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Friday, July 17, 2009 |
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| Are We There Yet? |
Hey FGs!
The bags are packed, the car is running - family vacation time. Oh, boy. As much as you love the fam, sometimes the idea of spending days away with them can be overwhelming, to say the least. But no stress. You can definitely survive... and maybe even have a little fun.
- Don't Forget.... Shoes, check. Swimsuit, check. You've got the basics, but make sure when you're packing in to throw in a few personal comforts, whether it's a new book you just started, your fave CD, or a special blanket. It will help you relax if you're feeling a little stressed out.
- Ask and You Will Receive... Hitting your limits on family time? See if you can (nicely) negotiate a little beach time or moment in the hotel to be by yourself. Having a little alone time to recharge might just be what you need. Sometimes you just need to speak up.
- Look Ahead... You want me to go where?? Not digging the place your rents picked? So maybe you are more of a city girl, and they've planned a trip in the good 'ol outdoors. See if you can do a little research about your vacay spot before you leave. Find out what kind of stuff they've got that you would enjoy to do there. You might find out they have something you, and your family, can all have a good time doing.
- Wish You Were Here... So your parents aren't letting you bring your cell phone, let alone your whole crew. Yep, you're gonna miss them. Make some time to grab some postcards to send to your girls, or get some silly pics you know your BFF would love. It might not be the same without them, but at least you'll have something to share when you get back.
And most importantly... - Laugh! Chances are mom or dad, or maybe one of your li'l sibs will embarrass you at some point during the trip. No, actually not chances. They most definitely will. There is nothing in your powers to stop them. You might as well laugh, and enjoy the little comedy crew you call your family.
Are you going on vacation, FG? How do you make it rock? Let me know the scoop, either here or at Twitter or Myspace. Wishing you super summer vacays, whether you're heading out or staying home! xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: advice, fab gal, family, fun ideas, girls, teens, vacation |
posted by Fab Gal @ 7:35 PM   |
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Friday, April 17, 2009 |
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| You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home |
Happy Friday, Fab Gals!
The school year is winding down, and I can (almost) taste summer. But before I jump ahead to daydreaming about lying by the pool and spending my days reading Twilight and going to the mall, I have been thinking about all that's happened over this last year. I got the opportunity to try out what I think every teen dreams of: living away from home. Don't get me wrong, i love my parents. But I was dying for the chance to be a new, grown-up, independent me. I figured that this would be my chance to try real freedom.
It's funny, because while most of this year has gone by in a blur, I distinctly remember the morning that I left home. I went for my last jog around the neighborhood, and with my house in sight and my New Life just hours away... I tripped. Flat on my face. I remember ending up at the kitchen counter, with Dr. Dad cleaning up my knee and putting on my Band-Aids.
When I dreamed about what this year would be, I thought things would be so different, that I wouldn't need any help at all. I didn't know that morning would be more of a reflection of my year than could have imagined. I certainly have had my adventures, and I've been learning how to take care of myself. But there have been just as many times that I've fallen down and had bad days. And where did I find myself? Back home.
Wanting to grow up and be independent and have your own space is normal. Fab Gals are big dreamers. But I guess what I've learned is that growing up, well, it doesn't have to mean growing away. And it also means that, at the end of the day, you really don't always have to do it all yourself, and you don't always have to have it all together. Sometimes it's even better to know who will put on your band-aids when you fall down.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, family, girls, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 5:31 PM |
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Friday, January 23, 2009 |
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| Hey Mama |
Hey FGs!
Be honest: Do you ever try to pretend like you aren't really that much like your family? I know I try to do that sometimes. I love them, but... they can be a little crazy. I think at times we like to pretend that they don't affect us, or that maybe we're just to cool one who was really adopted, and actually belongs to the genes of some rock star.
But at the end of the day, it's amazing how much they can shape who we are. Like, I was talking to this group of girls about their body struggles, and I was amazed how often they mentioned how their family somehow changed the process of it - either (unintentionally) starting it, or thankfully, being the ones who set them on the right path. And then I was reading up on it, and the experts say it's true. Sometimes family "rules" (like the ones I mentioned the other day) can set you off on the wrong path. And at the same rate, especially when you're young, your family is a necessary part of making positive changes.
And I'll admit that at first, this info didn't sit with me. I mean, I'm still really young. But what if I want to have kids one day? Will my problems mess them up? And what does this all mean about my family right now? But here's the reality check: Life isn't perfect, and your family may not be a happy Brady Bunch clan. But there is one very important factor in the equation that can affect change - that's you. Being aware of your own abilities, issues, and needs will help. Being a positive role model - for your cousins, sisters, or even parents 0 might just be the change. And being open and honest could be just what you all need.
What are your family relationships like? What are some "rules" that haven't been working? How has your family affected you in a positive way (or you to them)? Leave a comment to let me know!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: eating disorders, fab gal, family, relationships, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 1:54 PM |
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