My Name Is Cristina Monica

This will not be a long post, and it will not be fancy. No pictures will be added because none are needed. I just want my words to be here and nothing else. For the past six years, I have been blogging as ‘Lola’. I was young when I created my blog and I did not feel comfortable or safe revealing my real name to others. I felt protected under Lola. But recently, I have wanted to step away from anonymity. I am turning 23 next month, and I want to be able to say that this year I was braver than the last. Making the decision to use my real name on my blog will not automatically turn me into someone fearless, authentic and strong, but it is one tiny, tiny step in that direction. And I am proud of that.