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Sunday, July 18, 2010 |
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| Give Your Own Advice... And Take It |
Hello Fab Gals!
This year, I've had an amazing opportunity to give advice to girls all over the country through one of my fave websites. It's kind of glamorous, like being an advice columnist, although I haven't been published in a magazine (at least, not yet anyway!). Me, working at warp speed to rescue girls from friend/boy/body/beauty crises, one by one. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch. I definitely don't have perfect answers to all the Q's I get, but I do the best I can. Still, being the go-to girl for problem solving has taught me that there is a big difference between giving advice, and being able to follow your own.
My life, although completely Fab, doesn't always feel that way. Even when things are going great, there's usually still something I want to fix. I probably worry too much. I often feel like the girls who write in - I've got a problem, and I would like to be given a clear road map for getting out of it. Thankfully, I've got a team of rescue workers myself for when I get stuck. But recently, one of them pointed out that maybe the trouble isn't that I don't know what to do, but that I don't follow the helpful advice I would give to someone else.
I think this happens to a lot of us FGs. If a sister, BFF, or cousin were in a tough sitch, we could see a simple solution to get her out of it. What's more, we would be supportive, and really believe that she could get through. But we often make ourselves the exception. Especially if we're feeling stressed or not very confident, we don't always treat ourselves as nicely as we would a friend in trouble. Being in the middle of it, and having our thoughts and emotions all over the place, can make it extra hard. Instead of advice and support, we might give ourselves extra stress and worry, or even beat ourselves up for having a problem in the first place. We may not mean to do it. But being negative or harsh doesn't solve any problems - usually, it just adds to them.
So next time you need some advice, try to think of what you would say to someone you really care about. Instead of being critical or mean, try to give yourself the support you would to a BFF. Even if you can't come up with all the answers right away, just trusting that you can handle any sitch is a great start. But hey, that's just my advice.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, girls, life lessons, problem solving, self esteem, teens |
posted by Fab Gal @ 11:13 AM   |
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010 |
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| Be Daring, Be Fabulous |
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." - Dolly Parton
"Fear can hold you back from so many wonderful things in life, so I make myself go for things I'm afraid of. Worry afterward!" - Leann Rimes
"There is something liberating about not pretending. Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk." - Drew Barrymore
Hello Fab Gals!
Recently, I was reading over some of my fave quotes. I started to notice a pattern - so many of the women I admire talk about the importance of having courage. At first, you could say it's just because they're famous. I mean, you have to have some guts to lead a life in the public eye, right? But I think there's something more there - something that's important for any FG.
Courage is more than just being a daredevil or having no fears. Having courage is one of the key ingredients to having confidence in yourself. It's not about being completely fearless - it's knowing that some challenges are worth pushing past that sometimes uncomfortable, scary, oh-my-gosh-can-I-handle-this? feeling. It's the faith that you know what the right challenges are for you, that you are worth putting in the extra effort, and that you can handle the situation. And like confidence, courage is more than just a belief - it's an action. Sometimes a bold move is just what you need to feel Fab.
So how do you even begin? There are often challenges in our hearts we've secretly (or not-so-secretly) been dreaming about - trying out for the school musical, talking to our crush, or even starting our own business or writing a book. Sometimes, these can be the hardest, because it feels like we have so much to lose, or would be too disappointed to deal if we failed. But there are other ways to practice that can seem a little less threatening. Riding a roller coaster, wearing a daring new outfit, trying a new hobby, or taking another small risk that's less related to your dreams can give you a boost (and summer is the perfect time for such adventures!). And hey, sometimes courage means baby steps, or asking for advice to get you going on what you really want to do. The important thing is to find the challenge and go for it - and let yourself enjoy the rush and the strength that comes with breaking out of your comfort zone.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt
P.S. - If you need some ideas for FG-approved risks to try, check out this Fab Gal Top 10.Labels: advice, confidence, courage, dreams, fab gal, girls, life lessons, quotes, self esteem, taking risks, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 2:57 PM |
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009 |
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| Do You Believe in Magic? |
Hello FGs!
