150: Self-Hate + Self-Love

Today I learned...

...that teenage girls really hate themselves. I did a workshop for girls ages 12-15 and the things they said about themselves and their bodies was so destructive and sad.

Today I am thankful for...

...the promise I saw in the beautiful girls. They ate up the talk about self-love, confidence, body image, insecurities, etc and surrounded by sisterhood, we made goals for the future.

Day 94: Encouragement for Girls + Cat Snuggles

Today I learned...
...that there is a HUGE need for young girls to hear positive, encouraging things about themselves. I already knew this, of course, but it keep being reaffirmed and I want to be someone who does it... Someone who encourages, who teaches, who explains that self-worth is valuable. Working on more ways to get the word out...

Today I am thankful for...
...cuddly cats that snuggle me when I feel sick...and yeah, I'm still thankful for NyQuil. :-) G'night!

Day 45: Valentines + Sisterhood

Today I learned...
...that leaving valentines for strangers is loving, special, and meaningful. There's a first time for everything!

Today I am thankful for...
...a powerful movement called One Billion Rising. I intermittently bawled and got chills while watching live streams and videos of women all over the world dancing to demand an end to violence against women. I made my own video of dancing in solidarity with the movement since I could not be part of an organized event.

Day 40: My Message + Nana

Today I learned...
...that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to say to girls out there. While I was busy writing papers this morning, I received an email from someone asking for advice on how to talk to a 12 year old girl about body dissatisfaction, comparisons to others, and negative self-worth. It got me thinking - like REALLY thinking - so I filmed an 8 minute video, specifically for girls. You know...those wonderful little creatures who grow up to be women. I couldn't even continue what I was doing until I made this video. Do you have a daughter? A grand-daughter? A niece? A little sister? A student? If there is any girl in your life, this is what I want to tell her. This is what she needs to hear. It's not even really about eating disorders. It's about self-love. It's about life. 

Today I am thankful for...
...being able to celebrate my Nana's birthday with her. Most of the family went out to dinner tonight and it was nice to just look at my grandmother from across the table, sitting there in her red shirt and her salt and pepper hair, and just smile...and watch her smile back.