Hey Y’all,

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s Amanda here! I was at a loss for what I should write on Valentine’s Day, but after wracking my brain it struck me: I want to write a love letter to my readers. Y’all have seriously changed my life for the better. I have been writing and growing this space on the internet since 2011 and it’s so insane to think about how far we have come together. Some of you have been around longer than others, but each time I get a new reader my heart grows two sizes (which is probably very unhealthy.)

Today is going to be my day to be mushy and gushy and I am loving it. Thank you for reading this letter and I hope that you get something valuable from the words that I am about to say to you today.

There are five things I want to tell you.

Listen to my love letter:

1. You are the most amazing thing that ever happened to me.

I could never write a love letter to you without recognizing how amazing your presence in my life is. I am just a girl from a small town in Arkansas and I have grown this site that has become bigger than me. I appreciate each and every one of you and the things that you have done are not lost on me.

You have been my shoulder to cry on and the thing that I turn to so that I can unwind in stressful situations. While it can be so easy to fall into the desperate trap of blog comparison, I know that the audience I have created is the most amazing group of people in the world. Thank you so much for following this girl who likes sparkly things and says y’all and like every five seconds.

You mean the world to me, you are brilliant and beautiful!

2. You deserve everything you ever wanted and more.

I am a tiny part of your day. Your day consists of creating things, going to college, going to you jobs, hanging out with your friends and family, dreaming of the things that you want to create or do in the future. I am here to tell you this: you deserve your dreams, wants, and needs. You deserve it all, babe! I am certain of it.

Set a goal, and work through every single block that you or someone else puts up. Work tirelessly for what you want. Of course, there will be times when it just doesn’t happen, but it won’t be because you didn’t try and it won’t be because there isn’t something better brewing and waiting for you. When one door closes, a window opens. The window may not be as convenient as the door, but it still works for getting what you want!

I am telling you this because it can be hard, y’all, this is something I am personally dealing with. I have been job searching on and off when I lose my faith that this is what I am supposed to be doing. Each time I apply I get that icky email telling me no. It sucks, but I know each closing door is motivation for me to do something bigger and better with my life. I am pushing myself hardcore into being an online creator and freelancer right now and I am so excited about our future together.

3. I Am Here For You Whenever You Need Me.

Some of my favorite moments are when I get an email or a direct message from y’all wanting to talk further and get some advice. I love this stuff, y’all. I check my email like 3,000 times a day (not seriously, but close) so I am always here for you if you need me. Seriously, go to my contact page and drop me a line. I want to be there to support you and all your endeavors.

If you need advice, a cheerleader, or you just want to write your feelings and get someone to say I understand, I am here for you.

Now, I can’t always promise I will have the best advice and I may only be able to point you to a few potential resources, but I will always try my hardest to provide great feedback for you!

4. Don’t Let Anyone’s Negativity Ever Get You Down

I am sure you have heard the saying, “let your smile change the world but never let the world change your smile.” This phrase rings so true! Some people are negative and you shouldn’t let their draining energy impact you.

Some people are seemingly born to be negative, but don’t let that impact your positive and happy spirit. If someone you love ever tells you to be less happy, you shouldn’t follow their words either. Happiness and radiating joy to rival the sun is never anything to be ashamed of. Even if you don’t radiate joy like the sun, don’t let anyone quash the amount of happiness you do possess.

Your happiness is yours and you get to choose what you want to do with it. You may be asking “Amanda, how on earth do I not let others affect my happiness?” I know that it really is hard sometimes. How do you smile knowing some of the crazy, insane things happening in your life and around the world? Well, here are a couple of things:

• Block out bullshit: Yep, there are a lot of people just spreading BS around, and you gotta avoid that BS like the plague. So, when you see some BS call it out or avoid it in general. Either one works!
• Change your world: Yes, it’s easy to say “I’m going to change the world!” but very few people actually do it. Instead, change your world. Change the world for those closest to you. If we all change our world then we can make this world as a whole a better place.

You don’t have to listen to anyone’s BS, take anyone’s BS, or be personally affected by anyone’s BS. Believe that, and you will be on your way to being positive even though the world is throwing negativity your way.

5. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I couldn’t end this love letter without saying two simple words: thank you! You have done so much for me and I am so proud of what we have built together.

Thank you for being a friend.

Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on.

Thank you for coming back again and again.

Thank you for supporting the brands and things that keep this blog running.

Thank you for allowing me to live my dreams and write stuff on the internet as more than just a hobby.

Thank you for being such a huge part of my young adult life.

Thank you for adding some flavor to my life.

Thank you for being you.

I could go on and on, but I think the thank yous are running a little dry now.

thank you.

I seriously love you and I couldn’t imagine these last years without you in my life. I wanted to write this love letter to you for two reasons.

1. Everyone loves a love letter, and not everyone gets them.
2. I truly wanted to put into words how much I love and appreciate you.

I hope that you got some love, encouragement, etc. from this love letter.

Once again, thank you!

~Bloopers~

Basically all my bloopers involve balloons blowing in front of my face while I am trying to take a cute picture–so enjoy!

Sweater: Maurices {Sold Out} | Lipstick: L'Oreal's Colour Riche 707 Matte-Jestic | Balloons: Dollar General