Sometimes, I wish I had magic. You know, like Alex Russo or Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Sounds crazy, I know. But think about it - then, whenever I got a little off track, I c ould think of a spell, wave my wand, and Bam! Problem solved. Bad hair days, gone. Embarrassing moments, none. And hey, while I was at it, I'd have no homework, a new wardrobe, and Prince Charming in aviators at my doorstep.
And don't get me wrong - I wouldn't be selfish with it. If a friend needed me, I would be there in a second. I mean, witches and wizards don't have to worry about travel time, right? Yep, it seems like my life would be pretty darn perfect.
But no matter how hard I wish (and I've been doing that a lot lately), magic isn't something I am going to have. What I can have, though, is choices. I have the choice to forgive my mistakes, learn my lessons, and move on. I have to choice to not let disappointments get me down for too long. I have the choice to make changes, try new things, or keep everything just the same. It's not perfect, but it's real. And it's exciting. Because one thing I know for sure is this: If you stop wishing for perfection, magic in life does happen, in pretty amazing ways. And that's worth the wait.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, girls, life lessons, magic, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:10 PM |
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Saturday, July 11, 2009 |
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| Invasion of the Body Blamer |
Hey FGs!
You know, you would really think that crying into a pair of denim shorts on the floor in Penney's would be the low point of my day. Definitely might have been the crazy point. But I'm actually kinda glad it happened, because it reminded me of something I've learned lately.
We all have times when we're down or out or just not, I don't know... where we want to be, I guess. Maybe we're not really sad, but we just have a lot of questions. Is today a good day? What's going to happen this school year? Am I beautiful enough, good enough, or just enough? Those can be really, really big questions. And when you look around, it's hard to tell what the right answer is. So sometimes it can be easy to look in the mirror, and use our body as the physical proof.
Whatever flaw it is you see - a size label too big, hair too curly, whatever - that can seem like the answer. Of course I'm not good enough - I've gained weight. I can see it right there in the mirror! Can't hide from that, right?
Maybe. Or maybe you're just not seeing it all. Because that quick glance is not the straight answer. How do I know? Well, I know this much - you never quite see yourself, like literally, physically, how you are. You are so much more beautiful than that one flaw. On top of that, questions like who you are or what the future holds just don't have easy answers like that. Even if you want to know right now if you are good enough or if everything will turn out alright, well you're just gonna have to wait. Wait, and try new things, and explore. That's how you figure things out.
So if you start taking the body-blaming road, take it easy. Because you deserve the chance to get a better answer. A real answer.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, body image, fab gal, girls, life lessons, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 6:42 PM |
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Friday, June 19, 2009 |
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| The Late Bloomers' Club |
Hey FGs!
There are lots of big mile-markers on the road to growing up. And of course, as your moms and dads and teachers tell you, well all make it there in our own time, at our own pace.
Not that it's a race or anything, but sometimes when your the last in your crew to experience something, it can make you feel kinda left out, maybe even embarrassed. Whether it's having your first job, getting your period, going to camp away from home, or - ouch - maybe you still have your membership to the "NBK Club" (I think the name for it makes it seems that much worse). It might not seem like a big deal at all, till your at a sleepover and everyone's gushing about their first BFs or the first time they used a tampon. Sure, even if it's something kinda gross, it can make you feel like you've got nothing to share. Or, gulp, is there something wrong with you? Why are you so behind?
And it can go the other way, too - being the first for some things can make you feel like an outsider. But you've got options. You can just make something up - "Oh I know, my first kiss was amazing!" But sooner or later, that fib will probably catch up with ya. Some girls, when they feel left behind, will try to go out and do something to make themselves feel or look older, like dating an older guy or drawing on extra liner and lip gloss. But that's just pretend. It won't really make you feel better. Or you can just try to blend into the background, and say nothing at all. Maybe nobody will really even notice.
