Woman Crush Wednesday

I've never participated in this whole "woman crush Wednesday" or "man crush Monday". I've always seen it as kind of stupid and just silly. But, after listening to the song "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town (yes, I listen to county music) several times, I'm beginning to look at it in a different light. The whole point of the song is highlighting the qualities the woman had that attracted the man the singer is interested in. Seeing it this way, I'm now motivated to write about the women in my life who have made an impact or inspired me in different ways. So many females just tear each other down, usually to make themselves feel better. I have been guilty of doing this myself, but I've been trying really hard not to compare myself to others and to do what I can to help build them up instead.

So, introducing my very first "Woman Crush Wednesday" (if I stop playing around and organize my thoughts to get this posted in the next two hours), Mariah Cassandra Baumgartle!

We used to be neighbors and once upon a time we were very close friends. Over the years we've been taken to opposite sides of the country, but this girl has never stopped amazing or inspiring me. Throughout high school, she was a pillar of positivity and a sweetheart to everyone. As we've grown into women, she's become a beacon of strength, has more artistic abilities in her pinky than I can ever dream of having, and a major advocate for self-acceptance. I get so excited every time I see a new endeavor she's pursuing. I know she's human and has anxieties just like the rest of us, but often times I find myself wondering how I could be a little more adventurous or fearless, like Mariah. I know I just said I'm trying not to compare myself to others, but with Mariah, it's always been different. She's always inspired me to become a better me, rather than just becoming more like her.

And I feel like those are the people that deserve recognition. She seeks out beauty in our world where others may never even think it exists. She's spunky and has always surprised me with some of the things she's said. (Throw back to a conversation in her room during high school, that won't be repeated here, but had us laughing so hard, her sweet grandma heard us from the living room and wanted to be a part of the fun, but neither of us had the heart, or guts, to repeat it.)

She reminds me that it's not ridiculous to have insanely big dreams and that I can achieve whatever I allow myself to. And this is all from afar, I can't imagine how inspiring her accomplishments and aspirations are to those she's in daily contact with.

I know she still has astonishing success ahead of her and will continue to light up the lives of those around her! I look forward to seeing all she achieves and continuing to cheer her on.

Random/Fun Stuff:
If sunshine and glitter had a baby, it'd be Mariah!
Our only major fight was when a boy I was interested in liked her.
She signed as a witness on my mom's will.
This girl has got an incredible smile!