Radical authenticity

I've been contemplating writing some version of this post for awhile now and a conversation I had yesterday finally convinced me to take the plunge.  A blogger friend and I were Gchatting about some emotionally charged topics and she said something to the effect of, "I wish more bloggers would tackle tough issues like relationships, body image, etc.  It would be so great to have a forum to discuss these kinds of things."

I know there are many bloggers who cover tough subjects with amazing - sometimes downright astonishing - honesty (hello, Penelope Trunk).  However; is it just me or is there a maddening tendency among many bloggers to portray their lives as picture-perfect fairytale romps through Never Never Land?  While I'm the first one to champion fun and uplifting content, I often find myself yearning for a little more substance and a little less style.  However, I don't take issue with these blogs...not really anyway.  Instead, I take issue with myself.  If I really wish that more bloggers would talk openly about these kinds of things, then why shouldn't I hold myself to the same standard?  

I can tell you why I don't.  I don't because I'm scared of sharing my feelings so openly in a public forum.  I don't because it makes me feel vulnerable.  I don't because I fear that the response wouldn't be positive.  I don't because I worry that no one would care.

But, you know what?  The more I think about it, the more empowered I feel by the idea of injecting some radical authenticity into these posts.  I recently tweeted about how excited I am to have lost 20 pounds since December (woo hoo!).  A couple of you lovelies immediately responded by asking me to share some weight loss advice, so I began working on a post in the form of a bulleted list with tips like eat more fresh fruits and veggies, etc.  Halfway into my post, I realized something.  I could come up with 7 million "tips," and still any post about weight loss would feel incomplete if I didn't share at least a little bit about my mental, emotional, and physical struggle to be in a place where I feel really good about my body.

I'll still share my tips, but I'm re-writing the post.  In fact, I've got lots of topics that I'm excited to blog about with radical authenticity.  My hope is that this space will continue to be a source of positivity and inspiration, but that I will also provoke some candid conversation on a wide range of topics that affect us all.  Thank you for being the supportive and intelligent ladies that you are.  I look forward to deepening our dialogue and continuing to build our little blog community.

xo,

Currently reading

Style Statement

by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte

It sounds cliché, but I truly cannot put this book down. (I mean that literally. I was balancing the book in one hand while cooking dinner with the other last night. It was slightly ridiculous.) Here's the scoop: author, entrepreneurial guru and blogger extraordinaire Danielle LaPorte teamed up with designer and lifestyle guide Carrie McCarthy to create a totally brilliant and fascinating workbook on creating your own style statement, a two-word compass that defines who you are and how you express your authentic self to the world.

The first word represents your foundation, your 80%. The second word, your 20%, is what motivates and distinguishes you. As Carrie states on her website, some people have likened it to a "personal brand" or a "creative thumbprint." Through a guided journey of self-discovery, mixed with inspirational tidbits and profiles, this book helps you to identify the themes, values, and ideas that make you you, resulting in your own two-word style statement. Once you have defined your style statement, it can help you to make more authentic choices about almost every element of your life. This concept extends far beyond what we might typically think of as style (fashion and other aesthetic expressions) to potentially encompass decisions about career choices, relationships, how we spend our time, and how we express our unique selves to the world.

Some examples of style statements for people profiled in the book: Genuine Adventure, Cherished Playful, Traditional Feminine, Structured Magic, Organic Treasure, and Contemporary Beauty. (Carrie's is Refined Treasure and Danielle's is Sacred Dramatic.)

I am only about a third of the way through the book, so I don't know what my style statement is yet, but I'm really excited to find out. It kind of feels like I'm reading a mystery novel about myself! If any of you have read the book, I would LOVE to hear your style statement.

P.S. Thank you so much for all of your heartfelt and supportive comments on yesterday's post. You guys are the best!

Image via Style Statement.

"It's not where you take things from - it's where you take them to."

I love this quote by filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, from his Golden Rules of Filmmaking. I first saw it here, and I just keep coming back to it. I love that he sees artistic inspiration everywhere - "...bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light, and shadows." What a beautiful notion.