Okay, so none of those options are really that awesome. Believe me, I've seen them all play out, and they don't work. So here's option #4: Own it. Own your own story. Now, you don't need to go out and buy an NBK Club t-shirt. But you need to be, at least with yourself, okay with where you're at. It will be a relief, and it will make that first whatever feel okay, because you will know that in your story, it came at just the right time.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, girls, life lessons, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:59 AM |
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Monday, May 4, 2009 |
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| Taking the Long Way |
Hey FGs!
It's almost the end of the school year, and summer will be here soon. And while that's usually an exciting thing, lately I can't help but feel... kinda disappointed. Not because I just love school that much, and don't want to leave. But because, well, this year just didn't quite go as I had hoped.
I think that when the year started out, I had big plans for how it would go. I imagined having oodles of cool friends, an amazingly cute boyfriend, lots of fun adventures, and being really, really happy. Being the most fabulous version of me yet. But somewhere very quickly, those dreams became just that. Dreams. The "cool" people turned out to not be a match at all, and the crazy party scene was not my taste. And I just didn't feel as confident or as happy as I hoped. Suddenly, it felt more like I had really failed. And what are you supposed to do when the "you" you were going to be just doesn't happen to be there?
Looking back, I realize maybe I would've been, could've been, okay. Or maybe, I was really okay all along. Because maybe I did start down the wrong path. But I had good intentions. Maybe losing your direction is all part of the process of getting where you need to be. Besides, is that really how it's supposed to go? Trying to be the one everyone likes? Having rules for who you "have" to be? No. I mean, wanting people to like you is totally normal. And having dreams is no bad thing, either. But at the end of the day, I'd rather be happy, and know that I am a good person that I can like. So maybe the detour was worth it after all.
How about you, FG? What lessons did you learn this year? Where did your travels take you? I would love to hear.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, girls, life lessons, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 11:26 AM |
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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, March 27, 2009 |
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| A Little Bit Stronger |
Hey FGs!
I was reminded yesterday how fast life can change, or at least life as we see it. My best friend B's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course I can in no way speak for how she felt in that moment. Or her mom, or her family. But I know for me, it felt like there was this huge shift in the room, in the world. What would be different now? How would this change things for them?
And I realized today, seeing her mom smiling and talking to B and playing with their puppy, that if you've been living your life right, challenges and obstacles don't have to change anything. Like a real strong tree in a storm - it may lose a few leaves or twigs in a storm, but its roots are strong enough that it doesn't fall.
You know, in the movies you always see those characters who face something big and either crash or come out like a completely new person because of it. Suddenly they go from being a miser to being the most charitable person ever, or they learn to see the world in a magically different way. But I don't know if big change is necessary. Maybe the best goal is simple -stay whole and stay true to yourself (and those you love). And maybe if you do, you will come out just a little bit stronger and a little bit wiser because of it. And that's enough.
So what about you, FGs? I'd love to know - how have you faced big challenges in the past? What did you learn? Who do you admire that faced big obstacles in the past? Leave a comment to let me know!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: challenges, fab gal, life lessons, overcoming obstacles |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 9:10 PM |
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Friday, March 20, 2009 |
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| Ain't About What's Waitin' on the Other Side |
Hey FGs!
Okay, so I had this weird dream last week. Twice. It was one of those really freaky-deaky ones: I was at school, walking with a group of people, and all of a sudden my legs started to feel really heavy, and I could barely walk. I started falling behind, till I literally fell to the ground, crawling to keep up with everyone. Then I woke up.
And it really bugged me that I had this dream not once, but two times. It kinda haunted me. I mean, logically, it's not a big deal. My legs are working fine. But I knew that wasn't really what it was about. Lately, I've been scared that things really are falling apart. And I was scared that somehow, in some way, my dream would come true.
That stuck with me until I realized I was forgetting one important detail: when my legs stopped working, I kept trying to move forward. Even after I was crawling on the ground. Even when I thought I was being left behind. Of course, I know that my problems might not be as great as not being able to walk. But still. I feel better remembering that even in my dreams, I do have that power to keep moving forward. It's kind of like that Miley Cyrus song - It's all about The Climb. Or in my case, The Crawl.
