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The other day I read something that said life is cumulative and I realized how incredibly thankful I am for that. As soon as Maya emailed me about The Real Blogger Beauty Campaign, a slew of thoughts flooded my mind. These thoughts centered around endless list of imperfections that make up my life. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to share and I have to confess, last night I didn’t have anything but a measly sentence typed out (a result of inner turmoil and writer’s block, which are not a good combo).
The purpose of doing this is to show the world my imperfections that shape who I am. I highlight only the best parts on this blog and on social media, but that isn’t a fair representation of who I am as a whole. My past experiences are different from everyone else’s and they all contribute to my being. So, let’s just get this out of the way: I’ve been to jail. (you have no idea how many times I typed out that sentence, deleted it and typed it out again). It’s embarrassing and humiliating to share that with you all. I’ve made several poor choices in life, but driving drunk takes the cake.
This isn’t going to come as a surprise to you, but jail is not a pretty place. There is no Kate Spade, there are no pretty pink peonies and there is nowhere to hide from your thoughts. It’s just you and those four white walls. When I allow myself to travel back in time and think about my actions, I’m disgusted. What was I thinking? It’s upsetting. Driving drunk effected my life in so many ways, but the worst was the wear and tear on my relationships. I’ve learned a whole lot since then, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still room for growth here in the present.
I could have taken the easy way out and dug deeper into my weight loss story, but I didn’t feel like that was fair to anyone, especially myself. I hope that a result of sharing this little tidbit is that we grow a little closer. We aren’t perfect and we all make mistakes, but having a strong support system can help you get through anything.
So proud of you for sharing this! For me, sharing something like this and getting it off my chest made me feel so much better (mine was about anxiety and depression I’ve had all my life). To me, bloggers are even better when they are “real” 🙂
Wow, doll. Proud of you for sharing this. Those are hard words to type, I’m sure. But what’s important is who you are (both in spite and and because of an experience like that), and what you’ve learned. You’re an amazing person- and I’m so happy we’re friends! 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
I am so proud of you. I know what it’s like to type words over and over again. There is just something SO real about typing out those words and boom all the emotions hit you. You go girl.
http://www.theadoredlife.com
Obsessed with this. SO proud of you and inspired by your balls!!
Very proud of you for sharing this! I can imagine how many times you had to retype that sentence. We’re all human, and the crappiest experiences in our lives are the ones we learn the most from. Go girl!
xoxo
Jess
thegoldengirlblog.com
Very proud of you for sharing this– I’m sure it was so hard and emotional to type out. Sending you love and support girl!!
i’m really enjoying reading all the posts in maya’s link up today! 🙂 even though i don’t know you at all, i didn’t even flinch when i read that you’ve been to jail. that type of thing doesn’t make me think one way or another about someone…we are much more than the decisions we have made! thank you for being so honest!! xo
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s how we act and whether we take accountability for our actions that define us.
http://www.alexandrasperrazza.com/
Wow Jess loved your honesty in that one sentence (including how you mentioned how many times you typed out and deleted it). We all make mistakes and sometimes it takes one big one to make us really see the hurt we are potentially doing to ourselves and others. I’m so proud of you for getting it out of the way, feels good doesn’t it? Happy Monday! xo – Jessika
I feel like so many people take risks when they go out and party, and continue to do it because they just don’t get caught and they manage to get home safe. It takes one millisecond for something to go wrong, and for many, that millisecond is life-changing. I’m glad you have learned from your mistake (and continue to do so) and hope that maybe even one other person realizes that if it can happen to you, it can happen to them. Even one person remembering your post today when they go out this weekend will be enough. Thanks for being brave and sharing today :hug:
Love this. Past experiences are what define you for who you are today. Learning and growing from them makes you a much richer person and better to navigate the waters of life my dear! Great post! xo
Thank you for sharing this! A family member of mine has also been arrested for driving drunk and it impacted our whole family. It’s not pretty but, as you said, past experiences make us who we are today. And there should be no shame in learning from what we did our past!
Your honesty is incredible! We’ve all made mistakes, but from them we become stronger and better :). xo
That took a lot to talk about I’m sure and it can be very liberating to admit mistakes and look forward from them. This series allows us all to take the mask off for a few minutes and it is very nice.
We’re not defined by our pasts <3 So brave of you to share your story. I love how real you always are on your blog- so rare & so special!
I can only imagine how scary it was to post this, but I think it’s amazing that you did. Not only will you make people think twice about drinking and driving, but you are an inspiration to anyone trying to move on from a mistake. Bravo!
I am SO proud of you girlfriend, seriously. You are so unbelievably strong, and I’m amazed by your honesty. Your mistakes are not what define you, but your progress and jounrey are the most important part of life. Keep on keepin’ on and know that so many people love and support you! xx
We all make mistakes in life Jess. Learning from those mistakes is something we all need to strive for in our daily lives. Thank you for being brave and sharing your story!
I adore you for putting this out there. I know it wasn’t easy and there are few ways to spin it pretty. I SO admire you Jess and I hope you know how freaking cool you are for being honest.
I can totally tell that typing those words out just lifted a huge weight off of you. I’m so proud of you for being so honest and open. Sometimes the biggest lessons in our lives come from some of the biggest mistakes. Everything happens for a reason!
