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A P R I L 2 01 5 | T H E C O M PA R I S O N I S S U E
BERYL MAGAZINE TM
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wise words from real women
no.
Big dreams call for big hair! – A MA N DA M, 22 3
s ’ r o edit note I
t is so easy to compare yourself to others this day and age. It’s as simple as sliding open your phone to check Instagram and closing it ten minutes later, feeling significantly worse about yourself after seeing all the “perfection” of others. I fall into this trap all the time... and then chastise myself about it later.
We need to learn to love and accept each other, not be judgmental or envious. Jealousy and envy only tear down; however, encouragement, acceptance, and self confidence builds up. Together we need to fight the snare to compare! I believe that girls of all different sizes with all types of different backgrounds have unique and awesome qualities, and it is my hope that girls will begin to accept one another more and more by spreading love, encouragement, and confidence. This spring, instead of seeing each other as “different,” let’s choose to see each other as refreshing rarities that are individually unique and inspiring. Fight the temptation to compare all month long and notice just how amazing girls and women can be!
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Beryl embraces imperfection. Beryl is a funny name. Some might even think that it’s misspelled. Others might think it is a trendy way to say “Be real.” Truth be told, it’s spelled correctly and pronounced “bear-ull.” Beryl is a natural mineral that forms into many popular gemstones. In its pure form, beryl is completely colorless; only when the mineral has flaws or impurities does it take on beautifully rich colors like pink, gold, red, blue, and green, just to name a few. In fact, the green version of beryl is an emerald, and it is one of the most valuable gems today! At Beryl Magazine, we believe that girls are just like these gemstones–flawed (as we all are), valuable, durable, and precious. They can take a lot, and they’re worth a lot. Girls need to realize how capable they are to overcome the struggles and pressures that come along with growing up. They need to realize that they are valuable rarities. We believe that all girls are valuable and precious– their thoughts, their dreams, their discoveries. Our mission is to channel empowerment and acceptance for the girls of this generation through factual information, relevant topics pertaining to self-worth, and challenges to propel them towards their best self. Beryl Magazine sees girls’ imperfections and celebrates them.
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Meet your cover girl! jacqueline smith age
+ hometown:
I am 17 and originally from Texas, but now I live in Knoxville,Tennessee. favorite photoshoot moment:
The way everyone had sprinkles in their hair during the shoot! all-time favorite movie:
Craigslist Joe; it’s a documentary. 6
confidence tip:
Have good posture! And not just because your mom always tells you to. Something about standing tall just makes me feel unstoppable. hidden talent:
Writing! I’ve had depression since I was a kid, and writing has always made me feel safe.
CONTENTS
D D D D
7 body talk
8 show off
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she did what?!
creativity
A story about legs
Fight stage fright
Take a look back to Mary Grace Hopper
Fuel the negativity
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15
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21
ten things to know
family matters
be involved
friendship
before starting high school
Being the middle child in a big family
Girl Scouts can help boost confidence
15 Tips for lifelong friendship
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quiz time
eating disorders
april mood board
Fresh vibes for spring
womanly
Curves make ‘em swerve
Find out your life soundtrack
What to know
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be yourself
monthly calendar
April Challenges
No carbon copy bodies
Thick & Fine
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womanhood
real girls say
Fight the snare to compare
New heights
Parfait lovin’
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size
self compassion
a faithful perspective
Womanhood is tough
bucket list
for ultimate springtime fun
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create
real girls say
dream big
adventure
Combat comparison
Female gratitude
Be content in your own skin
10 things to know about film photography 8
Be kind to yourself
We’re all in this together
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body talk
body talk
5 Tips to chasing your dreams
uptalk
let’s eat
Travel tips
b o dy ta l k
THROUGH THICK + THIN
A STORY ABOUT LEGS
I used to struggle with shape of my legs. I started noticing that my legs were different than models’ legs that strut down runways when I was about nine or ten– the same time I was getting into track and field. I’ve always wanted long, thin legs and a tiny, little butt that fits perfectly in a pair of jeans. All that to say, I have been blessed with a strong and sturdy lower half; I will never have those teeny-tiny model legs. It’s not a result of being lazy or just not wanting them hard enough. It’s just simple genetics; that’s not the way I was made. I still struggle and whine about my legs not being the size I dreamed them to be, but my perspective has improved over the years. My strong body has allowed me to participate and even get pretty good times in two triathlons and several 5k’s and a few 15k’s. Next year, I’m hoping to do a half marathon, and by golly! I’ll be most thankful for my strong legs then. sarah w, 26
best vacay spot for spring break:
Pensacola Beach, FL
how to laugh with your gals:
Look at old pictures and videos you made in elementary school. They’re ridiculous. beauty tip:
Never wear too much makeup. Natural beauty is always the best.
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show off
STAGE FRIGHT let confidence shine brighter
SARAH SPILLS SECRETS TO ON-STAGE SUCCESS by courtney gibson Getting in front of people can be scary and cause a lot of anxiety because there is risk involved. There is risk of being criticized, and there is risk of failing. But there is also risk of succeeding, entertaining, informing, and showing off your talents. Sarah Wasserman is a professional opera singer, and her story of on stage confidence is one that sings empowerment with every word . SW: Confidence does come a bit naturally for me on stage. My thoughts on this are that if people come to my show or recital, they want me to succeed; they want to be entertained and see me do well. A lot of times, they’ve paid to be there, and for them to want me to do poorly would be just silly and a waste of time or money. This theory of there being an encouraging audience propels me to say my lines and sing my tunes confidently and even have a little fun with it. It hasn’t always been this way though. I remember my first professional show. (I say this as if it was a long time in the past, but it was only about a year and a half ago. However, my confidence has changed greatly since then). To be honest, I was terrified on opening night. Not only was this my first professional show, but I was also a lead, and there were rumors that the Chicago Tribune would be reviewing the show and putting their
two cents in about me. In that particular show, I didn’t go on for about 20 minutes after the curtain went up, so I just sat there getting more and more nervous. I remember the comments I had made about all of the singers I had seen on professional stages and how I mercilessly critiqued them with my friends and colleagues over the years. I could only think of the people in the audience that would be doing the same to me, and it was a very crippling feeling. I sang my first little ditty of the night and got a “Bravo” from the audience. These were not the mean, critical people like me that were watching me perform. They were literally cheering me on as I continued through the show and it was empowering. I’ve recently thought a lot about the verse, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I’m no theologian and may be stretching the meaning of this verse a bit, but I do find that the more harshly I judge others, the more that I think others will judge me... or in my mind I think they are. So, if I am more encouraging, I conversely think other people are encouraging which gives me confidence on stage.
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s h e d i d w h at !
D D D D
MARY GRACE HOPPER CONSTANT CURIOSITY PAYS OFF by maeghin martel
Have you ever been afraid to show off your smarts? We’ve all been there, but let’s promise each other that we’ll never go there again. It is a gift to be able to learn, and the gift has a bright, red bow on top when you learn to enjoy it.
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Mary Grace Hopper was a curious girl. She enjoyed figuring things out and really liked to meddle with unknown objects. By the age of 7, she was dismantling alarm clocks just to figure out how they worked. Now that’s curiosity! This intellectual curiosity plays a major role in her future of becoming one of the greatest female inventors.
When World War II began, this brainy babe decided to join the Navy; she was resilient in joining despite the vast setbacks she faced throughout the process of enlisting. Once she was enlisted, her first project with the Navy consisted of programming Mark I, the world’s first large-scale automatic, digital computer. During her work with Mark II, Hopper was credited with coining the term “bug” in reference to a glitch in the machinery, and in the 1950s she added the word “debug” in reference to removing program errors. There’s your fact for the day!
Hopper enjoyed math and science, and she didn’t like the idea of pursuing a “typical” female role. After being rejected by the university she initially applied to, she didn’t give up and still pursued higher education despite this setback. She went to school at Vasser University a year later than expected and completed an undergraduate degree there. Her schooling ended at Yale University with a PhD in mathematics, but she earned honorary degrees from thirty different universities across the nation, but the degrees weren’t the end of the road for Hopper.
Never be ashamed of your smarts. Be proud of your curiosities, and chase after them. Exciting journeys are waiting for those who are brave enough to follow their passions.
After her time with the Navy, Hopper lead the team that invented COBOL, the first computer programming language to use words instead of numbers. COBAL stands for Common Business Oriented Language, and it is the foundation for modern technological coding like HTML and CSS. Her brain was always churning up until she passed away in 1991.
2 wise words from real women
no.
root for other women more.
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stop comparing and encourage each other! – S A R A H S, 23
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CREATIVE STRIFE FUEL THE NEGATIVITY by savannah wisham I’ve always struggled with believing in my quality of work creatively. It’s taken me a long time to accept that I actually do make interesting, well crafted, dare I even say, really good work. I first started struggling with this in school when I would completely break down any time I didn’t make 100 percent on assignments, tests, anything really that was given a grade. The real changing point was when my high school art teacher started failing me on assignments. I’ve loved art and being creative my whole life and had never had negative responses to anything I had made before this point. My teacher continually made me feel like a poor artist actively and openly during class to the point that it became expected; everyone in class began to joke about its expectedness too. This negative feedback is exactly what gave me the drive to go to art school in Chicago. I learned to combat negativity by making more art just for fun. Taking time to draw a little sketch, sew a little something, do anything creative that is only for me. Now I’m about to graduate from art school, and I have a lot of work that I am proud of and never would have made without coming here. I’m not saying that it has been an easy process, but it has been one that was definitely worth fighting for and pushing forward.