But what about you, FG? Where do your dreams take you? Feel free to share in a comment (see the instructions on the side). And as always, I am available at The Fab Gal Myspace or by e-mail at fabgalsite@gmail.com.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: dreams, fab gal, life lessons, power, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 11:01 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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Monday, February 23, 2009 |
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| Make Someone a Priority |
Hey Fab Gals!
So I think today's blog is going to be kinda short and sweet. But I realized something today, and I think it is the most simple thing you can do to show kindness: Make someone a priority.
Life moves fast, and we all want to keep up with it. Food, music, cars - it's all fast. And that's not all bad. But sometimes, when we're in a hurry to get everywhere and know everyone, we don't pay attention to the things, or more importantly - the people, that are right around us.
So I think one of the best things you can do for someone is to just be there. Like, really be there. Really listen. Make whoever your with your priority in that moment. It will make them feel special. And how fabulous will that make you feel? Pretty fab, I bet.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, kindness, life lessons, relationships |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:05 PM |
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Friday, January 30, 2009 |
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| Positively Crazy |
Hey FGs!
People always talk about the "power of positive thinking," or how "seeing the world through rose-colored glasses" can change your life. I don't want to say that's not true, but... it just never seems that simple, and I never understood why.
Anyways, someone gave me this article about the ten errors of thinking, things like "mind reading" (assuming that someone thinks badly of you) or "all-or-nothing thinking" (everything is either totally perfect or a total flop). They're kind of like the roadblocks or brick walls to thinking clearly. Or maybe not blocks, but ways we tried to save ourselves - from getting disappointed, getting hurt. Or enjoying life more than we think we should.
And yesterday, I woke up with the feeling that nothing was going to go right. I had put off homework all week, and between dinner and other activities I wasn't sure I'd have time to finish and go to the movies. I was definitely being positive - positive I was going to mess things up. My day just continued on the same way. I worried about my friend not calling me back, and my outfit not being right. And homework. And boys. Everything. Life of a teenage girl, I know. But the worst part was that I kept telling myself I couldn't handle it.
Finally, I took a break, took a breath. And I looked in the mirror. And I realized, Hey, you look really beautiful today. I had been so frazzled that I didn't take the time to straighten my hair. It looked really cool, all wavy. I had never noticed that before. So that's the worst of it. I was so intent on assuming everything was wrong I missed the thing that had gone right.
That lead me to my personal FG challenge for the week - making note of the kinds of negative statements I make to myself that stop me from seeing the reality of things. Because life is messy and wavy and unpredictable. And that's beautiful.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: advice, fab gal, girls, life lessons, positivity, stress, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 2:00 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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Wednesday, January 21, 2009 |
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| Playing by the Rules |
Hello FGs!
So you know what they say - you have to know the rules of the game to know how to break them. And recently, someone told me to consider what rules I am living my life by - so I can see what ones I want to reconsider. It's funny because even when it's your own life, sometimes those rules can be hard to recognize. They can run pretty deep, coming from conflicts way back and things you learned long ago.
Think about a simple one - brushing your teeth everyday. It's something I always do without too much thought. My parents taught me to do that long ago, and now it's a habit. That's a rule that does work. But there might be other ones, like "Don't say what you think if others don't agree." For whatever reason, at some time that rule might have helped you get by, so you continue to do it. If you think about it, eating disorders are based in rules that appear to "help" you, on the surface, cope with an issue.
One of my rules? "Listen to what other people tell you about you - they know what they're talking about." Sometimes, it's like I'm not really sure who I am, so it seems like if I go with what everyone else says, they must be right. But sticking to that rule would mean that I wouldn't get to be who I want. Seriously, no one should know me better than me - I'm around 24/7.
