Creating the Perfect Inspiration Board

I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “girls mature faster than boys!” In high school, I would run to my mom and complain about how I hate being single. I wanted a boyfriend so badly and thought there was something wrong with me. I blamed my height – being a girl who is 6’2 in high school is rough. My mom blamed immaturity. But I never realized how the statement, “girls mature faster than boys” puts an unspoken expectation on girls and lets boys off the hook!

That unspoken expectation led me to believe I had to mature quickly. And to be honest, there were things I went through in high school that pushed me to mature quickly. Problem is, I never really matured emotionally. I spent a majority of my life trying to be like everyone else. Trying to dress like Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place” era). Trying to act like the popular kids. All the while, trying to convince myself I was being authentic and unique.

I’ve always wanted to embrace who I am and be genuine. I’d hear people say “there’s only one you” and I never understood it. I was so busy trying to be like everyone else, because I didn’t know how to cope with the issues I was struggling with. I didn’t think the “real me” was worth the time and effort.

Does this sound familiar? Does it feel like you’re looking into a mirror? If so, I have a project for you. Create an inspiration board. This inspiration board is all about your BRAND.

You might be thinking, “Why do I need a Brand? I don’t have a business!” Everyone has a Brand. Everyone. Your Brand is a basic representation of your personality: the things that make you stand out, the things you like. The goal is by the time you finish your Brand board it looks like your personality threw up all over it.

Take a look at my Brand board! You’ll see bright colors, rainbows galore, beaches, iced chai tea lattes, quotes about body positivity and mental health, feminist symbols and more. When I sat down to create this board the ONLY thoughts in my head were: What do I like? What am I passionate about?

So here is your project:

1. Grab any magazines you have laying around.

2. Grab a pair of scissors, tape, and a piece of cardboard or a corkboard.

3. Flip through the magazine only looking for images or quotes that make you smile or inspire you.

4. Cut them out and arrange them on the board.

5. Once you have a general idea, you can hop on Pinterest and search for related things. Print those images out and add them to your board.

Embrace your individuality. Embrace the idea that YOU are unique and have a unique purpose. Embrace the things you love and throw out the rest – you don’t need it.

Did you make a Brand Board? Post a picture on Instagram and TAG me!