HAPPY FRIDAY GOLDFISH!

This simple yet profound photo impacted many on the Facebook Page so I had to share it here as well.  I LOVE IT!  Does it speak to you the way it did to me?  One of the primary messages of SOS is to be Bold + Confident and this photo represents just that.  Do you battle with your confidence?  Do you feel like that goldfish on the inside, but for some reason you find it difficult to truly own it?  Do you shrink back with all the other little blue fish for fear of being too different or being considered a ‘show off’ among your peers? 

From childhood, we are trying to ‘fit in’ and find our group.  I hung around the cheerleaders and jocks for a while, but I was really more eclectic and artsy.  The dark, outcast, artistic types were who I felt most comfortable with.  You know the guys in art class who wore Doc Martin’s and concert T’s with buzzed hair except for that one long bang that hung down over one eye.  They were my fave peeps, yet I dated one of the cutest, most popular basketball players in school.  I also played the piano in my youth group services at church.  Oh yea– and I was modeling quite a bit by my senior year.  Whoa, there were a few crazy years in high school and had to switch schools too.  AHHHH!  I was all over the place and always walked to the beat of my own drum.  Where was I suppose to fit in?  I never really knew and I am sure many of you felt the same way.

Finally, as we grow and learn to love ourselves– we realize what a waste of time and energy it is trying to fit in.  The most freeing thing in the world is to feel comfortable in your own skin.  That statement deserves a great big…….. HOLLA!!!

If you walk to the beat of your own drum, never ever apologize for it. 

If you love to wear giant earrings, bright shirts or funky hats, never apologize for it.

If you are more art class than sorority or drill team, never apologize for it.

Be confident in who you are and stop comparing yourself to your friends or the images you see in the media.  Yes, I know easier said than done.  I’ve worked in the media industry my entire life so I know how much it can devastate your confidence….if you let it.  Oh how I wish our teen girls and young women could understand this!  I wasted so many years battling low self-esteem– an entire decade in my 20’s– and I want to see our next generation of women self- assured during those fun years instead of either hiding behind a mask or shrinking back in fear.   I really want to see ALL women living a confident life!  Period.

Wishing you all a weekend full of your favorite things!  Make sure to take some time for YOU.

I realize we are being bombarded with the news coverage of the horrible recent events (luckily I don’t have cable), but I feel in my heart to give you all a simple reminder to pray. Pray for Boston. Pray for Texas. Pray for the World.  In these uncertain times, one thing I do know is certain… God hears our prayers.

Love, Tiff