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c r e at i v i t y
get to know savannah most inspiring artist:
Keith Haring dream job:
An all-star DIY-er (just let me craft all day!) favorite doughnut:
Strawberry frosted
average miles biked daily:
14!
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top ten
TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW: before (and after) starting high school
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It’s okay to be sad.
Or happy. Or frustrated. Or angry. You feel any (or all) of these emotions on a daily basis. And don’t feel bad if your instinct is to take your pain out on those around you. But resist.
Teachers are people too. They (and you) will make mistakes. I promise. The more that you treat them like human beings the more likely it is that they will do the same in return.
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Don’t write people off based upon assumptions that you or others have made in the past. If you like them, and more importantly if you like who you are around them, you have the start of a healthy friendship.
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cut everyone some slack.
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We are all human and make mistakes. We should learn from these mistakes and use the lessons in the future. This takes a lot of forgiveness, for both yourself and others.
avoid the straightener.
Nothing good ever comes from applying a hot metal stick to your hair. Trust me on this.
Each part of you needs a friend. It is very rare to find a friend you are compatible with on every level. It is okay to have a friend you like to sit with in math, a friend you like to play sports with, and a friend you like to go to the mall with.
talk to people, not about them.
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This may seem hard, impossible at times, but talking about a friend behind their back will never end well. Even if you feel like you’re right and there’s a legitimate problem, talking to anyone but your friend will only make things worse. If you talk to your friend directly, you may be able to solve the problem and repair the friendship.
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friendships come in all shapes and sizes.
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focus on what you want to happen.
Don’t look to a specific outcome for your happiness. If you do this, you will be disappointed if things don’t work out as you had originally planned. Instead, picture what you want to be (happy, healthy, etc.), and do things that make you feel that way.
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it takes two.
Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, and anything in between. A healthy relationship only happens between healthy people– mentally healthy, that is. Period. Be sure to choose your friends wisely!
Play.
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Don’t sit out the game because you’re afraid you’ll mess up. Grab a basketball. Grab a board game. Grab some friends, and have fun!
f a m i ly m a t t e r s
THE BIGGER the busier
the middle child’s story in a family with 6 kids by abby underwood other siblings has really been a struggle in my maturing and growing up. Often times it was embarrassing to say I had such a big family because it’s so different than what most people grow up with; in their mind, that makes it weird or even wrong. People develop certain stereotypes when I say “Yeah, I was homeschooled” or “I wasn’t born at a hospital. (My siblings and I had home births). This is just the way my life is though. At one time I used to be self-conscious because of the way people would poke fun at our big family van or the hand-medowns I wore. I wanted to be like the other girls that had their own rooms or shopped at all the “cool” clothing stores. But once again, that’s just not how things could be in my family. co m i n g f r o m a fa m i ly wi t h s i x
My biggest struggle growing up in my family was with my sisters. When I was a quirky elementary schooler, my sisters were catching boy’s attention in middle school, and when I was in middle school, they were socialites in high school. People knew
who they were and how pretty they were and would often tell me “your sister’s hot” or something to that degree, but after a while it was like, “I know, I know; stop reminding me!” My sister closest in age to me hit puberty earlier than I did, which made me look like a twiggy, 70 pound middle schooler with crooked teeth and braces while my sister was a curvy blonde that wore makeup and had lots of popular friends. It was hard to feel like I belonged when that was my bloodline. I think it would have been different had my sisters been loving and accepting, but they were emotional teenagers forced to share a room with their younger annoying sister who liked to try and wear their clothes. They were always one step ahead of me. They dyed their hair, wore makeup, had boobs— the whole sha-bang. To top it off, they were critical of how I looked, how I acted, and who I was. It was really hard, and honestly, there’s a lot of lifelong damage that is still in repair from years and years of dealing with that. 17
f a m i ly m a t t e r s
Another struggle of being one of so many was trying to get my portion of attention. Seven people demand a lot of attention and have a lot of needs, so it’s kind of easy to get lost in the pack. My parents worked really hard to provide for us and gave time as best as they could, but it was easy to get caught in the mix. They were both busy a lot, with either work or family stuff, and I mostly just got used to being pretty independent. I wasn’t the oldest, I wasn’t the youngest, I was just somewhere in the middle. I still remember the times I was able to have one of my parent’s individual attention because moments like that were so rare, even for little things like coming to track meets or talent shows— there just wasn’t time for all of it. My parents just couldn’t meet demand. So there was a lot of “No, I don’t have time to take you to so-and-so’s house”, “You’ll have to find a ride to the swim meet”, or “We can’t pay for such-and-such.” There were often things that I wanted to do but just couldn’t because of my family size. There were many missed opportunities to show affection or approval over the years. When everyone makes an A, one out of seven A’s doesn’t seem all that great. Or if you tell five people you love them one week, you probably missed two people in there somewhere. A lot of my parents’ love and affection was expressed through how hard they worked for us rather than through words or hugs, and that was really hard at times because I didn’t understand that concept while I was younger, being vulnerable and so desperate for affirmation. Once again, there was just so much demanded of them that it was easy for things to slip into the cracks. But as I have grown up, I have really learned to love my big family. When I was younger I used to
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say that I would never have that many kids– that I would just have one or two because so I would be able to give them everything they wanted, but now, I want a big family of my own. I loved going to college and meeting several people from big beautiful families just like mine. The best thing about being in a big family that is growing and going separate ways is when everyone comes back together. Around holidays or birthdays when everyone gets together for a meal or packs into my parents house on Christmas morning, it’s the best. You’d think with one or two people missing you wouldn’t notice, but it’s unavoidable to notice the absence even with so many of us. A meal with six or seven feels like a small affair to me. I can’t imagine being an only child or just having one or two other siblings now. Now with just three kids left at home, my parents already feel like empty nesters! Being in a big family has made me who I am; the experiences, the misadventures, the crowded bathrooms– all of this has played a role in shaping me as a person. I have learned to be frugal and thrifty, even when there is money to spare; it’s just what I prefer. I’ve learned to work for what I want, and I’ve learned to keep working hard and keep achieving, knowing there will be no notice, reward, or accolade. I’ve seen the demands of being a mother, especially one to many, and I’ve seen the incredible blessing a mom can be. I’ve learned to be my own person, that I don’t have to go a certain route because someone else did, and I’ve learned to take advantage of time and conversations with my parents because they are busy people and who knows when that will happen again.
b e i n v o lv e d
WILDLY CONFIDENT GIRL SCOUTS HELPED SAVANNAH GROW Being a girl scout helped me learn to love my fellow lady and not see her as competition for beauty, smarts, or attention, but as someone who can help me learn and grow to become a better girl myself. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls who work together. Plus it’s neat learning how to do wilderness stuff and earn badges! I also learned a lot in my youth group at church; I was very involved all the way up to my high school years. It was just a safe environment to share struggles with other gals who could relate. There were wiser, older women to talk to and everyone made me feel special, loved, and made me realize that I am supposed to be in this world and love being here. Soccer also helped me gain a lot of friends and confidence. 19
encouragement
SPREAD CONFIDENCE like confetti
cut out each message and encourage your pals!
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Be yo because
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friendship
THE BEST of friends
15 tips for lifelong friendship by courtney gibson are with you during four years (or more!) and can make a huge difference in your life. The high school years can cause normal, healthy people to become a bit egocentric, but being a good friend means you are thinking more about how you can love others than how they are loving you. If everyone does this, then everyone is being loved, cared for, and thought about. When we focus on, “How can I love you?”, we are more attentive, thoughtful and quick to offer grace.
your friends in high school
Manipulation is about holding something over someone in a way that shows you are in control. Withholding friendship, turning others against someone, and threatening to tell someone’s secrets are just a few of the games girls play. Be the girl who keeps her friend’s secrets, who quickly reconciles, and who includes others, not excludes them. God is not manipulative, and Jesus never held anything over our heads. Be the type of girl who offers friends safety and security, instead of constant mind games!
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There is always one, sometimes two, girls who bring on the drama in every group. And no one wants to be that girl. Drama is really about bringing attention back to yourself, and feeling like you are in control of others. It is usually based on hyper-emotions, quasi-true information, and a whole lot of misinterpreted junk. Drama is never helpful. Ever. It tends to come from a place of deep insecurity, and can be toxic. Do your best to diffuse drama when you see it. Speak truth bravely, and don’t be manipulated by it. Be mindful of manipulation. Girls can do this in such covert ways that it should really be considered an art. But, it isn’t Christ like. It isn’t helpful. It isn’t part of being a good friend.
Forgive freely, and don’t make people work for your forgiveness. Not forgiving is about holding power over someone, in the same way manipulation is. Friendships aren’t about power, they are about encouragement. Christ freely forgives, and so should we. It doesn’t mean we don’t get hurt, and it doesn’t mean we don’t draw boundaries. But, being a good friend means making it easy for your friends to admit they were wrong. Chances are you will need to be forgiven also, so, offer to others what you would hope they would offer to you. Encourage other’s strengths; don’t point out their weaknesses. Point out your friend’s hidden talents, cheer for her when she makes the
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team, and congratulate her on new opportunities. Speak life to your friends, and avoid being critical. Most likely, your friends are aware of all of the places where they fall short. Encourage them in the ways God has gifted them. We are all good at something, and your friends successes don’t have to mean your failures. They can be your successes as well!
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Be a good listener. Take mental notes of what your friends say, and offer constructive feedback. As you get older, this will become easier, but you have to start somewhere. Are you someone who actually hears what her friends are saying, or are you too focused on yourself to hear what she’s saying?
