A year ago, who ever would have guessed that I would love electric dance music? What about being able to spend a weekend away from home, in a new environment, with no anxiety? Oh! What about dancing my booty off for hours straight, not caring who was watching me? Well, if you didn’t know me back then… the answer is no one would’ve ever guessed.
I am obsessed with this music now. Justin has been taking me to these concerts since we started dating, but until this weekend… I didn’t really understand them. For those of you who don’t know, Moonrise festival is a 2 day long music festival with 50+ artists, some including BIG names like: Zedd, Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, and Bassnectar. Yes, I’m sure you have heard that a lot of people do crazy drugs here and it is ‘crazy’. Both of those statements are true. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t notice people doing drugs… I saw plenty of that going on. But the thing is, no one tried to pressure you into doing anything. To be honest, I actually got asked for cigarettes more than anything.
I will admit, before I decided to go to the festival, I had been very judgmental on the whole scene, just like i'm sure many of you are. But going to this festival made me realize it isn't worth being judgmental on people. I didn't meet one rude person this weekend, no matter what they were wearing, how they looked, or the copious amounts of make up that they had on. There is more to people than meets the eye.
So when it came to outfits, at first I was a little worried. But then when I tried on my outfit both Justin and I knew it was perfect. I threw on a purple bikini top and a pair of my black Nike spandex (and also my neon pink fanny pack--- BEST INVESTMENT!). I was nervous that I wasn’t wearing enough and I would feel uncomfortable… but let me tell you, there were some people wearing way less than I was. That was the beauty of this festival. It’s not about what’s on the outside; it’s about enjoying the music and just being with good people. From a girl who just went to her first festival: If you are planning on going, I recommend either bikini bottoms or spandex. I was literally drenched in sweat 24/7. My hair felt like I had just gotten out of the shower by the end of the night. I actually wore some pink jean shorts on Sunday and it was a mistake. They were so uncomfortable. Just go for whatever is comfortable for you, I promise you will blend in.
This weekend helped me see what it felt like to live in the moment. It showed me that coming out of my shell was the best move I’ve ever made. I still have time for fitness. I still have time for work, school, and internships. I still have time for family and chores around the house. And most importantly, I still have time for life. I’m not obsessed with working all the time. I’m not obsessed with impressing anyone. I am obsessed with pleasing myself. I am obsessed with just enjoying my life. I have kept my work ethic strong, my relationships healthy, and most importantly- I have kept my mind happy. I am learning more and more everyday about myself and about life in general. I don’t live in a box anymore. I am free and I am freaking happy.
It feels good. Life feels good. It’s not perfect—I still worry about eating probably 70% of the time. I couldn’t go to the gym yesterday or today because my calves are literally rocks from jumping and dancing all weekend (it actually hurts to walk). I start a new internship that I have to knock out hours very quickly for. I am about to start a new full time job. I’m sick or have allergies…or something? And sometimes I have a lot on my mind. But hey- you have to learn to take the good with the bad. And one thing is definitely for sure; I have not once second-guessed where I’m at or how I got here.