Let's Bring Each Other Up! Shall We!?
I was going through my Instagram stories earlier today, and one video really caught my eye. It was a girl making fun of another girl whose makeup did not look its best. I thought about it for a second and realized that I have judged girls based on their makeup, too. It's crazy and stupid! My post today is inspired by the idea that we - women - need to be kind, and need to bring each other up instead of tearing each other down!
I am pretty sure that other girls made fun of my makeup at some point or another. There was a time when I worked at a fitness center when I was studying in an undergrad university. This fitness center was not far away from my dorm building, so I just walked to work. It sucked in the winter though!
So one snowy morning, I was getting ready to leave for work, and I remembered that I needed to put on mascara. After doing so, I was on my way! Apparently, when it is super cold outside, mascaras tend to run (UGH!). You can guess what happened next! I walked into work, and absolutely no one told me that I looked like freakin' Edward Scissorhands with huge black circles under my eyes, and messed up makeup. I only found out about it when I went to the bathroom after being at work for at least 15 minutes. I can only imagine what my coworkers were thinking, or even saying to each other!
I am laughing now when thinking back to this story, but at that time, I was really upset that nobody said anything to me! I mean, wouldn't you want others to let you know that your makeup is ruined? It is one thing to laugh at another person in such situations. However, we forget that these things can also happen to us, and we will be the ones laughed at!
I am trying to figure out where this idea that women must compete with other women comes from, and it is difficult to pinpoint the exact source. Honestly, though, I see so many memes about how girls' style, makeup, personalities, etc. are made fun of. These memes get reposted millions of times every single day! I am also guilty of it. I was simply never aware of how much negativity I channeled through judging other women based on such superficial things like their makeup. I have been slowly catching myself whenever a judgemental thought runs through my mind, and it is something that I am still working on!
The thing that brought a great deal of change and awareness to me about this topic is being in psychology grad school for over a year. We are constantly reminded of the importance of not being judgemental, exercising compassion and acceptance instead. It is such a difficult job because we are almost programmed to judge others. I am so thankful for being taught how to bring awareness to myself by amazing professionals, and how to reflect on my actions and thoughts. It is a constant effort to look at people through a positive lens, but it is so doable, I promise!
There is so much negativity and hate in this world already. Wouldn't you want to do something about it? How about we start by helping other women, instead of trying to compete and talking crap about them?!
I am sure you have heard this rule of thumb before, but let me say it: Treat others the way you want to be treated! Even if there is a girl at work that you do not seem to get along with, be kind to her. Every single one of us has her own story. Maybe something bad is going on with her at home, and that is why she seems to be mean all the time. There are so many things that could be happening, right?
Another great way to begin bringing each other up is to compliment each other. If you see a girl on the train wearing cute boots, tell her! You will only make her day, and that can actually mean so much to her! We attract positive energy. The more we give, the more we will receive! It's just that simple.
I think that it is also important to look at other successful women without destructive jealousy. Instead, get inspired by these amazing women who are leaders in whatever lifestyle they chose! It is so easy to attract negative thoughts about something that you do not have.
I mean, let's talk about Kylie Jenner! She is such a successful businesswoman, and yet, millions of other women hate her. It is sickening because imagine what she has to go through emotionally when she reads nasty comments on her social media platforms. Personally, I am fascinated by her. She is so young, and yet she is a CEO of her own company, that SHE created. Yes, she was already rich, but no one made her work. She could have just spent her days not doing shit, but instead, she is out there hustling! Honestly, we can only learn from her. She understands how business works, and she makes the best of it. Yass!
Anyway... This post is getting a little bit too long, so I am just going to finish off by telling you, my amazing girlbosses, stop the negativity by getting inspired by each other and helping each other! I sure am trying to do this exact thing every day. Trust me, there is room for every single girl in this world to be successful!
What are your thoughts on this topic? Please don't be shy, and share your thoughts! I really want my blog to be a safe and positive place for all women. :)