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Be “for” your friends. Choose them. Be on their side. When someone talks badly about your friends, stick up for them. Don’t join in just so you can feel cool for the moment. Be the girl
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who has her friend’s back. Part of being “for” your friends is wanting what’s best for them. If you know a friend is in trouble, or is doing something potentially dangerous, love them enough to tell someone who can help. Even when it’s hard, be the friend who looks out for her pal’s well being.
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Say hard things, gently. Sometimes our friends need to hear the truth, but when the truth is dripping with sarcasm and cutting words, it isn’t all that palatable. Be the girl who can speak the truth with grace, in the kind of way that makes your friends want to chew on it for a while. Pointing things out in a snotty, I-knowbetter-than-you kind of way, is not helpful.
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Protect their name. Wherever you go, make sure that you are always mindful of how you speak about your friends. Make sure that you are never the one throwing your friend’s name under the bus! Talk about them in great ways when they
aren’t there. Tell others about all of their awesome qualities, and leave when the conversation goes in another direction.
let it go. He isn’t yours to stake your claim on. Don’t ditch your girls for any guy. Ever. And you’ll know that he’s worth keeping when he doesn’t make you choose between your girls and him.
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Pray for them. When you listen, you will know how to pray. When you are thinking through how to love them, instead of how they love you, you will know how to pray. When you spend your time with them, you will see areas of need, so you can pray. Ultimately, it is God alone who brings about lasting change, so commit to praying for and with your friends. Battle for them when they can’t battle themselves and battle with them when they can.
Don’t let boys get in the way. Seriously girls. When you get a boyfriend, don’t forget about your friends. When your friend gets a boyfriend, don’t take it personally when she wants to spend some time with him. If you like a boy, but he doesn’t like youbut likes your friend instead, just
When you are wrong, say that you are sorry. You will be wrong. You will do something to hurt your friend’s feelings. When you do, admit it, and apologize with sincerity. Sometimes, you won’t be sure if you are wrong. For the sake of unity, let your friend know that you value them, and that you are sorry if you have done something to hurt them. Be a big girl, and be honest with your shortcomings.
Pursue Jesus, together. Pick friends who want to know Jesus just as much as you do. If you are both pursuing the Lord, do so in a way that is mutually encouraging. Maybe read the same part of the bible together. Or, you could chat once a week about what God is teaching you. 25
Find some way to make your relationships with God a part of your common ground. If you have a friend who doesn’t know the Lord, pray for them, and openly share with them. Be there when they have questions, even if your answer is, “I don’t know.” This will build a firm foundation for your relationships with other ladies later on in your life.
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Serve one another and others together. Do things that are helpful, thoughtful and needed for your friends. Serve people who are need alongside your pals. You really get to know people, when you serve together with them. Be a part of what God is doing in your community, with your friends.
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Friends won’t be perfect, but they’re still worth it. Your friends will let you down. They will hurt you, tell a secret of yours, or go after a boy you like. No friend is perfect. But, a good friendship is worth working for. It will require an investment of your time and patience. It will be messy, fun, and everything in between. Fight for your friendships. Work through hard stuff, so that you can continue to grow together. Pray for understanding. Friendship will cost you something, but you will be abundantly blessed by a strong, healthy friendship. So, don’t give up on people too quickly. Put in the time and energy to make your friendships great.
Confetti Party! Friendship is something to be celebrated and accepting each other for who they are is crucial for a friendship to flourish. Nothing says fun, friendship quite like a sprinkle, confetti party! This sweet group of friends is made up of two athletes, a writer, a classical musician, and even a beat boxer! Talk about diversity. Each of these girls understands that their friends are different than they are, but they’re similar too. They choose to root for each other, and they choose to have each other’s backs. They naturally laugh together and know how to encourage their girls if one of them is having a bad week. Celebrate the differences that you see in others. Learn from them, and let them learn from you too! As you can see, friendships are awesome! Be the type of friend that you would want in return.
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3 wise words from real women
no.
EVERY FLOWER MUST GO THROUGH DIRT. – JACKIE P, 19
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others first
SELFLESSNESS & HOW IT DRIVES OUT FEAR by sarah wasserman When I think of bravery, I think of standing up for someone in front of the whole class or one of those stories where you’re running through the airport terminal to tell a person you love them right before they board a plane. Unfortunately, I don’t have any stories like that. Either the opportunity never arrived, or I failed every time it did. The only times I’ve truly been brave are when I am doing service work in the city. Chicago is known as the murder capital of America, and most of the people who need help in this city are in the most dangerous parts of town. When I go to those parts of town to help, I don’t feel a bit of fear. I think this is because my focus is not on myself but on how I can help others, and I know this selflessness is not a part of who I naturally am. It is something that my God has instilled in me to allow me to do His work. I am not fearful when I am selfless. I am selfless because of God. I am brave only in Christ. 29
moody
APRIL MOODBOARD fresh vibes for spring
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w o m a n ly
CURVES MAKE ‘EM SWERVE LOVE YOUR BODY MORE THAN “THEY” DO by raegan geyer I have struggled with my body image for years. There are moments when I feel “fat” or “chubby” and even times when I loath my figure. All of this began when I was 14 years old and has been an ongoing battle ever since. I wish that I could be shorter, have shorter legs, have smaller breasts, have a smaller butt, have a longer torso, etc, etc, etc. I found these attributes appealing and beautiful. I grew up into womanhood quickly. I was one of the first girls to physically develop and it was terrifying and alluring at the same time. I was terrified because I felt alone and embarrassed about wearing a bra in 6th grade. In 7th or 8th grade, I would wear two bras to school just so my breasts wouldn’t bounce all over the place. I hated running days most because I knew it meant: run in front of all your classmates, including the boys. When I ran, I 31
would run as lightly as possible so my C’s wouldn’t cause attention. After class, I would have to deal with the snickering and the hushed comments of the boys (and girls). Then I would go home and cry because I didn’t want to have breasts. I didn’t want to be a woman... not that kind of woman. Unfortunately, I accepted the attention I got from boys. I enjoyed all the stares, the gossip, the crude remarks. This lasted for a longer than it should have. I began to feel objectified and honestly, a little bit like a slut. It’s funny because I was a virgin, but I was still labeled as if I wasn’t simply because I already had breasts and hips. Over the last 24 years, I have seen the body image of women change, grow, and be demolished. Skinny is the new anorexic, big is the new unhealthy, tall is the new amazon, short is the new unappealing. It’s never ending, and we, as women, are equally guilty of judging what is beautiful and what is not. My image has changed with those. Beautiful is not a waist size, a height, a body shape, a bone structure, or a bra cup. It is measured by your mind and what comes out of your mouth. More importantly, it is shaped by how you em-
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brace your uniqueness. I carried a slutty label (by my own terms) until I started college. I then realized that I was a slave to social stigmas—that girls who are more curvaceous are somehow more sexual and that girls who have a slender or skinny frame are anorexic, boyish, and unwanted. In my early 20’s, I had to come to terms with the fact that my body had nothing to do with my heart or who I was as a woman. Even though I have women and men tell me how beautiful I am everyday, I still have to tell myself the same thing. Not just tell myself, but believe that it is true. It doesn’t matter how much I weigh, what I wear, who pursues me, what’s in style, what men find attractive, or even what women find attractive. I have to embrace the body, the temple, that God has given me. So what if I can’t wear cute and trendy bikinis like some girls? And so what if I can’t wear some tops without looking like Dolly Parton? So what if I can’t wear jumpsuits without looking like MC Hammer? I am made in His image, and I am the crown of creation. I am Raegan Alexis Geyer– a 5’7” woman with dark brown hair, hazel eyes, a heart-shaped face, big boobs, big butt, and long legs, and I am beautiful.
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quiz time
LIFE SOUNDTRACK what’s yours?
take this quiz and see what genre fits you
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You get to pick which movie to watch tonight. You pick: a). One with lots of action– you love those special effects! b). A sweet love story. And you’ve got tissues handy, just in case. c). Something that makes you think– you’re not a fan of brainless blockbusters.
Which of these lyrics sounds like something you would sing? a). “The music taking me higher, higher, moving my body...” b). “Nothing can come between you and I...” c). “You can take your words and all your lies, I really don’t care...”
You have a free afternoon with no homework and spring temperatures! You’d love to spend it: a). Having a dance off with a few friends b). Learning how to make you own scented candles and soap c). Go longboarding!
4 5 6
You see three shirts you like at the mall, but you’re allowed to buy only one. You choose: a). The one with the sequins. You never pass up a chance to sparkle! b). The one that feels most comfortable. Soft, cozy shirts are totally you. c). The one with the clever slogan. You’re all about making a statement!
You turn on the TV just in time for a nature show about your favorite animals. What’s on? a). A show about tigers. You love their smooth and powerful movements. b). A show about colorful jungle birds. You’d love to be able to fly! c). A show about deep-sea fish. There are so many that people have never heard of!
Time to get ready in the morning. What do you do first? a). Sing along with you alarm– after pushing the snooze button 4 times! b). Put on your fuzzy slippers and drink some tea;; you love a cozy morning. c). Wash your face and brush your teeth– gotta get rid of the sleep grime.
Music to love
QUIZ ANSWERS mostly A’s You’ve got the beat!
Lord huron
The soundtrack to your life is packed with upbeat, dance songs. When you’re making playlist, you pick songs that make you want to move, like “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift or even “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson. Do the catchy tunes get stuck in your head? Consider yourself lucky– turn up your inner volume and dance, dance, dance!
