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Tuesday, August 18, 2009 |
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| This Could Be OUR Year |
Hey Fab Gals!
So, I know I have been MIA for the last week. I just have a major amount of stuff to get ready before its time to hit the books again. Yep, it's time to ring in the new (school) year. Going back to school can be a lot of things. Stressful. Exciting. Busy. Or maybe you're totally dreading the end of the lazy summer days.
Secretly, I have always kind of loved going back to school. It just seemed like there are so many possibilities - new friends, new adventures, new clothes, new crushes. Then, by about half way through the year, I am usually sick of school all over again.
And it's true, there's a lot of not-so-great parts about school. Loads of homework. Earlier curfew. Blah Mondays. Lunch room drama. Yikes. You just never know when a book report or hallway rumor is going to come around and hit you in the face. But then, you never really know when something great is going to happen either.
Okay, so I'm really not trying to be a total bummer. What I'm trying to say is this: Sure, school can be totally lame. But you can't just overlook all of the great parts about it, like seeing your friends, playing your fave sports, and becoming an even more Fab version of you. You just never know what kinds of great things will happen by time the last bell rings. So don't forget to enjoy it.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
PS - Check out these fun sites:
GL's Ultimate Countdown to Class
Seventeen Back-to-School BlowoutLabels: fab gal, happiness, school |
posted by Fab Gal @ 9:21 PM   |
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Friday, February 27, 2009 |
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| That Little Extra Something |
Hey Fab Gals!
Whenever I get a new magazine, I don't open it right away. I save it. I am so excited, and hopeful about what's going to be on the inside, that I wait - just so I can hold on to that feeling a little bit longer.
You know, it's kind the same thing with the student government going on at my school right now. There's one group that's running a campaign with only one promise: to fix a sidewalk. They say that they know it is boring, but at least they can promise that they will get it done. That seemed realistic enough, right? But then they've gone on and on, tearing down the other group for making promises that they may not be able to keep. Okay. But then I heard this other group speak. And I liked what their goals - more recycling bins, more social events. It doesn't seem that hard. Do I really have to believe it's not possible?
I don't know. It seems like we so often think that being cynical means you're being realistic. And it's true - having no hopes at all is the surest way to keep your heart from breaking, to keep from being disappointed. "Our only limits to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." Franklin D. Roosevelt said that. Or more simply, "Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock!" Doubting doesn't make more things happen, it just means you won't try any more than you have to.
Sometimes (too much) I lose faith. In myself. My life. We all do. But I don't think you can really truly live without being a dreamer. You can. But your world won't be as colorful maybe. I spent 30 minutes getting ready for a guy I talked to for 5 minutes about the weather. And I love that. In fact, I wish I could have more of that. Bottle it up and use it everyday. Because yes, your dreams have to have some basis in reality. And when you work them up too much, reality can be a little disappointing. But I think in the long run, a hopeful life is infinitely more kind and beautiful.
And maybe, just maybe, you'll get those happily-ever-afters every once in a while.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: dreams, fab gal, happiness, life lessons, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 4:45 PM |
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009 |
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| What Goes Around... |
Hey there Fab Gals!
You know, I've been told before how much people's attitudes can affect you. Surround yourself with positive people, they say. And I always though, yeah, I guess that makes sense, but how does it really work out? And I think now I really get it.
See, I have a friend who is very. . . strongly opinionated. She has absolutely no problem telling anyone how she feels. But one day, she was going on and on about a fight she had, and she kept telling me how stupid and mean the other girl was. I was trying to just listen, but I seriously was about to snap. Later that night, I coudn't help but complain to another friend about how much that attitude was drove me crazy. I was continuing the cycle.
Then, on the flipside, I got a really nice e-mail from a friend telling me what a great job I did on a something I wrote. It made me feel so good, I e-mailed another classmate offering to help her on her project. Then, I was sent a note from another friend, talking about what a wonderful week she was having, me being a part of it, and I thought, Goodness, that makes me feel so great! How can I share that feeling with someone else?
So that's how I think it works - positivity, negativity - it's like a chain reaction. Like when you find good music or good food and you can't help but share it with someone else. And I'm sure it's a good thing to try to surround yourself with positive people. But one place to start is to see how you can be that positive person and share it, even in a small way.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, friends, happiness, kindness, positivity, relationships |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 7:10 PM |
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Monday, January 26, 2009 |
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| I Decide |
Hello FGs!