So once you start to work out your "shoulds," "musts," and "have-tos," and maybe start to see where they come from, here comes the fun part - figuring out every way you can break them. Because really? You probably don't need them as much as you think. Besides, you're more likely to win if you play the game your way.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: fab gal, life lessons, rules, self esteem, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 4:31 PM |
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Monday, January 19, 2009 |
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| Confession of a Shopaholic |
Hello FGs! I do love to shop. A lot. And believe me, I have gotten to do more than my share of it this weekend. Some would say it's a silly hobby, I guess. But it has taught me a thing or two about life. Like this weekend, I was at the biggest mall in the US. Usually, I would just be elated. But every time I walked into one of my favorite stores, I just felt lost. What am I even looking for? Do I want a simple gray sweater, or a turquoise party dress? Cheetah print or plaid? Stilettos or Converse? So how do I handle this? Well, I could grab everything in my size, and try on one in every color. Or I could just quit while I'm ahead, and ditch for the food court. Maybe I'll just try to channel one of my favorite celebs - they always know what to wear. Can I just ask my shopping partners to pick something out, and go with that? So what did I learn from this? Well, other than the fact that I take shopping pretty seriously, I guess I realized that I was feeling just as unsure and indecisive as I am in a few areas of my life right now. I suppose that's the way it is - how you're thinking, your attitude, what you're feeling about yourself - it all becomes a part of everything you do. When you're feeling confident and happy, it's all a little easier. It's true with every emotion - you carry it with you. To me, shopping can also give you a fresh perspective on life. What do you do when you have no idea what you're looking for? Go with an honest friend, try on some things that are comfortable and some you've never tried before, and don't buy unless it's a perfect fit. Same for shoes, same for life. xoxo The Fab Gal
 Labels: fab gal, girls, life lessons, shopping, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 6:46 PM |
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Friday, January 16, 2009 |
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| Written on Your Hand |
Hello FGs!
It was one of those days: I was squishing my face in the mirror (sometime between tooth brushing and eyebrow plucking, I believe), deciding what new flaws had popped up. I don't know where I picked up this routine - nobody is ever that close to my face, and if they were, well, I guess they would either be kissed or slapped. Anyways, on this day I decided that one of my front teeth was longer than the other, and they were kinda a different color on the bottom.
Later that day, I went to get my palm read. Before you write me off, I'm really not this crazy, superstitious chick. But I have to try everything once, and I was really curious about this. And I was shocked at how amazingly accurate it was. I obviously don't know if the part about my future was true, but everything the palm reader said about my personality was spot-on.
Even though I should have been happy to know that I would get the job I want, find my soulmate, and live to 86, I was stuck. Everything I know is true, he said - I can be stubborn, and overly energetic to the point of being fidgety or impatient. And apparently, I will be 12 for the rest of my life (I still don't know what that means!). Great. So all of my flaws are written out on my hand for anyone to see. And then I realized that in thinking this way, I was doing the exact same thing I was doing in front of the mirror - picking out every little flaw. And blowing it up with a magnifying glass. Now, I think that a big part of self-acceptance comes from knowing what your flaws are, and being okay with them. But at the same time, turning those negatives into the whole picture won't make you happy, and it isn't even realistic. I mean, really - being young and energetic for the rest of my life? Not such a bad thing. xoxo The Fab Gal Labels: acceptance, fab gal, girls, life lessons, self esteem, self-confidence, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 11:32 AM |
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Monday, January 12, 2009 |
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| Right Here, Right Now |
Hello Fab Gals!
Do you ever wish that you had something that could make all of your decisions for you? Well, my dad has one. It's this little wheel that sits on his desk, and when you spin it it gives you an answer to your question (Nice, right?). The problem is that it's broken, so no matter how you spin it, it always lands on "Tomorrow." Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. And the funny thing is, I think a lot of people's inner decision-makers are broken in quite a similar way.
