It was only a month or two ago when I realized something about myself. I was doing yet another purge of “stuff” (which, if you know me, is a very regular thing around here, haha) and I was getting rid of things that some people would tell me I should keep, if they saw me doing it. They were things from travels.
Did you know that I used to own 37 hoodies? 37. The majority of them came from places I had visited. Over the past 6 years, I’ve whittled that number down to 4.
I realized that when I was growing up, when I would go to school you had to have something tangible to prove that you had been somewhere. It was this sly message that somehow crept its way into my life, and before I knew it everywhere I went I was buying a hoodie, or some really cool thing that made it evident that “I was here.”
I remember when I went to Europe back in 2013, the way I approached spending was SO different than usual. I didn’t buy anything that said “Italia” or something along those lines. I made really intentional decisions about my purchases and I treasure them still to this day. They were authentic pieces that really spoke to me. Does this mean I’m an adult now?
Why am I sharing this today?
Well, it’s to remind you that just showing up is enough.
You don’t have to prove where you’ve been. Your experiences will be always be more than enough!
Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!
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