Where do you turn when you are faced with a problem? How do you handle the challenges that life brings you? It's not something that we think about that much, since we are always on-the-go, moving forward. But I think that looking at where you are, where you've been, and how you've dealt with life in the past can help you make some positive changes.
I recently heard someone say "The definition of insanity is trying the smae solution over and over and expecting different results>" While I think those words are a little strong, I get what they're saying. You need a new approach if you want new results. But what is even more wacky, as far as I'm concerned, is looking for external solutions to internal struggles.
So often we just look to surface-level problems when things aren't going right, like The reason I don't have a boyfriend must be because I'm not pretty enough, not skinny enough. Or maybe even worse, we turn towards other people, out loud or maybe without realizing it, to see what should make us happy. Once again, playing what should be our game by another set of rules, by their values and happiness. It's like shopping at Abercrombie because all of your friends really like it, so you think it probably will make you happy too. Not to diminish their values and joys - everyone's are equally worthy and important. But the thing is, theirs might not be the same as yours.
FG Challenge: Follow your "internal compass." Become more aware of what rules and external solutions you have been living your life by that aren't working for you. It will seem difficult at first, but try to start recognize what makes you happy. Eventually you will be able to fill your life with more of those things, and you won't have room for all of the other ones.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, happiness, life lessons, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 1:30 PM |
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Friday, December 26, 2008 |
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| Life is Like Making Soup...Just More Complicated |
Hello FGs!
With the start of winter break, I always have lots of plans and to-do lists for what I want to get done (I'm not so good at that whole relaxing thing). Last weekend, I decided to start off by trying to kick a bad habit that had been getting on my nerves. I was coming up with a game plan, and I figured that the easiest way to go about it would be not just quit the habit straight out but to replace the bad one with a good one, like a distraction.
You know what? It's worked. Surprisingly well, actually. Every time I'm about to start, I quickly think of something - anything from "You make the best PB&J sandwiches, ever" to "You're a loyal friend that never breaks a promise." It kicked my habit, has been kinda fun, and proved something about life - the "soup pot" theory.
My mom is the one that taught me this one. Basically, your life will always be full, it just depends what you fill it with. You can fill your life with behaviors, relationships, and ideas that are negative, or maybe even harmful to you. On the other hand, you can fill your life with people that love and respect you, experiences that nourish and teach you, and even thoughts that make you feel good. So if you feel like things aren't quite on track, maybe it's time to check your ingredients. Unfortunately, I've also learned that life's recipe isn't as simple as soup. But you've only got so much time and space in your life, so it's worth it to fill it up right.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, girls, happiness, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 5:20 PM |
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Monday, December 15, 2008 |
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| Be a Rebel |
Hello Fab Gals!
Good books, like good chocolate and good music, are meant to be shared. And I'm still on this great one that I started a while back - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff For Teens, by Richard Carlson. It's full of simple tips to make your life just a little better. And this one is my favorite - #58, "Be Creative in Your Rebellion." Sounds a little crazy, right?
Basically, it works like this - there seems to be an expectation, in the media and our culture, that we should never be satisfied. We should always want to be thinner, more beautiful, more popular, and we shouldn't be happy till we get there. Of course, that's really just a way to sell more products, but we seem to buy into it. If you get into that kind of thinking, you'll become unhappy with yourself. It can leads to all kinds of problems, and it's no fun, either. Carlson's solution: Be rebelliously happy. Make the decision to see how happy you can be without buying into that expectation. Be smart to know that you never needed all of that silly stuff to be happy anyways.
FG Challenge: Find a day this week to be as rebellious as you possibly can! Love your body. Smile at everyone. Wear what you love, eat what you like. Hey, even enjoy math class! See how happy you can be, just as you are. And be sure to let me know how it goes...
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens, fab gal, girls, happiness, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:08 AM |
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Wednesday, November 26, 2008 |
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| Thanks for Everything |
Hello Fab Gals!
For all of you in the US, I'm sure you know what tomorrow is - Turkey Day, aka Thanksgiving. So of course, I think this is an excellent time to talk a little about gratitude.
