A few years back, during my last semester of college, I discovered a women's magazine that didn't adhere to what modern society deems the "norm." On the front cover, instead of a scantily clad supermodel, was a girl who looked like me—wearing a sundress and riding a bicycle, with a giant smile on her face. Within its pages, instead of "Ten Sex Tips to Please Your Man" or "Lose Five Pounds with This Fat Blasting Workout," I found uplifting stories and insightful articles written by both men and women whose mission was clear: to inspire women to be the best versions of themselves. Verily Magazine was unique in its celebration of real, un-photoshopped women, as well as in its motto: "less of who you should be, more of who you are."

Out of all the months in the year, I find December to be the most inspiring. There's something about the holiday season that makes me want to do more. I dream of spending these winter days baking cookies, decorating the apartment, photographing every little outing, reading stacks of magazines, writing blog posts, shopping for gifts, attempting new hairstyles, volunteering, and hosting extravagant dinner parties. But if I've learned anything from these last few years of living in the "real world," it's that there are not nearly enough hours in the day. So... I do what I can, when I can. And the rest? Well, let's just say I'm slowly discovering how to let go: life is meant to be spent in the moment, after all, and not worrying about the details of the future.