Give a listen to “Lonesome Dreams” and let all your stresses melt away. This experimental instrumentalist and vocalist will have you soothed and energized at the same time!
mostly B’s You’re down to chill! The songs on your soundtrack can calm you down and cheer you up. If you BFF is too busy to hang out or your little sister is bugging you, don’t stress. Just curl up someplace cozy and listen to songs like “Happy” by Pharell Williams or “You and I” by One Direction. Your soundtrack is like the musical version of a great big hug and it’s there whenever you need it!
mostly C’s You’re ready to rock!
the lone bellow This folk group will make you want to move your feet and sing along. Their live performances are personal and genuine– a must see!
Your soundtrack says you’re not afraid to be a little different, so sing your heart out! For songs with lots of energy and a rockin’ attitude, try “Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato or “Immortals” by Fall Out Boy. After all, life’s a lot more fun when you’re singing– and dancing– to your own beat. (And if you can’t remember the lyrics, just make up your own!)
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TO EAT or not to eat
get the facts on eating disorders by courtney gibson there’s a lot of pressure
in this world to look a certain way. Women are objectified and “idealized” in media everywhere you look. Despite the measures that some organizations like Always® and Dove® are taking, girls (and women) across the board struggle with how they view their bodies. By the age of 6, many girls begin to express concerns about their own weight or shape, and more often than not, girls develop a hatred for their bodies during the middle school years. They compare a transforming body to one that is digitally enhanced and, more than likely, much older and more developed than they are. We see models in magazines, celebrities in movies, cheerleaders at basketball games, and friends in bikinis at the neighborhood pool. And how do we perceive all this? We tend to only notice our “flaws”
side effects of anorexia • • • • • • •
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Risk for heart failure rises Reduction of bone density Muscle loss and weakness Severe dehydration Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness Hair loss is or dry hair and skin Growth of lanugo (a downy layer of hair) all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.
side effects of bulimia • Electrolyte imbalance can lead to irregular heartbeats caused by dehydration • Gastric perforation (this means the stomach has a tear) • Inflammation and rupture of the esophagus • Tooth decay and staining • Irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse. • Ulcers and pancreatitis.
because we only see the qualities that are dissimilar from others. This is called a perceived difference. The desire to be skinny escalates to the number one position for many girls, and this desire often results with an easy fix: eating disorders– anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Eating disorders might seem harmless, but I guarantee that they are not. Anorexia is starvation from food whereas bulimia is the over-indulgence of food with the intention of getting it out of your system by throwing it up later or using laxatives. Anorexia actually has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. That means that more girls die of anorexia every year than anyone with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but both are equally dangerous to your body.
e at i n g d i s o r d e r s
Ashley had an eating disorder
Now she lives in freedom One Easter, my family and I went on a picnic by the Chattahoochee river. It was a beautiful, spring day, and everyone was having a lovely time eating yummy food and watching people kayak down the river. On the outside, I was enjoying myself being around my family. But on the inside something dark and evil was brewing, and I couldn’t stand it any longer. After eating one cupcake, I felt 60 pounds heavier. It’s not like I could go back in time. The one thing I knew I could do was make myself throw up. So I got up and told my family I was going to go use the restroom. It took me a while to finally stick my fingers down my throat, but I did it. After a couple of minutes, that cupcake and the rest of the meal came spewing out. From that day on, I loved the feeling that I could eat whatever I wanted– whenever I wanted– knowing I could simply throw it up later. It was glorious. After a year of doing this, I started to feel drained, and nothing was getting better. I wasn’t even losing any weight; I was just puking unwanted food. I began to feel empty. Soon I realized the empty feeling wasn’t coming from having en empty belly. It was coming from me looking for fulfillment in something that couldn’t fulfill me. Christ pulled me out of the pit of feeling worthless and showed me what it looks like to dwell in the worthiness Christ has graciously given me. What a relief this is! My fulfillment is in knowing that Christ pulled me out of darkness and made me new. Of course I still struggle with wanting a lower number on the scale, but that doesn’t define me. Christ does. God has set eternity in our hearts, and there is a longing to be beautiful is set there as well. And it’s not just the desire for an outward beauty. It’s a desire to be captivating in the depths of who you are. Ashley e, 19
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be yourself
COMBAT COMPARISON kick comparison to the curb by kari joyner Here’s the thing about comparing yourself to other people: No good ever comes of it. The happiest, most successful girls know that there will always be someone with better-looking hair, trendier clothes, or a faster sprint time. (Just as there will always be someone worse off than you). But they don’t let themselves be slowed down by thoughts of what other people have or don’t have. Can you control how good another girl’s grades are? Nope. Can you control your own grades? Totally!
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Same goes for your sense of style, your group of friends, or your skill at basketball. So instead of comparing yourself with someone else, compare yourself with you at your best. That’s the person you should strive to be like— not some other girl you have no control over.
Q HERE’S THE THING ABOUT COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE: NO GOOD WILL EVER COME OF IT.
real girls say:
Honesty isn’t always easy
Te a rs , c h e e rs , a nd t h re e y e a rs When I was 21, I had been dating a boy for about three years. Our relationship was fun, but it was never steady. One of my best friends always described it as a roller coaster– with really great high points followed with steep drops. So why did I continue to be in this relationship through all the ups and downs? Because I thought that no other man would love me or accept me the way he did. But I knew that he loved me because he often told me that he wanted to marry me. For a while, I felt the same, but as time went on, I knew in my gut that he was not the man I was supposed to marry. On a rainy night in August, we were sitting in his car having an emotional conversation about a small tiff that we had just had. During that conversation, he asked me if I loved him. I distinctly remember looking away and thinking in my head, “You can either tell him that you do and continue to drag out this relationship... Or you can tell the truth.” I chose the latter. Telling someone that I did love that I no longer loved them was one of the hardest, bravest things I have ever done, but I’m still proud of myself for it. It’s nice to surprise your own ears with brutal honesty from time to time. Courtney G, 23
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Sunday
A p r i l
2015 monthly challenge
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Tuesday
Monday
29
30
31
5
6
7
Make a card for your best friend telling her why you think she’s so great.
Write down your 3 favorite things about your body and tape them to your mirror.
13 13
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Talk to a woman that is older and wiser than you about some things you’re currently struggling with.
12 Do something brave today.
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Do something active with a friend today- like jogging, yoga, or tennis.
20 20
No straightening or curling your hair today. Leave those locks au natúral!
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No saying the words, “I can’t” today. Believe that you can... And you will!
Say goodbye to social media once again! One more day with no ‘gramming, tweeting or Facebook stalking.
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27 27
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Accept others for who they are. We would all be boring if everyone was the same!
Share something today— a sandwich, a book, a dream?
Write down why you’re proud to be you.
Give away eight high-fives! You never know how this might cheer someone up.
m o n t h ly c h a l l e n g e
Thursday
Wednesday
1
2
3
Wear the first outfit you put on this morning!
Give genuine compliments to four people today!
Don’t be hard on yourself. Accept some the grace that you don’t have to be perfect!
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9
10
One full day of no social media!
15 15 Get to know someone new at school today. Investing in others is important.
no negative self-talk today!
16 Try writing a poem about what true beauty looks like.
Saturday
Friday
Do something kind for someone today; your choice!
17 Forgive someone who has wronged you.
4 Raise your hand at school today at least three times.
1111 Treat yourself to an indulgent snack. Hello, doughnuts!
18 Encourage a friend with a hidden note. (Little, secret notes are fun to discover!)
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24 24
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Dance to your favorite song at least three times. Have fun!
Try not to compare yourself to others today. You are enough!
Finish your homework before dinner. Being prepared is important!
Whatever you do today, do it to the best of your ability.
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30 30
1
2
Listen to your friends without interrupting them.
Choose to realize that your thoughts are valuable and that your outward appearance is perfect the way it is.
fight the snare to compare 41
4 wise words from real women
no.
