Shine Bright

  Being a self proclaimed “girly” girl I absolutely love sparkle! I probably love it more than I should at 26 yrs old but I do not care. My seven year old daughter loves it just as much as I do so that makes it even easier for me to have a reason to buy such things!!  So what does “sparkle” have to do with this post? I honestly believe every person has an inner sparkle. He or she possesses that feeling of pride and accomplishment, that feeling of "look at me" and owning it. However so many people have let others dull their sparkle and it saddens me.
Not too long ago, I was one of those people. I relied on everyone else to define who I was. If I was good enough, skinny enough, sexy enough, pretty enough, cool enough, smart enough, tan enough, tough enough, fashionable enough, fierce and fabulous enough, and so on. I allowed my happiness to be based on that and let me tell you.... that was not a fun way to live! I was the main cause of my eating disorder when I was younger. I tried to make myself so perfect in every way. It was exhausting. I never felt good enough, EVER! I have made it a private (well, I guess not now) mission of mine to never let my daughter or son fall into that horrible pit of self doubt. I am raising them to be proud of who they are and what they do no matter what! Failure is a part of life and you have to fail at a few things to be successful at many. I no longer have that need to be accepted by people. Honestly I'm actually to that point asking those who criticize me "oh I'm not good enough for you? So glad your opinion means nothing to me".  That may sound rude but I'm there and not ashamed!!!
Do not let anyone take your sparkle away from you. It's yours, you own it! Someone can only take it if you allow them. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt famously stated “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Don’t be a prisoner to others and their opinions. I know you are thinking it’s probably easier said than done. True! It took me from the time I was in 6th grade until last May to let my sparkle truly shine; and it shines bright!! Rihanna doesn’t sing “Shine bright like a Diamond” for no reason! This last year I have gone out of my way to put myself in situations that I knew would hit my insecurities and make me feel uncomfortable so I could overcome them! I have made myself look like a fool at times but if you are having fun who cares? The only person that truly matters is YOU! Once you start living for you that's when change will happen! That's when you will realize your true worth and happiness. I'm not saying turn into a selfish person who is all about themselves all the time. I'm pretty sure everyone understands the gist of it. You are an amazing person no matter your circumstance, no matter your situation, no matter your past! You are you.  YOU deserve the best.
 This weekend (didn't say this week because during the week with families, jobs, and responsibilities it may stress you out more trying to find me time) I want you to do one thing for YOU! It could be starting to prep and plan meals in advance so you aren't tempted to go with the easy junk food. It could be pushing yourself a little harder in your workout because you know you have 1 or 2 more in you. It could be contacting a personal trainer to get something started. It could be sitting in the quiet comfort of your favorite spot after a busy day and doing nothing for 5-10 min. It could be lunch with a girlfriend you haven't seen in a while. No matter what it is make sure it is something that is for YOU!

Have a Wonderful Week!


 

More to come,
   Stay Fabulous!