No matter what the adults want to say, I think most of us are pretty thankful chicas. Maybe we don't say it out loud enough, but you know what you're grateful for - maybe your family, your BFFs, your health, yourself, or your phone. All of that. We can say thanks for all the good things easy enough. But I think it's possible to take gratitude to another level.
What if you could be thankful for the not-so-fabulous things in your life? I know, it sounds crazy. But if you can take on this perspective or gratitude (or at least acceptance), you'll begin to realize that every barrier or obstacle is really just a challenge or a lesson in life. They're something you can overcome - that will certainly make you stronger in the end. And at the same time, those bad things will start to make the good ones seem even more wonderful. Life will be sweeter than pumpkin pie.
So this holiday, take on the FG challenge: Think of something that has been hurting or heart-breaking to you, and see if you can't start to change your view of it. Recognize all of the things that you learned, or how it made you stronger. Say, "I am thankful for this experience because __________." Your heart and your spirit will be that much freer to take in all of those things you're truly happy to have in your life.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: challenges, fab gal, girls, happiness, teens, thankfulness |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:58 AM |
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Friday, October 24, 2008 |
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| Dealing with Stress, part 2 |
Hello Fab Gals!
So I told you a little bit about stress symptoms. And hopefully you know yours, but aren't dealing with them right now. The problem with those is that sometimes, we starting feeling them when we haven't been recognizing how we feel, so it all just kinda builds up. What if you can't remember why you're stressed?
It's okay to not act on every bad mood or feeling, because sometimes they just come up without reason. But when you put them down, or think "I shouldn't be feeling this way," you start to make them seem unimportant. Girls can be especially prone to do this, because we don't want to make anyone unhappy. But it certainly isn't healthy.
It's important, for your own sake, to at least acknowledge your feelings as you have them. One time, we learned meditation in class, and as every thought or feeling came up, you simply named it, like "That is worry" or "That is sadness," and then just let it be. I think that could be really helpful. Writing in a journal or finding some other type of release is good too. And of course, always find someone you can talk to, be it a friend, parent, or counselor, when your stress is too much to let pass.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: emotions, fab gal, happiness, stress |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:25 AM |
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Monday, October 20, 2008 |
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| Just So You Know |
It's okay... to do it all by yourself. But it's also okay... to ask for help.
It's okay... to eat your vegetables. But it's also okay... to eat your dessert. 
It's okay... to try to be everyone's friend. But it's also okay... to know who your real ones are.
It's okay... to do the right thing. But it's also okay... to realize you did the wrong one.
It's okay... to be smart, sassy, and stylish. But it's also okay... to be silly, crazy, and maybe a little dorky.
It's okay... to follow a trend. But it's also okay... to follow the beat of a different drum.
It's okay... to love your life exactly as it is. But it's also okay... to know it's time for a change.
And it's definitely okay... to know that, no matter what, you are always a Fab Gal.
xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: fab gal, girls, happiness, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:30 AM |
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Friday, October 17, 2008 |
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| You Can't Take it All With You |
Hello FGs!
So the other day I realized something. I have big collection of holiday decorations. Just a bunch of silly little tings I've collected over the years to put around my room. I've also got a whole lot of shoes. And a rainbow of nail polish. And more magazines than a Barnes & Noble. How did I end up collecting all this stuff? How do I even have room for it?
I guess over time, I've kept with me the things I like the most and left the rest behind (or a t Goodwill). If I didn't, my closet would be bursting with stuff I didn't really like and everything I've grown out of.
Life can be like that too. You don't have to take everything with you. Sometimes you may do something that doesn't really reflect who you are or give your time to something you don't like. It's okay to leave that behind. It doesn't mean you won't have learned anything. It's just a choice to leave the negatives and not let things that aren't really a part of you take up your space.
What kinds of things do you want to collect? Good friends are keepers. Lessons learned. Whatever you love about you and your life. It can be a long process, sorting through your life to figure out what works for you. But think of all the amazing things you will have saved in the end.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
“The only way to be who you want to be is by being what you haven’t yet been.” – Sally Edwards
As always - I am reachable here by comment, by e-mail at fabgalsite@gmail.com, or at Myspace at The Fab Gal Myspace.Labels: fab gal, girls, happiness, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:57 AM |
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008 |
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| Happy Love Your Body Day! |
Hello Fab Gals!
