What do you value in life or in a job? What do you want for your future? What are your goals? I’ve been trying to answer these questions as clearly as I possibly can without being influenced by others. I’m finding it tougher to be authentic in my twenties, than I did when I was younger. Your mid-twenties come with a lot of second-guessing, a lot of doubt, and many many questions.

With the constant use of social media comes the pressure to conform, which is why I follow blogs that feel authentic. Blogs that aren’t solely about every single product said blogger uses. Seeing them hang their individuality proudly makes me want to be authentic, online and in person and every other way possible. That’s a huge factor in my love for casiestewart.com. You can tell that Casie doesn’t blog for the sake of blogging, she writes about things she likes and ALWAYS aims to inspire her readers to have a better day, to have a more positive outlook on life, and to LOVE their lives. She has a style all her own and an authenticity about her that shines through the screen. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be writing on THIS IS MY LIFE. This blog has inspired me in so many ways and has lifted my spirits on even my worst mornings.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet Casie and was thrilled to see that her online personality is one in the same with the woman that stood before me. I always find it interesting to attend events, meeting your Internet friends in person is quite a nerve-wracking experience. Am I the same person that they interact with online? I get a little anxious when they ask what I’m into, what I’m doing a part from blogging. Pizza-girl Specialist doesn’t exactly light up my resume but it is a huge part of who I am and why I’ve become who I am today, and yet I’m still embarrassed about it. Why? Who is there to impress other than myself?

All of these questions have answers but they can only be answered by me, and only if I can stay true to myself. This is my life and I have to make the most of it, documenting the important things while being my most authentic self.

I’m so thankful to HTC and Casie for giving me the opportunity to have her as my influencer (helping find my online voice), to write on one of my favourite blogs, and to encourage me to document my summer with my HTC One. I’ve taken so many photos and now have a way to hold onto some memories, to remember who I was this summer and who I want to become.

Here’s to more adventures this Fall and hopefully a little more clarity in the coming months.

Vanessa Grillone
Twitter @VanessaGrillone