Compete with yourself not with others. – A LE X A N DRA N, 26 42
b o dy ta l k
NO CARBON COPIES
IF EVERYONE WAS THE SAME, WE’D BE PRETTY BORING by toni jackson
My weight has been an on going battle since I was in the third grade. I have never been little or petite; I have always been as tall, if not taller, than the boys in my grade, and I have always been a little chubby and could lose 20 pounds. Knowing there is some weight I could lose is always at the back of my mind. It’s always there in my head saying things like, “Should you really eat that piece of pizza?” or “You know that you’re the fattest girl out of your friends, right?” My weight has definitely warped my perception of beauty. I get caught in the idea of thinking I would be so much prettier if I was 40 pounds lighter or that boys would ask me on dates if I was smaller. As I have matured, I’ve learned that no two people look exactly the same. Not to be a cliché, but we are all beautiful in our own ways. Why would I want to be carbon copy of someone else who is probably battling their own insecurities. If there was such a thing as the perfect body, and I had it, I would still find something to stress out about or want to change. Here’s how I fight my insecurities: Since I’m insecure about my weight, I focus on my face and smile to make that stand out to people. I like my butt, so I dress myself in a way that flatters the certain aspects of my body that I like. Focus on the securities not the insecurities. 43
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u p ta l k
THICK & FINE YOU DECIDE THE RULES by amanda muirhead As a twenty-something, having a big booty is all the rage… as long as there is a flat stomach and a thigh gap involved. As a high school girl, having a big booty is the perfect invitation for all of your peers to stare at you when Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “I Like Big Butts” comes on the radio, to have your booty smacked as your friend walks up to you in line at the cafeteria, or for boys to make rude comments about your behind. Not so fun. And when your sport of choice is volleyball, resulting in countless booty-shaping squats every day, in addition to the “thunder-thigh” genetics you were blessed with, anything short of a “bubble-butt” is out of the question. I have been teased for my voluptuous backside for as long as I can remember, and it caused a lot of self-esteem issues from the start. My girlfriends in middle school were, for the most part, much shorter and smaller than me. It was difficult not being able to fit into the same size clothes as my smaller friends, and it was frustrating to find pants that would fit my curves correctly without having to shove myself into a pair of jeans. I quickly learned that I could get a lot of attention from boys due to the size of my bump in the back, but it took me a long time to realize that this kind of attention was far from the kind of attention that I deserved. As my volleyball career continued into high school, I spent most of my life in spandex shorts smaller than some of my undies, so I had to quickly get used to my biggest feature on display most of the time. With the added pressures of high school and the insecurity about my curvy figure, I developed an eating disorder to
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try to “control” the things I didn’t like about how I looked. I would even say crazy things like “Well if I was Latina or if I was Black, my body would be perfect.” How crazy is that!–that certain characteristics of the body are somehow made to be celebrated if you are one race, but are “problems” if you are another? Even when I was at my worst with my eating disorder, I still had a bigger booty than most of my friends. As I got older and learned about the life-changing importance of loving myself first (which means looking in the mirror and loving every part of who I see–physically, mentally, emotionally, creatively, etc.), I began to learn how to dress myself in a way that flattered my body type rather than dressing myself the way that I saw the teeny tiny girls who look completely different than me dress. I began to find my own style; I began to own the booty. PRO TIP: “owning” and “flaunting” are two totally different things. I have a booty so I don’t flaunt it in bodycon dresses and skirts that ride up after three steps. I have a booty, so I “own” it in high-waisted everything with either crop tops if I’m feeling sassy or a flow-y T tucked in and pulled a little loose to give the look some balance! Even as I began to dress for myself, it still took some time to love what I saw underneath all the
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layers of clothes. With the help of some amazing mentors throughout my journey, I began to overcome my eating disorder as I made my way into my sophomore year of college. However, one of the most influential instances that helped me truly see myself and everything I have been blessed with differently than ever before was when my friend and I were looking at photos of ourselves in high school. I pointed to a picture of myself during the peak of my eating disorder when I was at my thinnest, and noted how thin and pretty I thought I was then. My friend turned to me with all seriousness and said, “Yeah, but now you’re ‘thick’ and ‘fine’.” Yes, it sounds silly, but in that moment, I was hit with the realization that we are not all meant to be thin and pretty! Some of us are wonderfully made to be “thick and fine,” and there are others who will always be spectacularly short and petite or short and curvy or tall and lanky or big-boned or have big feet or small ears or, or, or, OR! That’s the thing–there is no rule for how we should look; there are only people who insist on telling us there are rules. But we have been given the choice to make our own rules. As for me the rule is that the world needs the thick and fine girls just as much as it needs the stick thin girls.
Some of us are wonderfully made to be “thick and fine,” and there are others who will always be spectacularly short and petite or short and curvy or tall and lanky or big-boned or have big feet or small ears or, or, or, OR!
womanhood
FEMALE GRATITUDE THINGS TO KNOW. PERIOD. by audry martin We all get them, and they’re so weird at the start. You know what I’m talking about– the curse, the dot, the “hey, will you check my pants.” Periods. For some reason our culture has made periods seem like something that is done to us rather than something this is simply a part of us as girls. There’s nothing abnormal about it at all; it’s actually something we should be very thankful for! I first got my period when I was 15 years old. I may have been the last girl in my class to get it, and I was so relieved and happy to finally get it. My friends told me to enjoy not having it but I couldn’t because I was worried something was wrong with me or that I was childish and immature because I didn’t have it. Those are two big fat lies, by the way. There was a girl in my class who would playfully pick on me for still being a little girl because I hadn’t started my period yet. We were the same age, but she said she was a woman because she already got her period. That didn’t feel good; don’t
be the girl that belittles other girls. And don’t be the girl that lets it get to your head. Looking back, I wish I had spent less time worrying about what she said, and more time enjoying life. I have a few things for you to think about concerning periods. First of all, don’t complain about your period. Boys do not want or need to hear about it, and if you complain to a girl about it, trust me, you’ll hear their complaints as well, which will sound just like yours. There is no profit to complaining about your period. Complain to your mom if you must. In general, just try to cut out the complaining! Also, be thankful. Periods are a sign of health and normality. That is a true blessing. As I waited many years to get it, I was dying to feel like a normal girl. Practice thankfulness. And accept periods as a blessing. Seriously, they’re are not that bad. Plus they help you understand why your emotions are in a flux– even if your hormones are the cause.
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real girls say: Fight the snare to compare
pop ular girls In middle school, I started to compare my appearance to the popular girls in my school. I started to feel insecure about myself, believing that my size and wardrobe were the reasons why other girls were popular and I wasn’t. Everyday, I would examine what they wore and wish that I looked like them. This happened for about two years until one day in health class, everything changed for me. I heard something new come out of one of the popular girl’s mouths– something that no longer made her seem beautiful in my eyes. I heard a cuss word, and because I believe that cussing is disrespectful and unnecessary, I no longer glorified who she was or aspired to be like her. I started looking at her life in a new light, now seeing all of the drama she surrounded herself with, and I asked myself, “Do I really want her life?” In that moment, God taught me something valuable. I realized that when I compare myself to others, I am showing dissatisfaction to the ultimate designer and maker of the universe for how He made me. When I truly believe that the perfect God made my medium sized body, unpredictable curly hair, and crooked teeth, I became happier and more content with my appearance.
Book s ma rts Growing up, I always struggled with comparison pertaining to my intelligence. I have an awesome brother who’s two years older than me. He’s super kind but has always been super, super smart and has done really well in school. Having to follow in his footsteps was always really hard for me. I built up this comparison between the two of us and sometimes felt like I was compared to him by my parents and teachers, especially in middle school when they started to divide classes based off of how quickly you learned. He was always in advanced honors while I was in standard. Once the ACT was finally over, all of this intellectual comparison seemed to fall by the wayside. I never did make the same score as him, but I’m okay with that. We have completely different learning styles and are doing completely different things job wise. He’s going to be a doctor while I’ll be a graphic designer. I couldn’t do his job and he couldn’t do mine. Sarah S, 22
audra c, 19
historic role model:
Rosa Parks or Ellen Degeneres novel that never gets old:
The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker best song to groove to:
“Do Life Big” by Jamie Grace fave yummy, healthy snack:
Chai Tea Latte Kind© Bars hidden talent:
Beat-Boxing 48
go-to breakfast:
Fruit Loops
fashion tip:
Wear what makes you feel comfortable and experiment with the pieces you already have in your closet. Who cares if you look back in five years and think “What the hay?” Just have fun with it!
r e a l g i r l s s ay
chorus dresses I was not athletic (for obvious reasons), but I felt safe in choral ensemble. I was welcomed and was part of a group that had all shapes of women–who were all beautiful. I stood by girls who had breasts bigger than mine and stood behind girls with legs that were as small as my forearms. In competition, we all had to wear the same dress; interestingly enough, the body shapes began to disappear. It is crucial to surround yourself with women who are encouraging, confident and self-empowered. Nothing brings down your body image than to be around ladies who pick at each other or themselves 24/7. I am guilty of doing so and it definitely makes a difference how I perceive myself. Positive energy is the key! Raegan g, 23
fe ma le c ompe t i ti on One of the hardest parts of being a woman is body image— feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. This is a work in progress; some days are better than others. It’s so easy to compare yourself with the women around you— their hair, their clothes, their makeup, their perfect skin, their boyfriend, their workout routine, etc. Women are just as competitive as men, just in different areas! Understanding my personality has also been a big struggle in my life. I have a strong personality, and sometimes it’s hard to accept myself. I think our culture, men, and social media make me feel like it’s not okay for me to have a strong personality. I have opinions. I like things done a certain way, and I don’t mind speaking up. I have high expectations for myself and others. That’s just how I am. Societal roles say that these qualities are okay for men to have, but if women have them, they are bossy (or other names that start with B). On top of both of these things is the pressure to do it all and do it flawlessly...without breaking a sweat, admitting you’re tired, and looking good the whole entire time. Missy S, 22
must have purse essential:
Lipgloss, for sure
most spontaneous trip: Tybee Island/Savannah for a fun getaway trip. It was so much fun to explore, pretend to be local, and put my toes in the sand.
number one confidence tip:
Own your beauty: birthmarks, beauty marks, freckles, dimples, moles, marks, scars, etc. Nothing says confident more than a woman who embraces her uniqueness.
dream city to live in:
Charleston, SC
job you want in the future:
Elementary school teacher
what makes you laugh the most:
I’m super, super, super ticklish favorite zoo animal:
Red pandas and rhinos
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b o dy ta l k
NEW HEIGHTS
HIGH HEELED GOODNESS FOR TALL GIRLS by alex maynard
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s t a r t i n g a r o u n d t h e a g e of ten or eleven, my biggest struggle has been my height. I have only grown two-two and a half inches since I was eleven and I am six feet tall now. So imagine an eleven year old, sixth grade girl who is already 5’10”, and that was me. I literally stood out of a crowd and could never hide. I didn’t look like any of the other girls and was already wearing women’s clothing to find sizes that would fit me.