First off, I want to tell you Happy Love Your Body Day! That's definitely a reason to celebrate. But if you've been having trouble celebrating you lately, I want you to try this exercise. All you need is a pen and a paper.
You're going to make three lists. On the first, write down 15 (or more, if you want) things that describe what you're supposed to be. For example, you might put "pretty," "athletic," or "popular." It doesn't matter where you've gotten these expectations. Just think of the things that you measure yourself by.
Now list #2: write down 15 things that describe you, just the way you are. Anything that's uniquely you, like "loyal," "ambitious," or even "messy." Recognize all the things that make you special, that make you you.
On the last list, write down 15 things that you're thankful for. It might seem hard at first. You might be thankful for your parents, siblings, or BFF. Or maybe you're thankful for glitter and Grey's Anatomy.
Look over your three lists. A lot of us spend a lot of time focusing on the first one. We want to be perfect. We think that we need to be those things to really be happy. But look at your other two lists. Would you trade all of those to be the things on the first? Probably not. Not really. Sure, they're probably not perfect. Even the things that you're thankful for might make you mad sometimes. But those two lists - those things are totally special, and they are completely yours. Don't sacrifice them, because it won't make you happy. And feel free to trash the first list...
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, happiness, individuality, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:40 AM |
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Friday, October 10, 2008 |
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| Thankfulness Makeover |
Hey Fab Gals!
There are so many ways to get a makeover. Change your hair, change your health, change your life. But maybe the best way to makeover your life is to not change anything - and appreciate more.
I read about it in Body + Soul magazine, and it totally makes sense. Showing gratitude makes you feel better, and it even improves your health. That's pretty amazing if you think about it. Thankfulness, by the way, does not mean having manners and saying "please" and "thank you" (although I'm sure your mom reminds you about those all the time). It really just means being thankful for what you've been given - unconditional happiness. It sounds simple enough, but it's not always as easy as it should be. We live in a very fast-paced world - fast food, fast results, fast life. Thankfulness doesn't work like that; it doesn't involve going anywhere. It's stable - being right where you are, and being happy with that.
So how do you slow down your life enough to get in on this thankfulness makeover? I can't say I know for sure - I'm testing this out myself. One place to get started is to keep a journal or a list. Try to write down 5 things a day that you really love in your life. Or dedicate each day in a week to a different aspect of your life, like friends, school, and family, and just appreciate the good things you do have in that area. It's definitely a start, and I'm sure it will make you feel better.
A thankfulness makeover is one of the best kinds - changing nothing, but appreciating everything. Actually, it is a change - a change in attitude. Let me know what you're most thankful for.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, happiness, makeover, thankfulness |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:22 AM |
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008 |
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| Happy Birthday! |
Hey FGs!
You know what I love? I absolutely love birthdays. I love cake, I love presents (both giving and receiving), and I love silly decorations. I love holidays and celebrations in general, but birthdays are extra special. 
I won't lie - my birthday is definitely my favorite. It's probably the best day of the year. One whole day to celebrate you. Not because you graduated or won an Academy Award or anything - just because you were born exactly who you are. That's pretty great, actually. We always want to be doing something, but there's nothing wrong with celebrating life just as it is. Birthdays are good for that. The other thing I love is it reminds you how many people really do care about you. Even if it's just a silly text or a Facebook gift, it's nice to be appreciated, isn't it?
I really wish it could be my birthday every day. There's no day of the year more than this that I remember how good my life is, how good it is to be me right now. But of course, having a daily birthday isn't possible. And that's okay. Because there's nothing wrong with celebrating all that we FGs have got and how truly Fab we are every single day of the year.
xoxo
The Fab Gal Labels: birthdays, fab gal, happiness |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:02 AM |
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Friday, September 12, 2008 |
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| If It Makes You Happy... |
Hey Fab Gals!
What makes you happy? For a lot of us, happiness means different things. Just look at the FG poll this week. For some, it's school, or family, or overcoming a goal. We all have those things that make us happy.
Often, we don't let ourselves enjoy our lives as much as we should. Happiness can be really simple. We always have somewhere to go, something to get done. It's a good thing to be productive. But sometimes we move too fast and push ourselves too hard to just enjoy the process.
