Guest Post by Johnny: Fashion + Fitness

Bonjour! Diana here. Since our very first post, we've had readers express interest in "'observations' of male fashion!" It doesn't take too long to realize that there really aren't many male fashion bloggers out there--or at least, not from what I know. So, today we're going to honor your request with a guest post by my friend Johnny (whom you've met here). Of course, I had to drag him to the park to take these pictures. There's just something so amusingly, wonderfully ironic about being a badass at a playground. Keep your inner child alive, you know?

I realize that lately Letrendary has been on a sentimental streak, and this post hops on that bandwagon, too. We'll be back to posts that focus more specifically/narrowly on fashion soon (it's been difficult as Dorothy and I are on opposite sides of the country), but I strongly believe that it's important that we take these few weeks to pump some motivation into everyone. For many of our readers, it's the last stretch before college apps, after all, and often it's the last part that can be the hardest. In the end, Letrendary isn't just a fashion blog--I hope that it can also be the type of blog that lifts you up, makes you think, and ultimately joins you on a journey to a better self and a better world. *Cue: Johnny*

FASHION + FITNESS

Fashion and Fitness are major pieces of my life and most likely, you too. You wonder what to wear, ponder on how others will view you and how you view yourself. The world is filled with criticism, some good, some bad but there is beauty in everything, including modern art. I'm not going to go recommend pieces of clothing, styles, matching color tones or name brand items. All I advise is for you to satisfy yourself before you satisfy others. All that matters is that you are content with your self image and what others view of you play a very limited role, next to none. So when shopping, going out, keep an open mind, explore new things, new styles and you are bound to express yourself and not mirror images of others.

Go out of your comfort zone.

Fitness.

Probably have better things to do but who said fitness couldn't be enjoyable? Are you afraid to try new things because don't be. Every professional was once a beginner, the same position you are in struggling to make that decision on whether to just go for it or walk away. If you don't try at anything, you can't succeed. I have been afraid to join cross country because I know I'm not in shape, I know I can't run a 5,6,7 minute mile. Fitness is much more than exerting dominance, expertise and flexing those muscles. You start at your own level and work your way up. Falling in order to get back up and rising in order to fall back down. When in doubt, grit your teeth and just push harder because once you overcome that voice in your head telling you to stop, you couldn't be more proud to finish. I highly recommend finding a companion, a partner or even multiple partners to take part in your fitness routine whether it'd be cycling, swimming, running or even climbing. Through my experience, the bonds I have built have enabled me to push even harder even when I'm not nearly at their level. Remember, it is your decision on whether to enjoy exercising or absolutely despise it. Create a bond, build a relationship, change a community and change the world.

Here are some things I have done and will aspire to do. Food for thought to get out of your comfort zone.

1. Tough Mudder
2. Triathalon Relay
3. Rock Climbing
4. Distance Running
5. Archery
6. Ballroom Dancing
7. Iron Man
8. Tour De France
9. Swimming 
10. Ultra Marathon

(Interjection by Diana: Noteworthy is how this outfit would work in the winter well with the long sleeves and long pants.Good running shoes are always worth the investment--make sure you get the right size; these shoes can be expensive but if you treat them well they can last for many years--and chain necklaces can hold special importance in reminding yourself of your motivation. Johnny's is a graduation gift. Indeed: even if your friends and family are not physically there with you, they will always be there with you in spirit, and the realization of that makes for a powerful, powerful motivator.)

Now for a motivational, uplifting cliche rant.

After watching Inside Out, I realized many things. All in all, it was a reminder that our lives are filled with struggles, breakthroughs and breakdowns. As an optimistic individual, I am constantly filled with joy and inevitably find joy in the darkest of times. Happiness is great but we can't always be happy. We have sacrifices to make, problems to deal with, and maintaining that socially constructed expectation of excellence in everything we pursue can be difficult.

I've learned to embrace emotions. After all, that is what being human is. Falling in order to get back up, rising in order to fall back down. Life is beautiful. Yes it isn't perfect but that is the beauty of it. After completing high school, I realized something bigger. As much as it is about excelling in academics and building your resume, it is a place where some find their identity. In other words, a place of awakening. The people you meet are all magnificent, even the ignorant, arrogant, and unappreciative ones because there is hope. Hope for a better world, Hope for change and Hope for life. It only takes one to make a difference. Be the change you want to see in the world. Much respect to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for donating his wealth of 32 billion dollars to charity.

For those still in High School, I hope you pursue everything you desire without fear. Join that club, that sports team, speech and debate, CSF, and much more. For you have the opportunity to change an individual, change a community and even change the world. Do you dare disturb the universe?

Perhaps you are in a dark time, lost and confused with no sense of direction. It's all right because we've all been there, through the thick and the thin. The important thing is to love yourself. No matter how many times you've been put down, unappreciated, on edge, you are the only one who can make a difference. Speak your mind with confidence because the world ain't all sunshine and rainbows.

I realize it is easier said than done. Habits are hard to break. Emotions are hard to overcome. So in every situation, whether euphoric or despairing, embrace it. Human emotions are genuine and filled with power. Power to tell a story, give a message and even a deeper meaning. So I'll leave you with this:

Everything will be ok in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.

~Johnny