On top of that, I was 5’10” and didn’t weigh more than 115 pounds until high school. I was skinny— and not the “good” skinny. The lanky, awkward kind of skinny. I was teased and ridiculed, felt ugly and undesired; I hated everything about my height. Every day, I would go home and cry. Home was where I was safe and didn’t feel like a freak because my whole family is tall. Imagine me, a little girl in a tall family, not realizing how out of the norm she was until one day she saw a picture of herself with all of her friends in middle school and realized the abnormal. My friends were of average height for girls around that age (which was probably 5’0”) which made look like a giant. Adults always told me to “be grateful for my height,” and that they “wished they had my height,” but on a day-to-day basis with all my friends, I could not (and would not) believe it. I began to be more confident in my height during my high school years when I gained a little weight and didn’t stand out quite as much. Even so, people would always remind me of my height and would instruct me to never wear heels. Let me tell you now, if a man ever tells you that you are too tall to wear heels, it is not because you are not beautiful or that you are too tall, it is because of insecurities they have. I found my confidence in college. All of a sudden, my height was attractive instead of weird. I love my height and now wear heels all the time, including ones that make me 6’4”. I have been told by many men who care about me as a daughter, friend, or in a romantic sense to “never stop wearing heels, and if anyone ever makes you feel like you can’t wear heels come see me.” Never believe the lie that you are less of a woman or not as pretty as women who have small frames. We’re all just built differently; that’s all. It’s pretty awesome actually. 51
imperfe shou celebr 52
ections uld be rated 53
l e t ’ s e at !
HOMEMADE GRANOLA perfect for a parfait party
YOU WILL NEED: 2 CUPS OLD FASHIONED OATS 1 ½ CUPS NUTS/SEEDS OF YOUR CHOICE ⅓ CUP OLIVE OIL 1 TSP. SALT ¼ TEASPOON CINNAMON PINCH OF NUTMEG PINCH OF GINGER ⅓ CUP OF HONEY OR MAPLE SYRUP ½ TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT ¼ CUP DRIED FRUIT (OPTIONAL)
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1 p e t S
In a bowl combine oats, nuts, and seeds. Pour in oil and honey (or maple syrup) and stir to combine. Add in seasonings and vanilla and mix well. Spread out on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and bake at 350 F for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 to make sure all pieces bake evenly.
2 p e t S
To make chunky granola don’t mix during the baking process. Once you remove your granola from the oven break it up into small chunks for a variety of textures. This is great for snacking, like for camping or carrying around in your purse.
3 p e t S
The next step is to put together your yummy parfait. Start with fruit first, then yogurt, then granola. Repeat the layers. Voila! You made a parfait! Try using Greek vanilla yogurt or another flavor of your choice; strawberry is delicious too. Strawberries, blueberries, ard raspberries are best in parfaits, but any fruit that is in season will do. You can add the fruit as is or combine it with honey and a squeeze of lime to add some extra sweetness.
Try adding almond slices, dried cranberries or blueberries, walnuts, or coconut to add a variety of textures and flavors. 55
size
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER character does
BE CONTENT IN YOUR OWN SKIN by lizzie blair All women struggle with being insecure about something, even the ones who are portrayed in magazines as perfection. Some magazines show us the perfectly toned, pretty girls (who have also been touched up with Photoshop), yet they struggle and stress about their appearance too. Before middle school hit, I was content with how I looked; however, my self esteem definitely took a hit from seeing magazines and movies with only thin girls. I had nice hair and a nice complexion, yet I became caught up in my weight and size. Most of my friends were smaller than me, and while they were breaking out or having bad hair days, from my perspective they were perfect just because they were small. My biggest self esteem struggle has always been my weight or size. I hit my growth spurt early, so I was bigger than all my friends in middle school (boys and girls alike). Even when high school hit and everyone else was getting bigger too, I still struggle with being overweight. I played a sport every season and was very physically fit, but according to the scale I was overweight and pushing obese (I am also short… which didn’t help). Over the years I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that, no matter what I do, I’m never going to be “skinny” or “thin.” It’s just not my body type. It makes me sad that typically only one body type is shown in the media, because so many people do not (and can not) fit it. I’ve had to learn that as long as I’m healthy, I don’t have to be able to squeeze into a smaller size.
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s e l f co m pa s s i o n
BE KIND to yourself
Cozette accepts herself despite physical insecurities
of things to tell girls that struggle with self-esteem issues. I think the most important thing to realize is to be yourself in every single thing you do. Don’t be afraid to show your true self because that’s who you are. People actually prefer it when someone is real versus someone who puts on an act. Learn to love yourself, because if you truly do, people are going to love you too.
there is an infinite amount
I was overweight while I was in middle school. I struggled with what I looked like on the outside and how to deal with mentally. On the outside, I looked like a happy person. (Many people asked me if there was ever was a time when I wasn’t smiling). I was outgoing and always had something to say, but on the inside I hated myself. I hated being overweight more than anything and couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I just wished I could be skinny. I was surrounded by girls at my school who were tiny and the media was bombarding everyone with how middle schoolers and teenage girls should look and dress and act. It hurt because I did not fit that mold. Thankfully, I was never made fun of for being bigger than the other girls, but I was still harder on myself than anyone else could have been. If I could go back in time, I would have tried to convince myself to be a little nicer to me, a little gentler. I wish I could have encouraged myself to be more positive and encouraging. I would never have guessed how the rest of my high school years would have turned out. The summer before my freshman year, I decided to do something about my weight. I started
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running and eating better and lost around 40-50 pounds before high school started. Even after working hard and losing the weight, I still struggled with self-esteem and confidence issues. I just didn’t feel worthy of the word “beautiful.” I really struggled with confidence and believing that I was beautiful for a while, but over the years, the meaning and definition of beauty has changed for me– for the better. I used to think, “Who could ever think I was beautiful?” Now it’s hard to believe that I ever thought that lowly of myself. I hardly ever accepted compliments and never took pictures because I hated them. The older I get, the more I realize that beauty takes on different roles. It’s not just what you look like on the outside; I believe it has so much more to do with what is happening on the inside. Beauty is how you treat people, how you carry yourself, and what you do to make the world a better place. All these things I’ve talked about are still very apparent struggles. When life hands you a bad day, it’s always easy to slip right back into the old way of self-depreciating thinking. This, however, is where I am thankful that age and wisdom comes in. I have a better grasp on the world and realize that I am still valuable even when I am feeling when I am down on myself. I have a God who cares so much about me and He has made me beautiful. Clinging to this truth has been the biggest help to me in combating bad self-esteem. Cozette G, 21
Beauty is how you treat people, how you carry yourself, and what you do to make the world a better place.
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a faithful perspective
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BEING A WOMAN IS TOUGH DON’T LET COMPARISON & JEALOUSY STEAL YOUR JOY by audrey martin
Competition is one the hardest parts about being a woman and growing up, if you’re asking me. Sometimes the pressure gets to me. The love of a boyfriend or external beauty that would win compliments and a higher status never remedied my wounds from the vicious, silent competition going on between every single woman I encounter. The only remedy I found was the love of Jesus. Trust me, this has been a lesson that has taken me years to learn, and it’s something I’m still learning. I used to read stuff like what I just wrote and think, “That’s wonderful that Jesus loves me and all, but I want to hear that I’m pretty. I want a boy to want me. I want to feel like I’m smart and capable. I want to feel good about how I look.” I never really thought that I was pretty or smart. I never heard of a boy liking me or even expressing that I was pretty until I was a freshman in college. This was a humbling thing to face everyday of high school. I did not like myself. I always thought that the root of my problem was that I wasn’t getting what I wanted. The root of my problem was that I wanted anything but Jesus. I beg you to listen to me– you will be miserable when you try to rule your life instead of letting King Jesus; you will be miserable. Dwelling on jealousy is a dangerous path to go down. Comparison steals joy like none other, I promise. When I finally believed that God knew me fully and loved me deeply, my life changed. I saw people as souls rather than competition. I saw myself as a cherished child of God rather than “not good enough.” Boyfriend or not, appealing looks or not, I knew Who I belonged to. Nothing could ever be that bad with God on my side. Set your eyes on God’s Word more than social media and you’ll see your life change right before your eyes. By the grace of God, joy will take the place of any jealousy you may have held.
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5 wise words from real women
no.
H AVE A S OLO DANCE
EVERY S INGLE DAY.
– A N DE RS O N W, 23
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w h at to d o
THE BUCKET LIST for ultimate springtime fun
try to check off each fun activity this month GO FOR A BIKE RIDE
GO TO AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
SHOP AT A FARMER’S MARKET
BAKE CUPCAKES
GARDEN
PLAY FRISBEE
HAVE A PICNIC
START A KICKBALL GAME
MAKE A BIRD FEEDER
GO MINI GOLFING
FLY A KITE
WATCH THE SUNRISE
GO HIKING
GO HORSEBACK RIDING
READ A BOOK
DO YOGA
HAVE A BONFIRE
MAKE SMOOTHIES
PLAY TENNIS
PLAY WITH SIDEWALK CHALK
WASH YOUR CAR
GO ROLLERBLADING
HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON
ATTEND A CARNIVAL
GO TO A CRAFT FAIR
START A DIY PROJECT
PLAY BADMINTON
PLAY SOCCER
ATTEND A BASEBALL GAME
SKIP ROCKS
PAINT YOUR NAILS
PLAY IN THE RAIN
DYE EASTER EGGS
VISIT A MUSEUM
PLAY SAND VOLLEYBALL
TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR PETS
GO CANOEING
SEE A MOVIE AT THE DRIVE-IN
SPEND A DAY AT THE ZOO
GO PADDLE BOARDING
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c r e at e
THE DARKROOM
10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FILM PHOTOGRAPHY by jo clark
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Film is tangible. It’s grainy. It’s real. It is what it is, and there’s no LCD screen to double check your shot. Sometimes that means it may not have that perfect eyelash detail you’re wanting to capture. Your images may be slightly or completely out of focus. Take a deep breath and relax knowing that it’s ok. Film isn’t meant to look like digital. That’s the whole point. There is also a learning curve when you don’t have the immediate result to examine. Let go of the imperfections and enjoy the ride.
