My mom always tells me how shocked she is at who I am today and I always laugh.  Ya see, I used to be extremely quiet…so much so, that corny grownups would say “cat got your tongue?” almost everyday of my kid life. I also didn’t like people much…I preferred my mom and the rest of my family lol.

In elementary school, I was shy and just afraid to draw attention to myself. In middle school, I was still shy but my style started to speak for myself. My quietness then had less to do with fear and more to do with “not feeling like” speaking. I’d get loud and ratch with friends but outside of that, I’d only speak when spoken to. In high school, my style did most of the talking but it was then, I busted out my shell. I wasn’t a whole new person…I just let who I was on the inside, out. My college experience was amazing because my main concern was my happiness and I made sure my thoughts and feelings were always heard.

I realized the importance of speaking up.

If you don’t open your mouth, decisions will be made for you. I’m actually a “go-with-the-flow” kinda girl but sometimes, you have to take control. Sometimes, you have to say what you want instead of assuming others should already know.

To be bold is to stand up for yourself and to allow others to get to know you.

To be bold is to know you can say no, mean it and still be kind.

Being bold sometimes means your clothes speaks louder. That was definitely the case for me for a long time. I’ve always been drawn to bold prints and bright colors like this amazing Banana Republic dress. I love anything that makes me stand out and this does just that!

I love being audacious and I’m so proud of my boldness, especially when considering where I came from. I am still rather shy at times but I understand the weight of who I am and I walk purposely in it. To my quiet ones out there, you can be soft spoken with a commanding presence! There’s more harm in silence than speaking up.

Be bold.

Btw, guys! My newsletter, The Armory, is officially out. You can sign up for your free inspirational iPhone background as well as my notes of encouragement and empowerment here! 

Dress, Clutch, Shoes – Banana Republic

Photography – Domonique Boss

This post is sponsored by Banana Republic. All thoughts are my own!