What fascinates us so much about beauty? Celebrities would not exist without our obsession for beauty because what separates us from the animals is that we have the intelligence to find beauty in all aspects of life. Well that’s my theory anyway. Humans will never unanimously share the exact same vision beauty, but there are plenty of us who kill ourselves trying to look that ‘certain way’. I’m not going to write a pity story here. Rather, I want to discover what it means to truly explore myself as a woman and human being to find my ultimate beauty. What is the ‘ultimate beauty’ you ask? Well…
Ultimate beauty-
1. a place where one exudes sheer and utter happiness after finally reaching a place of pure satisfaction with both inner and outer aspect’s of their beauty (or at least this is my definition J)
Naturally, I, like many of us out there, think I have some striking qualities but it has taken time for me to realize the beauty that is Darby. We all feel the pressures of media and cultural bombardment. Young, old, skinny, fat, short, tall… it doesn’t matter the type there will always be someone (especially YOU) who wants to focus on the imperfections.
I can remember the exact moment when I started to not like me anymore. Fourth grade… my friend got boobs…the boys began to stop caring about my flies up record (you know that game with the red rubber ball where you would kick it as high as you could in the air in hopes that no one would be able to catch it – but if they did they got to take your spot at the top of the hill) …started asking me if friend was single…not sure why we even think about intimate relationships as fourth graders… we don’t even know what intimate means!…but you can fill in the blanks on the rest of the story. Really, this isn’t important. What is important is coming to the realization that you are not in control of your image anymore. What is important is fighting back to regain your identity. What is important is reaching a healthier state of mind. Well friends, I have reached the point where I am ready to fight for myself. I challenge you to join me on my journey, learn from my mistakes, and rejoice in my success with me.
Scary Thought of the Day: I bet you can pinpoint the exact moment when you became dissatisfied with yourself.
Our story begins here…I have a slight obsession with the TV series Charmed. For those of you who don’t know what Charmed is, and you’re expecting me to explain it... I have provided this link http://www.tnt.tv/series/charmed/ (thanks to the wonders of the world wide web and TNT network -photo provided by fanpop.com)which will provide you with a full synopsis of the story.
The thing I have always admired about the Halliwell sisters is that they knew how to carry themselves. I know what you are thinking. It’s a TV show of course they are going to try and pull smart, sexy, and fun while on screen! But, I have two counterarguments for you: 1) is it really so bad to relate to women portrayed in the media as intellectual, sexy, do-it-all women… I think not. And 2) Phoebe played by actress Alyssa Milano knows how to carry herself ‘on and off the court’ by remaining active typically running three miles a day, kickboxing, and practicing the art of yoga (at least that is the rumor). She is one of many inspirations for this transformation. I figure it is important to have a role model. And of course this isn’t to say I don’t have other role models but they will get their time in the spotlight later.
There are a few things worth noting about the Halliwell characters that are important to my reinvention process.
1. The Halliwell sisters know how to dress! I always looked forward to seeing the transformation between day and evening wear in the show.
2. The Halliwell sisters made sure to take advantage of the small details. Being aware of how my manicure looks is one small detail I have decided to tune in on.
3. The Halliwell girls always rocked complimentary face wear. When it comes down to it knowing how to use makeup (i.e. contrasting light eyes with dark lips) is key, and the make-up artists on the show knew just the right combinations for each Halliwell sister.
4. The Halliwell sisters hair-do’s even made stubborn lil’ old me want to learn how to French braid. Your hair is dying to be played with people. Mess with it once in a while would ya!
Wednesday, November 30th –Reinvention Phase 1: Just Do It Already!
I have found working out in the morning really is best to get your day started right, but how do you manage to get yourself out of that warm, cozy bed, with a brand new 3 inch memory foam pad, that was $150 off on Black Friday at ShopKo? How I ask you?!
Simple, just do it already!
Alarm goes off playing Drake’s Forever. I’m trying to remind myself that I need to be pumped about a healthier me. Tip: Music helps allow me to get excited about working out so try downloading a catchy tune for your alarm clock. I slowly roll to my left side, lay for a minute or two, then drag myself out of bed. Start the coffee pot – usually brews in about 3-5 mins- get dressed, drink a cup and make my way to the gym. Relief hits. I’m not alone! In fact, there are about just as many people at 6:00 in the morning as there are at 4:45pm. I have my sights in mind to lift and that is exactly what I do after a quick 5 minute warm-up. If there is one thing I have learned from my life of sports, it’s that you need a thorough warm up to get the blood flowin’.
WORKOUT OF THE DAY:
· Single leg squats – 3 sets of 10 on each leg w/ 10lb dumbbells (if you aren’t feeling a burning sensation in your buns at this point, you are doing something wrong ha ha)
· Box jumps (substituted standard weight bench for box) – 3 sets of 15
· Hip induction machine (the one where you squeeze your inward to bring your knees together)- 2 sets of 10, weighted
· Leg press- 3 sets of 10 w/ 45lb plates on each side
· Abs, knee raise (the one where you support your weight on your elbows and lift your knees to your chest) – 3 sets of 10
· Abs, side twist (the one where you are in a half crunch and you usually rotate a weight side to side in a swinging motion) 3 sets of 10 w/ 10lb plate
The end result…I’m feeling great! I just needed to be reminded of what it feels like to get a good lift in, and now I’m ready for day two.
The important lesson I have learned is that you sometimes need to take progress day by day. If I focus too much on the future, I get overwhelmed and often give up. However, when I reward myself for my efforts (maybe by having a cocktail before bedtime) I find myself wanting so badly to do better the next day. Well friends, I think I have said enough for now. Join me tomorrow to know the latest on my workouts, and for some insight on healthier eating habits.
-Darbs
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