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The first time you press the shutter… It will be love at first sound. Then you’ll get to manually forward the film, and it will pretty much be a done deal. Film will still your heart one click
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at a time. There is an odd feeling of possession and ownership when you physically load a roll a film, manually focus, and forward it after the shutter is pressed. It’s your image.
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Film retains shadows and highlights much better than digital. It’s almost unreal how film can capture details in parts of a scene that would normally be blown to smithereens. Same with those dreaded bright pinks, oranges, and yellows that seem to blow so easily on digital sensors. Not so with film. Film retains the lovely details in all these troublesome colors and does it with grace and honesty that digital just can not. Skies do not blow nearly as easily as digital and shooting in full sun becomes a welcome experience.
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Experiment with different film stocks and invest in good film right from the start. Why waste the practice and processing costs to get back images you are not happy with? Every film has a different “recipe” for exposing to get a certain look. So many different film stocks have such latitude that you can overexpose by a couple full stops and still get lovely results. For color film I would encourage new filmies to start with Portra 160, Portra 400, or Fuji 400 as you can overexpose them a ton (and should especially with Fuji 400) and be quite pleased with your images. For black and white images, Ilford 400 is a good starter film as well as Kodak Tri-X. Tri-X has a lot more contrast than Ilford; ye be warned. Any of these films can be ordered through Amazon or
at a local camera shop that carries film stocks. Here’s one more tip: The depth of field on a film camera is more shallow than on digital cameras. What you would normally shoot at f 2.0 might be difficult to get in focus on a film camera.
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Keep a journal of your film stocks and settings. Why? Because you will forget. You may think you will remember what settings or film stock you used... but you won’t. I learned this the hard way and spent too much time and money afterwards. Plus it’s really fun to go back and match your images with your notes once your scans come in.
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Choose a reputable lab and develop a relationship with them. No, Walgreens, Costco,
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or other 1 Hour Photo kiosks are not reputable. There are a bunch of amazing labs out there so do your research. Indie Film Lab and Pro Photo Irvine are awesome for development. Make sure you ask what their current turnaround time is before mailing your rolls off though as wedding season bogs them down some and wait times are increased.
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Use a light meter or zone system for proper exposure. The Canon EOS3 has a spot metering option which allows you to use the Zone System to expose. If you are not familiar with or well versed in the Zone System, you are completely missing out on the single most amazing way to master exposure ever created. Seriously.
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Film helps you slow down and wait for the right moment to shoot. Film will help you sit back and wait for the moment. It helps you take a breath and click that shutter when all your stars have aligned and you’re seeing what you want your image to look like. The fact that there are between 24 and 36 frames on a 35mm film role and even less on medium format camera film, is enough to smack you out of overshooting and instill a little photo patience.
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No editing! It’s kind of nice to have a break from the digital editing and stay off the computer as much as possible. Shoot, send off your film, and wait for the “your scans are ready for viewing” email. It’s a glorious thing. By the
time the scans come in, you will more than likely completely forgotten what you shot, and it is such a pleasant experience to relive the moments that you captured.
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Aperture and shutter speed: learn how they work together. Aperture is the opening in the camera that adjusts how much light you want to let in for your photo. The lower the aperture number, (ie: 1.8, 2, 3.5) the more blurred your background will be. (Or foreground if you want to focus on the background). The higher the aperture number, (ie: 16, 22) the more everything will be in focus. It is good to remember that there is not just one way to take a well-lit photograph–photography has equivalents. This means
that you can have a dark room with an aperture of 16 and still get a photo to turn out; you’d just have to leave the shutter open for a few seconds. Shutter speed determines how fast or slow the shutter opens. The faster the shutter drops, the sharper the image will be. A high shutter speed is good for sports photography, capturing images that might have confetti or snowflakes in them or for jumping photos. A slower shutter speed is perfect for capturing waterfalls and for lights speeding by at night. Here’s to trying new mediums. Explore and have lots of fun. You won’t regret it! 67
big choices
VULNERABILITY
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF + BE DIFFERENT by caleigh hendsbee
It’s scary to stand up for what you know is right, and it’s scary to confront a friend about how she hurt your feelings. It’s scary to play dodgeball, and sometimes it’s even scary to go to lunch because you don’t know who you will sit with. It takes a lot for us to convince ourselves to do something that is out of our comfort zones, but this is where the magic happens if you let it. Yes, it’s vulnerable, and yes, there is potential to fail. But there is also potential to succeed, to make a difference, and to be confident. This bravery is somewhere deep within each of us. It’s realizing that we have it and acting upon it that is the hard part. A lot of times bravery and vulnerability go hand in hand, and vulnerability is a crucial part of personal development; it allows us to connect and bond
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with other people. Connections with others is what allows us to feel love and acceptance and courage. It also opens the door for us to feel pain, embarrassment, and fear… but that’s another story. We need vulnerability in our lives, and we need bravery too. The two are nearly the same if you think about. When you’re being vulnerable, you’re often being brave, and when you’re being brave, you’re often being vulnerable. Vulnerability isn’t always comfortable. Truth be told, it’s often a risk. But it’s a risk that can lead joy and excitement and change. Don’t shy away from bravery the next time it comes sheepishly knocking on the door. Open that door up and offer her some tea.
6 wise words from real women
no.
Wishing you were like someone else totally steals the joy of being
unique. – S A RA H L,22
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advice
real girls say: We’re all in this together
Blossom View yourself as a child of God. View yourself as a girl who will blossom. Those thoughts of doubt and insecurity, they’re temporary. You will grow out of them; keep pressing on! The enemy of sin has already lost! Love yourself because Christ loves you even the more. Love yourself because you have a heart of gold that can shine brighter than you think. Love yourself because that heart of gold is what makes you beautiful– not the feeling of fitting into a worldly image.
Confidence and vulnerability are very different yet very similar. Confidence is shown outwardly while vulnerability is something that is internal. Sometimes I fake confidence until I am on top of everything. I don’t fake confidence so other people think I have it all together. I do it for myself because I believe that I will eventually have everything together. So until then I have to keep my head up and keep strutting until the confidence that I have been faking becomes a reality.
Random tip: As far as makeup goes - less is more. Go for a natural look. And clothing? Simplify your life by not worrying about spending lots of money on clothes. Wear what you feel most confident in. Skimpy won’t make you feel confident. People will be more attracted to your confidence way more than your outward apparel.
I have respect for myself and am not willing to change for people. I have encountered and will continue to encounter people who don’t like the fact that I don’t conform to be like them, and they try to tear me down, but believing in myself to be the person that God made me to be gives me all the confidence that I need.
Ashley e, 19
favorite song to groove to:
“Future People” by Alabama Shakes best ever yardsale find:
Sick, white Nikes from the 80s best shoes:
Vintage sandals or sneakers significance behind 1st tattoo:
It says, “A poor man is gracious,” and it is a daily reminder to stay humble, and to look at life through the eyes of the Gospel and to say, “ I don’t need money or whatever to live a good life. I have Jesus and that’s all I need.”
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con t e nt me nt
So why are you trying so hard to impress people– especially with your looks? You don’t want to be friends with people who only like you because of the way you look; you should be surrounded by people who enjoy being with you because of what you bring to the table regardless of how you look. Enjoy living your life no matter what people think. Be you, be unique, keep people on their toes and if people don’t like that they can move on because you will find people who like those qualities in you. Don’t let people try to bring you down because you don’t fit the mold. You were never meant to fit the mold! The Lord your God made you special from his own image, so why would you want to change into anyone else’s. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and no one can take that from you! toni j, 21
r e a l g i r l s s ay
F ind a m entor During your high school days, build a strong relationship with a woman much older than you; this could be your mom, aunt, church leader, older sister, you name it. This type of relationship is very important because it is really helpful to share how you feel about yourself, good or bad, with someone else. During my middle school days, I had a strong relationship with my mom, and I would share with her how I felt about myself, even though it was embarrassing to share. Whenever I would hear how some of my deepest feelings sounded when they came out of my mouth, I would realize how silly and false they actually were. My mom would give me advice and show me Bible verses that would help me stop believing that I was unimportant and start believing that I am someone of value and worth. So, I challenge you to find and keep that relationship with an older woman, because they most likely know exactly what you are feeling and have the right words to grab a hold of your heart and make you see your true beauty. Audra c, 19
Kn ow t ruth My biggest area of struggle with self-esteem is probably what guys think of me. Do they think I’m pretty, funny, and smart? I cared about it a lot; all I wanted was to hear that I was treasured and wanted too. But I never heard it. I felt ugly and small. That was many years ago, and I don’t feel ugly and small anymore. I feel confident in who I am because I know that I am loved by God. Your self-esteem issues will decrease as your relationship with Christ develops. The love of Jesus is sweeter than any man’s love. In the end, people won’t remember what your GPA was or if you were good at sports. They won’t remember what you wore or how much money you had. They won’t remember how many boyfriends you had or if you were friends with the cool crowd. They won’t remember how many likes you got on Instagram. They won’t remember if your pictures were cute. However, they will remember if you were kind. They will remember if you showed them love. Loving others because of God’s love is seriously the most beautiful and beautifying thing. Care more about that than about self-promotion. Fight self-esteem struggles with the Truth of God’s Word. Read it. It will be life to your dry bones every single day. audrey m, 20
favorite song to groove to:
“Do Life Big” by Jamie Grace curly hair tip:
Just own it!
favorite pattern:
Polka dots
dream travel destination:
Mission trip to Argentina
favorite summer activity:
Waterslide races and slushies if i were a fairy...
