Make Your Own Magic

Five days into my 32nd year of life, I'm proud of who I am. One of the best compliments I received recently was that I'm just a more adult, polished version of whom I've always been. I see glimpses of that evolution most clearly when I read old musings. The words are from the past, yes, but my voice is ever so present -- today's stronger perhaps.

We are meant to grow, to strengthen our voices, to evolve. It's a grounding and fulfilling transformation. I wish I could whisper to my 16-year-old self, "You just wait!"

Mirroring yourself, now that's something different. And recently, it seems, more prevalent: people attempting to be versions, or bits of versions, of somebody else. I don't get it. Being you, discovering you, sharing you -- isn't that the magic? After all, "no one really buys a knockoff without wishing they had the original," right?

We ought to foster and encourage originality. We ought to seek uniqueness and genuineness. We should place more value in authenticity. So, let's make our own magic! Let's embrace our weird. Let's cultivate our own damn gardens (Voltaire would approve).

(Photo regrammed from Instagram)

Valeria L. Palmertree

A self-proclaimed dreamer, grammar geek and storyteller with a serious case of wanderlust, I can most often be found somewhere near the water. In addition to beach-combing, my interests include: writing, reading, cooking, dining, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors -- preferably at the same time and in the company of my husband and golden retriever (whom you're likely to meet on these pages along the way).

Originally from Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, I'm fluent in Spanish, Malbecand fútbol. Between the hours of 9 and 5, I'm a communications consultant for travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Additionally, my gig as a freelance writer has given me the opportunity to meet some pretty awesome people along the way. Currently, I'm the copy editor (and a travel contributor) for Electrify magazine. Always the optimist, I believe that connecting with and learning from one another is the surest way to break down barriers and spread some joy. Consider this my virtual olive branch of sorts. <3 xo

http://www.thepalmtreetype.com
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