This is the real problem, I think: we often put conditions, or rules, on our happiness. I do it too. How often have you said to yourself, I'll be happy when I lose weight, or I'd be happy if I was more popular. Goals are great, for sure. But what little things will you miss if you're waiting? Why is that one thing worth your happiness?
The tricky part is, sometimes we're really bad at guessing what will make us happy. I could lose 10 pounds, am I happy now? I can be surrounded by so many people, but are they really friends? We think we are going to make ourselves happy that way. Being beautiful, going to parties, living a glamorous life - that's supposed to be happiness.
Happiness is not so much about doing as it is about being. We're happy when we can be ourselves and be okay with that. Don't get me wrong - I love to try new things and have crazy adventures. But sometimes, it makes me really happy to lay around in my pjs and watch Disney Channel with my kitty. Because that's just me being me. And it's okay for you to be you, FG. And you should definitely be happy with that.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, girls, happiness, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:31 AM |
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008 |
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| 5 Ways to a Better Day |
Hey Fab Gals!
Now that fall is here and school is back in full swing, it can be really hard to get out of bed some mornings. I don't hate school, but wouldn't it be nice sometimes to just sleep in, and not have to worry about tests and homework and everything else that goes on during the day? Well, here are some ways to make even those dreary days a little better...
- Greet the Day - Most days you probably grumble when you hear your alarm going off (I know I do). But next time, try to think, "Hello day, here I am!" It sounds silly, but starting off with the right attitude can make all the difference. Remember, it's a new day with new opportunities.
- Treat Yourself Right - I always say this, but it is so important that you take care of your body and your spirit. Make some room for healthy foods and
 exercise, and also schedule in some time to just kick back and relax. You definitely deserve it.
- Stay Connected - Finding time for the people that matter most to me always makes my day better. My best friend goes to a different school than me, but we find time during the day to talk or send each other texts between class. Find time in your day for the people who make you feel good.
- Remember the Positives - Even when it seems like you are just going to have the most boring day ever, there has to be something good about it. Are you having lunch with your friends? Is your favorite show on tonight? Remembering those things before your day even begins reminds you that every day has at least a little positive in it.
- Have a Goal - On the days when life really just doesn't go your way, it is good to remember what you are working toward in the long run. For me, it's you FGS, and working on this site and other projects to help you all. I know that's what I am supposed to be doing, and it's the reason that I do the things that I do. What are you looking forward to? Remembering those things will remind you that one bad day isn't so bad after all.
What makes you have a good day, FG? What are the positives in your life? Let me know here, or by e-mail at fabgalsite@gmail.com, or by Myspace at The Fab Gal Myspace. xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: fab gal, good day, happiness, optimism, positivity |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:52 AM |
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Monday, September 8, 2008 |
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| No Worries |
Hey hey Fab Gals!
Okay, so we are going to try something today. First, think about what's bugging you most right now. Anything that's really frustrating - a friend problem, boy drama, school, whatever. Think about why it is, but also think about how. Have you been thinking about it a lot? Stressing so much you can't sleep? It's okay to be really angry/sad/frustrated for a minute.
Now, reality check. If your biggest worry is something revolving around drama with school or friends, then your life is actually....pretty great. Really, think about it. Sure, right now it might seem like it sucks. But consider this - what is the worse thing that will happen if that one thing doesn't work out? If you think about it, you might not even remember a year from now. And if you do, things probably won't seem as bad as they do this minute.
Sometimes life seems like too much when we focus on the negatives. It's so easy to do because the bad things are the things that need to be "fixed." We lose sight of what's actually good. Really, most of our everyday issues are temporary. They don't need so much of our attention, because things will work themselves out, eventually. You don't need to try and fix everything right now. Even more difficult stuff doesn't last forever. None of it is worth missing the good stuff for.
For today, Fab Gal, I encourage you (and myself!) to not stress so much. Don't give the bad stuff your whole focus. Appreciate all the little things that are really great, whether or not that one problem works out or not. Leave room to be pleasantly surprised, because you just never know when something good will come your way. And you certainly don't want to miss it...
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: drama, expectaitons, fab gal, happiness, stress |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:18 AM |
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