Thank You, For Inspiring

It's no secret that social media is present in our lives.

(If you're looking for something to do today, try coming up with a more obvious statement.)

We use it to connect with those of like-mind, we use it to stalk old acquaintances (and if you say you don't, you're lying). We use it to vent, we use it to brag. It can be an annoying addiction that keeps us glued to our smartphones and in need of a chiropractor far too often to adjust our slouching posture (guilty).

But it can also inspire.

And that is exactly what it did for me.

YouTube was always in the background of my social-media world. Instagram came first, Facebook came second (even after repeated attempts to quit), and Snapchat came third (although I still don't really know what I'm doing).

Over the past year, however, YouTube has slowly risen from the background and became what is safe to say - my favorite social media platform.

And that is thanks to my favorite "YouTubers".

These amazing artists have inspired me, challenged me, and truly helped me.

And I wanted to thank them.

For making working out enjoyable and entertaining, thank you Blogilates and The Fitness Marshall. Cassey and Caleb are the best. Every week I use a combination of their videos to create my own daily workout. (Also - a shoutout to BodyFit by Amy for her pregnancy workout videos :) )

For encouraging me in my new role a mom, as well as my roles as an employee, side hustler, wife, daughter, etc., thank you Brianna K. I love her videos - and she is such a kind soul (also, adorable!)

Now. I am not a 100% vegan, however, I have made the commitment to cut out animal products from my diet 90% of the time. (I allow the cheats because it works for me and my lifestyle, and I think that's okay. Plus, I love cheese.) I'm not really sure what prompted me to make this decision, but I have really enjoyed the journey so far. A huge thank you to Sadia at Pick Up Limes. She is wonderful. Not only does she inspire me to be creative and colorful with my cooking, but she also is very helpful in my (seemingly unending) journey toward minimalism. Her calm voice is captivating and I feel like she is one of my friends. Plus - she lives in the Netherlands, so I live vicariously through her. Because of her videos I have also came across some other amazing channels such as Caitlin Shoemaker, Fablunch, and Minimalist Baker. Thank you, all!

Everyone has bad days. Everyone needs to be cheered up from time to time. And sometimes, my YouTube subscriptions are just he place to look. Because she is bubbly, cheerful and gives great advice (also I'm jealous of her New York City life - thank you, Kayla Hancock. And Because Loulou is so cute I can't handle it, thank you, Loulou & Friends. You both brighten my day!

Because I can easily get stuck in a hair rut - also being a total visual learner - YouTube has always been a tried and true place for tutorials! For hair inspiration that is simple and an enviable style, thank you Milabu!

There you have it. A collective and sincere "thank-you" to all of my favorite YouTubers.

If you are a YouTube user and looking to learn more about the said topics, I encourage you to subscribe to these channels.

And, if you are a content creator, don't stop what you are doing. Even if your following seems tiny and you wonder if you are truly helping anyone - you are. Don't stop.