I've been thinking a lot about what I want "This Girl" section to be about. It can be kind of boring to read about my day to day life, all the exciting stuff you can see on my twitter feed in a few short words https://twitter.com/rachelleBriton
I have decided that this portion of my blog will be about what inspires me. Maybe a photo, a movie, a quote, a painting, etc. I hope that this will also be a source of inspiration for you too. Today This Girl's inspiration comes from my friend Marques Harper. He use to work as a writer for the Austin American Statesman. He now is working in L.A. pursing his dreams. Marques wrote this beautiful statement.
"If you are not vigorously pursuing your dreams, you are wasting time and adding to the carbon footprint of life. And with life there's a guarantee of death, but it's the pursuit of love and the dreams you have for your life that matter the most. It's in that pursuit that we truly come alive. Got it?" -Marques Harper
I loved it so much I wrote it on my mirror with lipstick!
FASHION
Have you seen the big uproar about the new Free People ad on you tube?
Watch the video and tell me what you think?
Here's my point of view:
I'm stunned by all the dancers out there, being so critical about this ad. If you are a dancer then you know how hard it is. You all make me fear going back into the studio with all the judgey comments. I've danced my whole life, everything from ballet/point to hip hop. First of all, this girl never mentioned that she was a professional ballerina. I am not agreeing that she has perfect form, I actually think it isn't perfect for a reason. She even says "No matter how Good the person is, if you connect with someone, while looking at them, its because they are showing their emotions while they are dancing..." As a fashion designer and label owner myself, I think is is a reflection of the Free People's spirit. You can dance at any age. This girl is a dancer. She is dancing isn't she? So what if she isn't a professional dancer? No "perfect people" required for this brand. We are talking about Free People not Capezio. Professional ballerinas are going shop at a dance stores, because they must all match. Recreational dancers, dance teachers, modern dancers, choreographers, or people getting back into dance again will shop at Free People which happens to be a much bigger market. Free People is genius, after all dancing's a workout trend. Why would we want to see a world class ballerina dancing for Free People if we are considering buying their product if we can't dance like one either? This ad is not about ballet it's about the brand and passion. Sometimes we aren't always great at what we are passionate about but, why not keep trying. As for this woman she has great flexibility, good improvisation, some dance background, and room to grow. I think it's great. Try to get a model to not be stiff on film or the runway, it's harder than it looks. My best models are always dancers. They can feel the rhythm of the beat and react to the crowd. I'm giving this model/dancer and Free People a virtual high five!
To read more about this champaign check out this great blog
PAIN
Having chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis can be not only painful and secluding, but it can also be extremely mentally challenging. One big problem that I struggle with is that I look pretty normal, so people don't know how bad I am hurting. It's particularly hard if I don't know someone or haven't seen someone in a long time and they don't know how sick I am. They usually assume I'm fine because I look fine, therefore I'm usually expected to be the same person I've always been.
I feel like bringing this issue up because I know that I'm not the only person that struggles with this feeling. This assumption happens to many people with other illnesses as well. It's been something that has been called to my attention in my life, that I would like to address. For the people out there hurting I want you to know that this is normal and no one is trying to offend you, they just don't know any better. If you are having a hard time dealing with this issue please e-mail me or write on my blog about it. We can find a way to deal with this.
It becomes more challenging because I don't want to walk up to everyone I meet or who does't know my circumstance and say "Hey, I've got this really rare bone disease called Chronic Sclerosing Osteomyelitis......." First of all it is not a well know disease, so sometimes people want to go into the details which can take hours to explain, and the grueling questions can take a toll on me as well. I won't lie there are times that I have straight up teared up and told people that I can't talk about it anymore.
For me the easiest way to deal with this is to try and feel the best I can in the moment, and to not bring up how sick I am unless absolutely necessary. I don't want a pity party, I want to feel as normal as I possibly can! I don't really like talking about it, it makes me feel worse. Although, everyone is different, some people like to talk about their illness because letting go of that inner struggle is a release for them or an outlet. I have found that having a loved one help explain my situation when needed can be the biggest relief, but again that is for me personally.
Tip: Ask those you love for their support. They want to help I promise!
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