Xo Jana
http://www.janalmeister.blogspot.com
such a beautiful and honest post!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Thanks for sharing this, and I’m so glad to have found your site through the linkup! Mistakes happen – they really do shape who we are and who we become – and it’s great to see how this has made you a stronger person. Xoxo, lady.
Lauren – thank you times a million. That means so much coming from you!
It really is a freeing feeling. Thanks for stopping by to read my story!
Hi Katie, thank you for your kind words! I was incredibly nervous about whether posting about this topic was right or not, but now I’m sure it was.
Thank you so so much, Katie! I agree with that 100%
Erin, I can relate to that for sure. Thank you for taking time to read my story, I appreciate it!
Thanks so much, Lisa. You’re so sweet and understanding, I truly appreciate it.
I totally agree with that statement. People do stupid things and I was one of them. Thank you for stopping by to show me some love today 🙂
Katie – things really aren’t (all the time). It felt good to get it off my chest and sort of come clean. I never want people to assume that I am perfect in any way, shape or form because I am far from it. Thank you for reading my story!
It sure does! I hope you enjoyed the linkup as much as I have. It’s refreshing to know that the people we thought lived perfect little lives deal with real issues, just like me.
You’re so right. Thanks for being so great, Alex!
Hi Amy! That makes me feel so relieved. I was so worried about how others would portray me, but the response thus far has been positive. I’m super thankful for that. Thank you for reading! 🙂
Sarah, thank you so much for being supportive!
Jess, thank you so much for stopping by and reading my story, it means a lot! I agree, I’ve learned the most from my worst experiences thus far. I’m thankful to have such a strong support system.
Thank you for letting me know my balls inspire you. 🙂 haha..does this mean I get that trip to Miami?
Thank you SOOOO much Alissa. The emotions definitely hit in the form of a panic attack yesterday, but I’m relieved I told my story and got it off my chest. Thanks for being so great to me 🙂
Miss Ashley – They were, but l’m really glad I did it. I’m so happy that I met someone like you. Your energy is one of a kind! Thanks for being so understanding 🙂
Thank you so much, Rachel! I’m going to have to check that post out. I’ve had anxiety myself (around the time in my life this incident happened) but I’m anxious to read your story! I’m happy that being “real” still means being accepted 🙂
Cara, your story BLEW ME AWAY. I’m so glad that you decided to share it. Thank you for being so sweet and understanding of my flaws. Hopefully we can meet sometime soon (in real life!).
DUH! Sooner the better 🙂
Jess, this is one of my favorite posts of all time. It was so honest. I loved how you summed it up. That this imperfection doesn’t define you, because it doesn’t. It is part of your past and what makes you the wonderful, beautiful, sweet person that you are today, though. Thank you so much for having the courage to share this. You are so inspiring!
What a great post Jess! It takes a lot to be so honest and share such a trivial point in your life! This series is an excellent reminder that we are all “real” and that we all struggle and deal with every day life. I have to remind myself that big time bloggers and beautiful people behind cameras and in magazines have real struggles too. Life isn’t always as it appears in our Instagram, is it? 😉 XO
You were very brave to share this and I applaud you for that! Thank you for sharing, not everyone would have done so and I think that just shows how great your character is!
Yes! After all that real talk I think we need a coffee (or wine) date.
Wow, very brave of you to be so honest. I have a number of friends who have gone through this too and it is no picnic. This is great series. Cool blog too, following via Bloglovin.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
http://www.allienyc.com
Hi Allie! Thank you so much. It’s definitely not fun and it’s something I’m constantly thinking about. Thank you for reading, can’t wait to check out your blog!
Agreed! We will make it happen 🙂
Thank you, Rachel, it means a lot!
Carrie – those encouraging words mean a lot to me! Life definitely isn’t perfect and making mistakes is inevitable, but I’m thankful for the support when I do great things and when I do not so great things.
Kari, thank you SO much. I was terribly worried about the response I would get. Thanks for being so accepting of me!
Thank you so much for sharing! In this culture, everything is a glossy Facebook post with beautiful images. It’s scary raising children in a society where all they see is picture perfect happiness. It’s not reality and life is a series of ups and downs! I’m honored to have read your story and admire you even more for sharing.
Sincerely
Audrey
Hi Audrey, thanks so much for reading my story! There seems to be an “Instagram effect” and it’s not healthy. Granted, that’s not an excuse for my mistakes, but that’s my reality, I messed up (we all do). Thanks again for the support! 🙂
I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to type these words, but I think it shows just how much you’ve grown from your mistakes. After all the best part of mistakes, is the lessons you learn from them 🙂 Thanks for being real and sharing something so personal! It’s a refreshing change from all the perfect, peony filed Instas out there 🙂
Thank you so, so much. It really means a lot to know that people are still accepting. I learned a big lesson in this one. I like real people, and I’m glad you all do, too!
I just came across your blog and was absolutely blown away by your honesty and thoughtful writing! I can imagine this post was extremely difficult to write — and share! — but I so admire your bravery and openness. Excited to follow along now!
Hi Diana! I really appreciate you being so kind and accepting! It was definitely a hard post to write, but the positive response made it worth sharing! I’m so happy you’re following along now 🙂