Olaf Designs

Olaf Designs Henna Dress in Terracotta, Slides made with Rachel Sees Snails Shoes

MY STORY: I recently met a new friend through a mutual friend and was asked, "How are you so outgoing?" This question came to me as a surprise because I have always been a shy person. I replied saying that I am more myself when I am with people I am comfortable with already, since we hung out in a group of friends. Even though this is true, I feel that I have become more outgoing than my previous shy self who wouldn't say anything to anyone I didn't know well. I have changed my way of thinking. Here are my thoughts:

1. What Doesn't Work Out Wasn't Meant to Be. 

I have always enjoyed making new friends but initiating a friendship was always difficult for me. I would either feel scared that the other person wouldn't want to be friends with me or would judge me for who I am. Within the past year of transitioning from college to a career, moving away from home for the first time, and forming new friendships, I feel that I have really grown. From my move, I met new people and some friendships lasted while others did not. I came to the realization that if a friendship didn't work out, it wasn't meant to be. Now when I first meet people, our conversations can either go on and on or not really progress at all. I have experienced both and learned to be fine with either, but if I never initiated to talk to someone, the conversations that go on would never have happened. In the end, I haven't really lost anything from the conversations that don't progress but I can gain a really good friend from the conversations that flow. 

2. Be Friendly.

I'm progressing to the point where I'll talk to people regardless of what they look like or who they are, because you don't really know someone unless you've talked to them or met them. More recently, I often try to talk to people in a friendly manner (not that I wasn't friendly before but I was so shy I literally wouldn't say anything to anyone) because you never know who they are or what they're going through.

3. New Perspectives.

Meeting the people that I have in LA has given me a completely new perspective on life, one that I never would have known if I didn't meet the people I did. I feel that it is incredible for me to be surrounded by the same types of people throughout my life which formed the way I look at life, but having met new people with a completely different view changed me for the better. (I won't go into details because it is a whole other conversation and I am currently still developing my new perspective.) From my experience in the past year, I feel that I have no time to be shy. There are so many great people you can meet so go out and meet them!

OLAF DESIGNS' STORY: In the photos, I am wearing the Henna dress which has a low back and is made from a quality linen material. Olaf Designs is a women's vegan, ethical and sustainable clothing line based in Brisbane, Australia. Their clothes are made to last, created with high quality fabrics that are friendly to both animals and the environment. As a company, they are working towards bringing awareness of consuming mindfully instead of viewing clothing as disposable. 

From the new, not as shy girl,

Sarina