into another post for you guys soon!) This routine keeps my face looking and feeling clean, and so far, that's been good enough for me. But, as it gets colder, I know I'll find myself feeling irritated sooner or later about flaky skin. Here are my tips to keep your skin nice and soft this winter!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! 

This seems like a no brainer, but it really is important to moisturize often and use the product that is going to benefit you the most. For winter months, oil based moisturizers are the best, because the oil will create layers around your skin that will lock in moisture. Not only should you pick a moisturizer with an oil base, make sure it is a base that will not clog your pores, as that can prevent moisture from reaching deep into the skin. I would recommend the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 or the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 28. I have had success with both of these moisturizers, and they are both less than $20 at the drugstore! But, for the best results, find the products that work well with your skin type. 

Use sunscreen!

But what? It's winter, why do I need sunscreen? Yes, it is winter, and the glare from that bright, white snow can be very damaging to your skin. You need to protect it! Both of the moisturizers I recommended above already contain SPF, but you should still apply sunscreen to your face and exposed skin before going outside.

Ease up on the masks and peels...

Yes, I know its tragic. I love face masks as much as the next person, and I use them often, but we all really should ease up during the cold months. Peels (and some masks) can strip oils from your skin, something that is not ideal when trying to retain moisture. If you'd like to use masks, make sure they are dedicated to hydration. I recommend the Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask from Freeman Beauty. It smells delicious and is only $4!

Watch the temp of those bubble baths!

Baths are always super refreshing, but maybe soaking in steaming hot water isn't the best idea for winter. The hot water actually breaks down layers of skin, drying it out. Quicker showers in warm water are a much better plan for silky, smooth skin. 

Exfoliate, my friends!

Along with your quick, warm showers, make sure you are exfoliating! Leaving layers of dead skin can clog your pores and make it impossible for your moisturizers and cleansers to do their jobs. For your face, I'd recommend the St. Ives Moisturizing Olive Scrub. It is very creamy and exfoliating, and feels so lovely. For your body, I've found that the J.R. Watkins Sugar and Shea Body Scrub in Lemon Cream is my favorite! This scrub is oil-based and filled with little sugar crystals that feel amazing! (Plus, it is great for the environment and smells so yummy!)

So that's it, lovelies! Take care of your skin this winter! If you have any great products that you are totally digging for winter, leave them in the comments!

Soft skin and body scrubs...