Photos: Mom (Dee Keller)
The Outfit: Dress: Camilla and Marc Atlanta Dress in Blue Leopard (SOLD OUT) – Skirt in Same fabric  |  Shoes: Dee Keller Fall 2012  |  Watch: Marc Jacobs – Bradley Watch

I hope you had a great weekend! I went to bed early both Friday and Saturday night, and it felt SO nice! I bet you all are pretty excited about Valentine’s day – I’d love to hear what you have planned!

Mom and I took these pictures when we were in Dallas a few weeks ago for some meetings. I’m so sorry that this dress is all sold out – I should have gotten it up on the blog sooner! I wore this dress for some of our meetings and we took these pictures outside the hotel. Oh, and speaking of mom, she’s actually in Hong Kong right now! So cool :)

If you’re not a serious person, you should probably stop reading now. One thing you should know about me is that I think A LOT. Like, it’s weird. So, I’m constantly thinking about really deep things and off in la la land. I’m sure as you continue to read this blog, you’ll get a glimpse of my more serious side from time to time. For those of you who are curious/interested, today is one of those days where I’ve chosen to share some of my recent thoughts.

I’ve heard the phrase/expression that “innocence is bliss,” and I definitely agree. But lately, I’ve been thinking that there should be a SUB-quote or add-on in parenthesis that says (naiveté is bliss as well).  If you aren’t aware of all the negatives, then you’re perfectly happy. Right? Most of us have thought either consciously or subconsciously/indirectly that…everyone likes us or everyone wants what’s best for us…or that people aren’t disparaging and critiquing us behind our backs. And although I’d like to think this was true, these assumptions are niave–and couldn’t be further from the truth.

 To shelter ourselves from negativity is pleasant, but I think it is important to be ready and know how to handle hurtful words when they come our way. Because they will, especially if you have anything going for you. I was listening to the radio and heard (don’t judge me ha!) Taylor Swift sing, “…People throw rocks at things that shine” and my immediate thought was: wow, that is so true .

It’s important for us to be strong and confident enough so that these rocks (so to say) don’t knock us down. Having that kind of impermeable confidence is hard and, in my opinion, calls for a humble, brave and mature heart. I want to encourage you to find that kind of confidence in yourself, so that you can maintain that naive sense of bliss (and oftentimes motivation) when you become aware of whatever vain, jealous, or insincere words may come your way.  Having said all this, I’m not promoting naiveté…but I am promoting the confidence, energy, and positive spirit that we feel when we know no negative – when we haven’t had to question ourselves yet or be discouraged. You know that feeling?

If you had the patience to read this post, reach out to me and let me know what you think. You were obviously interested to keep reading this far…haha.  I’d love to hear from some of you silent readers/followers.