Everyone is a dreamer, whether they admit it or not. And it's easy to say that you'll get started working to those goals tomorrow, next week, or some other time. Like, "I'll start treating myself better tomorrow" or even "I'll be happy once I... (lose 5 pounds, get a boyfriend, become popular)." And of course tomorrow is beautiful - it always sits just beyond the sunset. But the difference between tomorrow and today is really the difference between having dreams and actually starting the work to make them happen.
Oprah said, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." And I wouldn't disagree with her - she's a woman who has made a few dreams happen. What usually stops us is that initial push, when it feels like you're a million miles away from where you really want to be. But you know what? That's cool. Because some place has to be your starting place. It might as well be right here, right now.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
PS - The Fab Gal site has a new web address - www.thefabgal.com. Plus, don't forget to check out FG on Squidoo and Youtube!Labels: dreams, fab gal, girls, goals, life lessons, Oprah, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 7:27 AM |
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Monday, January 5, 2009 |
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| Act Your Age! |
Hello FGs!
I hope the new year is off to a good start for you. For me it is, for sure - I got to spend the weekend with some of my FG cousins. L is 5 - at the stage of playdates and kindergarten. R is 12, in her first year of middle school and a full set of braces. G just started high school, is shopping for her first big dance and texts even more than me. And being the oldest by just a bit, I love watching them at each of their ages, because it makes me realize how awesome every stage of life really is.
Seriously. I mean we always want to be older - at least I always have. When I was 8 I wanted to be 10 and when I was 10 I wanted to be 13. I always wanted to be more mature, cooler, more independent. And that in itself isn't so bad. But the trouble happens when girls start doing "mature" things to seem older - wearing revealing clothes, drinking, dating guys way older than them. And it always makes me sad to see that, see them missing out on being young. It makes me wish I could tell them what I wish I knew when I was that age - that you are exactly where you need to be. Even when you feel a little insecure or awkward or unsure of yourself. Believe me, acting older or adding on years doesn't change that. Coming into your own isn't really about age at all.
So I guess what I'm saying is this - feel free to act your age! I know you're thinking, Act my age? Some advice. What does that even mean? Well, I guess I'm still figuring that out too. But I think it's about enjoying the process. You can't be a butterfly without putting in your time in the cocoon. You'll be all grown up and fabulous soon enough. But you can't get there without being young and silly first.
xoxo
The Fab Gal PS - don't forget to check out The FG Youtube Channel! Labels: age, fab gal, growing up, life lessons, teens |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:55 AM |
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Friday, January 2, 2009 |
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| Puppy Love |
Hello Fab Gals!
Have you seen Marley and Me yet? If not, it is a must. It's so cute! And whether you're a dog love, cat lover, turtle lover (I love them all!), the movie has a good lesson - you can learn so much from pets. More than you would expect.
Take my pooch, I, for example. The other night I was hanging out on the couch, painting my nails, and kind of stressing out. I looked over to her pillow and she was fast asleep. And she looked so peaceful. Eat, sleep, play, be happy. That was her day. Meanwhile, I was figuring out how to get the best glam eyes for New Year's Eve and thinking how hard it is to say what you mean in a text and wishing my life was as funny as Hannah Montana. And that was just five minutes of my day. My pup, however, doesn't expect much. She doesn't need much. But she sure does enjoy much. She's happier than most people I know, in fact. And it certainly isn't because she has more shoes in her closet or flatter abs or is dating a Jonas Brother or anything like that. She's basically figured out what most people haven't - that there's a lot to enjoy n the present moment. That the only things you need in life are food, fresh air and love. And did I mention? She's like 2 years old!
So my point is, if you pay attention to your pet, you will be surprised how much they can teach you about life, whether or not they can master shake and roll-over. And if you're not a pet-owning girl, keep your eyes open. Sometimes life's lessons come from the most simple of places.
xoxo
The Fab Gal
PS - Exciting news! This weekend I will be posting the first ever FG video blog. This is a new thing for 2009, and I am really pumped about it! So check back this weekend, enjoy, comment, and let me know what you think - I would love your suggestions!Labels: fab gal, life lessons, Marley and Me, pets |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:10 AM |
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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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