My Journey Through the Land of "Be Yourself"

"the less you try to fit in, the better you fit with yourself" lt 

This day of giving thanks marks the 1 year anniversary since the launch of my blog and personal styling company, Laura Tully, LLC. It has been an incredible year filled with fantastic, challenging, self-checking, heart filled, blissful and teachable moments. I wanted to send each and every one of you a dinosaur size THANK YOU from the bottom of my ankle boots to the tippy top of my curly poof. The journey of figuring out what purpose I can serve is never-ending but became more clear once I stopped allowing my fears to get in the way.  It was realizing that I could show up, just as I am, right now and begin. This momentum became fueled by an incredible group of women, friends and my hubby who supported, listened and allowed me to let go and dive in. We are given many gifts in this world and I've witnessed the magic that unfolds when we empower each other.  

This blog has become an instrument not just to celebrate the goodness of rocking a fabulous outfit but also to package that with becoming our best selves. It's a journey we are all taking. Along the way, the lessons that brought value are those that I share with you. Being yourself becomes more than just celebrating all that you are, flaws and all. It also creates tentacles to see others as they are. As I began meeting more and more amazing women, my mission, purpose and drive became more clear. I wanted each and every woman that I meet and style to know that she is capable, deliberately strong and can OWN what she brings and puts out into this world. The outfit becomes this tiny catalyst that engages all that she can create and with that confidence, she can take flight. 

Your responses, comments and yummy hugs, makes my freaking day! Thank you for showing up and giving me LOVE! I will keep the goodness coming because mama will always show up for you. Enjoy the quality time with your peeps and save room for desert. If your rocking some high waisted denim like I am, everything will be cool my friends ;)

Shirt: Elizabeth and James  Denim: JCrew high waisted    sneaks: vans 

“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”

— Brené Brown

da shot! All photos by the uber talented Denise of Studio Boise

5 Things That Fuels My Happy

I've tried to generate blog post that I can pre-plan and it never works. I am one of those people that has to be in the moment. I get the chance to speak with you from a space that I know is genuine and not just for the sake of typing a few words. The last few months have been busy and full of style loving mayhem and I've been asked how do I keep my light, happy go get it self charged.  For me, I've realized how important it is to FIND MY DOSE OF HAPPY IN EVERY LITTLE NOOK AND CRANNY THAT I ENCOUNTER. Don't get me wrong, life gets real, ugh...so real at times and you feel out of sorts but babes I tell you, when you look at things from the standpoint of what I am grateful for in this moment. Holy chipotle, it's a game changer. 

Early morning bare faced and soul at The Society Hotel in Portland

Launching my own personal styling business came from a place of fear, desperate love of all things fashionable but most of all, having the opportunity to meet and style some of the most incredible humans. What that means to me is I AM THANKFUL FOR EVERY PERSON THAT COMES INTO MY LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT. I know it seems crazy because you're probably saying that there has been a few bad eggs that you wished you never encountered. What I take from that is a lesson. No matter the circumstance, you are going to be taught something, will give something and it is not a worthless moment. 

PERFECTION ISN'T REAL BUT EFFORT IS. The comparison game can leave you feeling defeated. What I've learned and continue to learn is the more I focus on how can I be helpful today instead of who can help me today, the better I feel. My efforts to try, always isn't about how perfect I can make things but more about, am I doing all that I can right now. It grants me the permission to make mistakes, learn from them and simply try again and again. 

FIND YOUR GOOD EGGS AND LOVE ON THEM HARD! I've had the opportunity to have so many people come in and out of my life with a purpose. Its made me appreciate the ones that fuel my happy by being honest, caring and never allowing me to doubt who I am.  They give me love and that awesome thread of connection. Show up for your good eggs and love on them all the time. 

NOW MATTERS MORE. I try to soak up what is happening right now in this moment. Yes tomorrow is relevant and goals are drivers for your tomorrow. However, I try not to lose focus on the present. There can be so many distractions ( so many) that pulls you away from getting all that you can from your now moments that it can be easy to miss out on those small delights. My stepdaughter Maddie ( the cutest human ever), has told me not to be on my phone while she's talking to me...say what?!! It was a huge moment for me and for us. I give her my full attention and get to hear those little and big things that are important to her. Things I could easily miss if I wasn't fully present. 

Quiet moments captured by the talented Karen E. Photography

One of my amazing humans introduced me to Brené Brown.  She is an American scholar, author, and public speaker. Listening to her was an illuminating experience for me and whenever I find something that is awesome and teaches me, I must share it with you. This is one of my favorite quotes from her: 

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen"  Brené Brown

I hope it brings to you your own sense of purpose in this fantastic journey called life.