Today is the first blank page of a new 365 page book…I’m going to write a good one – featuring Sydney’s closet

I feel as though the last couple months for me have been an intense time of growth, major heart and mind shifts and with that has come a significant increase of peace in my life.  Through this process I’ve realized a few things….I am much stronger than I ever thought I was, I have come a very long way and I’m no longer the girl who deeply hated herself and lived in immense pain that I once was.

I’ve also realized that I am no longer defined by my past.  I am not my past, period.  I am Sarah Ruth Taylor.  I am a strong, confident, courageous, smart, Godly woman who takes life on with zeal.  And today as I celebrate my 32nd birthday, I have before me my first blank page of a new 365 page book….along with my new, fresh perspective on life, I’m going to write a good one.  

I realized this week in a conversation with a new friend that I was so quick to bring up my past, almost to say, here I am, this is me, I am my past.  But that is not the case, I’m so much more than my past.  Yes, my past has helped shape who I am but it’s not who I am. 

I am often sharing my story with people – whether it’s when I speak at events or just right here in my blog.  I do that to help give women (and men) hope, hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  But what happens once you reach the light?

Well, I’ll tell ya what happens…Queen, put on that beautiful crown and your hottest pair of 6 inch pumps and with your head held high, you walk out your destiny like a boss.  No more looking back.  Completely unapologetically. You share hope (or leave sparkle) where you go, but your day to day life should reflect the new person you are.  So, in my case, that means walking out confidently, enjoying life, enjoying the moments right now, trying new things, taking on new opportunities, developing new relationships and continuing to grow into all you were made to be.  When you meet new people, introduce them to who you are, not the old you, the Today version of you, not yesterday’s version.

Who are you today?  What are your dreams?  What are you working towards? How are you making an impact in this world today? Are you enjoying today?  Do you love you today?  These are great questions to reflect on. If you don’t like the answers or are in a dark place, make a change – the decision is the first and hardest step – there is hope for great light.  If you have made a change and you have grown, start walking in that growth, shed the old and walk into the new.

There is a scripture verse in Isaiah that I’m reminded of….
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Walk out your destiny Queens (and Kings) and when you do, wear an awesome dress too (it helps, I’m sure!).  I love this dress from Sydney’s Closet’s Celebrations Collection.  It’s almost like something took over wearing it and I feel beautiful, strong and confident as I display my curves so elegantly (or so I like to think).  This dress cinches as the waist just perfectly to bring your waist in, and hits the perfect spot above my knees.  Now that winter is approaching, I’m all about wearing tall boots with my dresses, so I paired this with a pair of ruched knee high boots I got 2 years ago from Spring.  This dress is perfect for many occasions – work, church, dinner with the girls, date night or hey even hitchin a ride. 

​Stay Beautiful,