I would make the sky rain glitter and bounce on flower petals.
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dream big
MAKE DREAMS REALITY 5 TIPS TO CHASING YOUR AMBITIONS by johnnie gall Do I have my life figured out? Of course not—even the most seemingly composed and ambitious among us suffers from self-doubt, an impostor syndrome, a messy garage, a half-baked life. But I do think I figured a few things out when it comes to really going for it, to lassoing broad ambitions and forcing them to take shape. Here are five tips that may seem pretty obvious, but work really dang well when you put them into practice.
1. B E S P E C I F I C The big mistake I used to make when thinking about how I wanted my life to go was to think about in it broad terms with no definitive beginning, middle, and end. To combat vague goals, try to nail down exactly what you want to accomplish, and then set a goal date. So instead of saying that you want eat healthier, make a goal to try a nutritional, vegan recipe every Tuesday for dinner. When your goal is more specific, you’ll be forced to act more quickly to realize that goal since there’s an expiration date. Buy a big, beautiful calendar and fill it up with important deadlines! 2. M A K E A B AT T L E P L A N Let’s run with the vegan recipe plan. Start by making a list of smaller, tangible goals you need to achieve in order to make your goal happen. Look up recipes and make grocery lists in advance. Seeing yourself tick off a checklist is going to keep you motivated to carry out the dreams. 3. R E M I N D Y O U R S E L F D A I LY It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and forget to examine your progress on a daily basis. Make sure you have a visual trigger that will force
you to keep tabs on your goals. I cut out a picture of what I want to achieve and tape it to the refrigerator, and set reminders on my phone’s calendar so I’m forced to think about whether or not I’ve achieved that month’s goal. I also have a big notebook that I fill with ideas, dreams, and tangible goals, and I try to look at it once a week to remind myself of what I set out to do. 4. G E T A S U P P O R T S Y S T E M Making real change in life is hard, but it’s much harder when you do it alone. Share your goals and progress with a small support system. Not only will being vocal about your dreams force you to be accountable, but you may even find help achieving them in unlikely places. 5. J U S T D O I T If you want to pick up surfing, don’t let anyone tell you that you have to save up for a board first. You could always have more money, more time, and a better plan, but if you put off what you really want to do now, chances are, you’ll never do it. There is always a means to accomplishing what you want to do as long as you’re resourceful.
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boy story
HEART RACING BRAVERY LESSONS BEHIND A FIRST KISS by amanda muirhead Okay, I’m not sure if this has been my bravest moment of all time, but it’s definitely one of my first girl power moments– my first kiss. I had been dreaming about my perfect first kiss ever since I was in grade school, I think. I never wanted it to be one of those silly ones in front of your friends underneath the school bleachers during a football game, but neither did I have the highest hopes for my first time locking lips with a boy. All I had ever heard was that everyone’s first kiss is so awkward— squished noses, bad breath, and weird tongues.
denly realized that the longer we stared into each other’s eyes, the closer I was to receiving my first kiss. So I quickly said good night and ran halfway up the driveway. Just as he got in his car and turned it on, I stopped and wrestled with myself “Why did I run? I know I want to kiss him! I know he wanted to kiss me! Why am I so scared?!” Summoning up a huge wave of courage, I ran back down the driveway to his car, told him to get out of the car, wrapped my arms around him, and gave him my first kiss ever.
I had managed, willingly or not, to make it through middle school with no kisses, so it wasn’t until freshman year of high school when I got my first real-deal boyfriend that the kissing began. I knew about not kissing on the first date, and true to my overachieving ways, waited a few months more full of dates to go for it. After every evening my boyfriend would come hang out at my house, I would walk him down the driveway to his car, and we would stand in front of his car with arms wrapped around each other talking and hugging, hidden from my parents by the trees at the end of the driveway.
Yes, our noses were squished. Yes, I still remember the incredible, heart-racing feeling of my first kiss, and although your first kiss is definitely something to be remembered, the part I cherish the most about that memory is my bravery to run back down that driveway and face that silly fear because the result was monumental!
This one particular night, the moon was full and I remember looking up into my boyfriend’s eyes, warm in his big hug, but terrified because I sud74
That bravery is something I can still think back on as an adult— some of the things we are so afraid of are just the things that are unknown. If we can face them head-on (as we are so capable of doing) the very thing we fear could be one of the greatest things we will ever experience... All that said, I have had many much better kisses than that first kiss, but the lesson learned is invaluable.
GO EXPLORE
madrid • new york city • london • charleston 3 tips for each destination
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MADRID, SPAIN
CHARLESTON, SC
1. ALWAYS LOOK UP WHEN WALKING.
1. SAY “MMM” A LOT.
While you’re in Spain, you’re going to walk. A lot. Be prepared for that, but while you walk, remember to look up. You don’t want to miss any of the remarkable architecture.
Here are your destination restaurants: Hominy Grill, Black Tap coffe shop, The Daily, Taco Boy, and Butcher & Bee. Eat, sleep, be merry.
2. SPEND A DAY IN ART MUSEUMS.
There’s something so charming about a city that you can walk or ride a bike to almost everywhere you need to be. Take advantage of that while you can, and bonus... It’s exercise!
The Prado and La Reina Sofia are to die for. They are completely different from one another too. The Prado is filled with classic art like Valazquez and Goya, and Sofia is filled with inspiring modern pieces by contemporary artists. 2. EAT AT A CAFÉ.
Spaniard treat themselves midday to long lunches. Take advantage of the delicious streetside cafes, and take your time eating. A few dining tips: tipping the server is unnecessary, always ask for the check or it will never come, splitting checks is unheard of, and water is not complimentary. 76
2. AVOID USING CARS, IF POSSIBLE.
2. DO SOME LOCAL SHOPPING.
Flowershop is a beautiful local flower shop, and is so much fun to stop in! Glazed Gourmet Donuts... nuff said. SunWoven is a really neat weaving store that you don’t want to miss. And here are some locations you’ll want to see: Sullivan’s Island and Waterfront Park; there’s a cool pineapple-shaped water fountain there.
adventure
NEW YORK CITY, NY
LONDON, ENGLAND
1. VENTURE AWAY FROM TIMES SQUARE.
1. BRING AN UMBRELL A.
Times Square is iconic and a must see, but it can also be a bit much. Don’t forget to explore off the beaten path. Visit Chelsea and the West Village. Go the Fifth Avenue and Central Park. You won’t regret it.
People aren’t kidding when they say that London is a wet and foggy city. It will rain. Better safe than sorry, right? In addition to the umbrella, it’s smart to have shoes that can stand up well in water.
2. EAT PIZZA AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
The sweets all look delectable in London, and trust me, they are! Indulge yourself. You will do a lot of walking; no need to worry about calories or sugar!
This is self explanatory. Is there really anything better than a giant slice of pizza made fresh at any given time of the day for only $2? I didn’t think so. 2. DON’T DRESS LIKE A TOURIST.
Tourists are much more susceptible to be taken advantage of when in a big city. If you look like you’re from New York and walk like you’re from New York, there’s a much better chance that no one is going to mess with you. Be confident; you’re in the big city!
2. TREAT YOURSELF TO PASTRIES.
2. WALK ALONG THE THAMES AT NIGHT.
There is something so quaint about the riverfront. Especially in the evening. Restaurants are charming, and live music will be in full swing. Lots of couples will dance, and there will be a perfect view of the London Eye and Big Ben from the Millennium Bridge– this is the suspension bridge that’s in Harry Potter! 77
B E RYL M AGAZI NE EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Courtney Gibson Caitlyn McDuffie creative director Sarah Lowe art director Deb Shmerler assistant editor Katilyn Shaw editorial assistant Sarah Smith contributing writer Toni Jackson contributing writer Audrey Martin copy editor Diane Gibson stylist Grace Yarbro contributing writer Cozette Gaspard senior photographer Maddie Lane photographers Brayan Zavala and Bryce Gibson contributing photographer Caitlyn McDuffie feature editor Dave Matthews features writer Ashley Evans chief sub-editor Aimee Chico web development and designer Matt Montgomery poster contributor Amanda Muirhead editor
ADVERTISING + DESIGN Sarah Lowe Michael McAdams account managers Cynthia Moxley, Alan Carmichael group ad director Grace Yarbro creative solutions director Yung Chic creative solutions manager Lil Sprank digital advertising director Claire Riddle digital director Not Me circulation & brand marketing manager Geraldine Elmendorf junior marketing executive Bruce Gibson corporate promotional designer Rebecca Mullen advertising production representative Missy Elliot graphic designer Pharell Williams online marketing director Haley Hudgins consumer marketing managers Megan Lange commercial finance manager Allen Minecci regional sales director Samuel Bendrium regional advertising director Wendy Windy brand development director sales director
ADMINISTRATIVE Matthew Scott Holt Judy Brown administrative director Diane Harvey it director
human resources director
Send us your stories and empowering quotes to be feutured next month!
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Beryl Magazine 452 Southern Blooms Dr. Suite A Savannah, GA 12789 or online at www.berylmag.com/realstories
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where imperfections are celebrated
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