“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
It’s funny how we sometimes think that life would be better if we just could be more like Abbie from church, Kristen your next door neighbor, or Angelina Jolie the star. As if being more like them would somehow make us more likable. We try acting like Abbie, want to look more like Angelina and do the things that Kristen does. And sometimes we just put ourselves down wishing to be another way. I remember watching the movie 27 Dresses with Katherine Heigl as Jane. To make a long story short, Jane and Tess have a big blowup about Tess lying to her fiance (among other things). During their conversation after the fact, Tess is telling her sister to stop mothering her and to just be her sister. Then Tess explains that she admires Jane and she lied to her fiance because she was trying to be more like her… and Jane looks at her sister and says “but why would you want to be me when you get to be you?” I love that part! Don’t we all do that at times…we see the beauty and goodness in the women around us and yet forget to notice it in ourselves.
Here are a couple challenges for you…
*Stop undermining yourself; Stop and acknowledge yourself for your accomplishments big and small, and share it with someone.
*Look in the mirror and admire yourself. I mean really admire yourself. Look at your body and face and admire what you like AND love what you hate or would like to change. Just feel what it would feel like to accept yourself completely. Because, you really are complete and perfect the way you are! Sit with that for a moment.
Email me at radiantwomen@gmail.com and tell me your experiences with the challenges.
~Natalie
July 1, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Speaking of Judy Garland, this week over at The Judy Garland Experience on Yahoo, they are featuring a recording of the 1998 Carnegie Hall salute to Judy. Lorna Luft sings and co-hosts the event with Robert Stack. other performers include Gogi Grant, Jerry Herman, Vicki Carr, Wesla Whitfield, Nancy Dussault, Jerry Maren, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Morse, and others.
Everyone performs and offers up their memories or feelings about Judy.
Next week the second night of the concert will be posted (with a whole new all star line up).
And of course, the experience features all sorts of other aural rarities and treats.
The Judy Garland Experience is one of the largest and most exciting Judy Garland groups on the web. There is always an interesting discussion and game going on (some of the games even have good prizes). Our photo section features some of the rarest and most candid pictures of Judy anywhere, many of the taken by group members.
Please stop by and check out The Judy Garland Experience.
Here is the link:
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience/
July 17, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Natalie, I am so impressed with your advise of accepting ourselves! Thanks so much for the reminder and the good advice! Love,Mom
July 21, 2008 at 6:33 pm
just wondering why you claim we should be happy with who we are, but are attempting to change how one dresses, looks and behaves to meet standards set forth by fashion and media…sounds like it is the opposite message
July 23, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hi Megan,
At one point I had the same concern…then someone very wise said to me “consider you don’t even know who you are, consider you lost your true identity” during childhood or so and know is the time to find yourself again. During that journey or even if you think you already know yourself why not adorn yourself in a manner that you choose that makes you feel good, that shows and brings out your true identity. I’m not trying to change people; my mission is to bring people back to who they really are deep inside. The fashion advice I’m giving is just to give people ideas and help them know what flatters their figure (yes, that is according to society, AND it’s just a guideline) and its up to you to decide if it’s right for you. In my fashion class I was told their is an “Ideal body type” and I reject that idea I think everybody is perfect and are the way they are suppose to be…but not everybody likes their bodies. My vision is that every women (everyone, but women are my focus) loves themselves and their body, and then if they would like to improve something I will assist them in doing so…and most women want or like current fashion styles (which doesn’t take away from who they are…everyone has their own personal style which in a way defines them) that is why I provide the service. My passion is to assist women in having a positive self image, whatever that may look like. Thank you for your comment! I hope you check back again.
~Natalie