I came across a Word document I wrote a while back and I was playing with the idea of being my own chic mentor. I had tons of points written down about me as a chic mentor. At the time some were true and some were not true… yet.
I wrote them as if observing someone chic and went from there. You can also add in attributes you admire in others as a reference point for yourself. Coming back to this list (more than three pages long of single-spaced typing) was so inspiring and I’d highly recommend it as a fun way to inspire yourself.
Here’s some of ‘me’:
- She dresses in a simple and neutral colour palette
- She looks after her possessions, cares for them and shows them respect
- She gathers furniture and clothing over time to create her own unique style
- She aims for style, not fashion.
- She is uniquely herself
- She is a successful author
- She is serene
- She has fun with her family
- She spends time on sexy eye makeup
- She is elegant and has a simple personal style
- She is light in spirit and fun to be around
- She adds feminine touches to her outfits
- She is very warm and nurturing at the same time as being sexy, good fun and also a good conversationalist
- She is intelligent but also doesn’t try to dominate the conversation or show you how much she knows
- She has a balanced life
- She is hardworking and professional, good at what she does and takes her work seriously
- She is down-to-earth
- She is well-mannered and quiet
- She has followed her dream to create her own clothing range
- She is slim and healthy looking, not stick thin
- She is glossy
- She has created her own life for herself
- She is basically the coolest female ever
It’s easy to get caught up in what we haven’t done well, the wrong foods we’ve eaten, the late nights we are having, etc. But what about if we concentrated on everything we are doing right, and add in some ‘could be/maybe in the futures’ just to zing things up?
The mind does not know truth from fiction, and simply takes in what you feed it. In addition, what you think is your reality is only your perception of what you think is reality.
I did a psychology paper, for fun… as you do, fifteen or so years ago. One part I distinctly remember in the text book was that how you view something isn’t necessarily fact. Your beliefs filter what you see, much like a pair of sunglasses.
It’s taken that a long time to sink in for me, and I forget it sometimes. What I take from it though, is to be open to different ways of seeing things. Don’t be rigid. Soften the view.
Do you think you could be your own chic mentor? What are a few bullet points that your dream chic list might say?
fiona
PS. My most recent book ‘How to be Chic in the Winter: Living slim, happy and stylish during the cold season’ is available on Amazon now, in paperback or on Kindle. Read ‘How to be Chic in the Winter’ to discover my strategy for not just surviving, but thriving this winter; on how to have a chic and beautiful winter season and emerge, like a butterfly ready for a gorgeous spring and summer.
Go here to take a look.
You have hit on a succinct way of saying that we should be true to ourselves. that doesn't stop us from wanting to better ourselves, but we have to know where we're willing to make efforts and where we aren't--our priorities. Who knows that better than we ourselves?
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, thank you :)
DeleteI'm intrigued by your chic list here! How inspiring to return to it from time to time! I'm charmed and motivated by your example and efforts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rebecca!
DeleteHi Fiona, It's funny how I have a hard time listing positive things about myself, but listing negatives, or things I need to work on is easier. It feels like I'm boasting, but it shouldn't feel that way! I think it's because I am naturally self-depracating (in a light, sarcastic way).
ReplyDeleteD.
It gets easier when you practice :)
DeleteThis post is such a good mood-booster, Fiona. Your list sounds tres chic!
ReplyDeleteAs I was listing mine out, I couldn't help but feel happy, proud and inspired to get to work on being my very own chic mentor! This reminds me of an idea in one of your books that I would never forget - by thinking about what you desire often and keeping it foremost in your mind, your brain is more likely to pick up signals and opportunities that will help you obtain that desire. What a powerful notion! It's analogous to "self-fulfilling prophecy" and "the world is how you see it."
I feel a bit self-conscious posting my own chic mentor list but all the ladies (and gents) here are gentle souls so here goes:
She loves learning new things to enrich her life.
She has lovely penmanship.
She is financially-savvy.
She is courteous and tactful.
She is grateful for all she has.
She is an efficient and skillful cook and baker.
She visits and appreciates parks, gardens and wild places.
She is well-read.
She is both articulate and good at listening.
She knows when to speak up and when to just let things roll off her shoulders.
She is creative and resourceful in solving problems big and small.
She is a devoted yogi.
She isn't afraid or too proud to say "I don't know" and "I am sorry."
Thank you, Fiona, for a great post!
Oooh, thank you for sharing your list Natalie; I love it so much! Great ideas for me to steal for my list too :)
DeleteWhat a lovely post. I can always count on beautiful inspiration when I visit your blog Fiona. Thank you for being you! And also, I think you embody all of these things on your list now. :)
ReplyDeleteAah, you're lovely Stephanie. Thank you :)
Delete"Being your own chic mentor" reminds me of something I just read somewhere(maybe a blog?) where she says to "live vicariously through yourself" instead of others. Great post, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, Carla, I love it!
DeleteAs a "woman of a certain age", I would think some of my chic mentor ideas would be appropriate for this time of life:
ReplyDeleteShe is wise and gladly shares her wisdom if asked.
She is gracious and generous.
She is sometimes just a little bit mysterious.
She continues to cultivate her style and adds unexpected twists for fun.
That wasn't so hard.
So good Kristien, thank you for sharing. I love mystique, it's fun :)
DeleteThank you, Fiona for reminding me to focus on the good and being the best that I can be. I believe what I focus on grows!
ReplyDeleteA few points on my dream chic list:
She feels peaceful and relaxed, no matter what.
She trusts life.
She can inspire & help others in similar situations as her.
She allows everyone to be themselves.
She is effortlessly slim.
She knows she is exactly where she is suppose to be.
She laughs when things don't go her way.
She is a jet setter.
She has style.
She is excited about her life.
She is kind to herself.
She lets go.
She is calm.
These are all so you, Princess. Lovely list :)
DeleteI love this idea of a Chic Mentor. I do make little lists frequently and I love to incorporate the ideas of others, like you! A book that I recently read, The Art of Grace, by Sarah Kaufman, gives me other tips on gracious living. Like gathering wisdom, we can be gleaning beautiful thoughts and refining our "chic" lists continually. Thank you for the inspiration and being such a wonderful mentor.
ReplyDeleteHoney Bee
Beautifully worded comment, thank you Honey Bee. I have not heard of that book, so I look forward to finding out more :)
DeleteThis is such a great idea. Your ideal chic self will always be there to guide you in the right direction. It's like having an endless source of inspiration. Some from my list:
ReplyDeleteShe has great posture.
She listens well and speaks eloquently.
She has her own signature style and dresses to flatter her figure.
She is professional and takes her work/education seriously.
She has a quiet self confidence.
She is playful and doesn't take life too seriously.
She accepts compliments graciously, without debate.
She spends more nights in than out on the town.
She brings a healthy lunch with her to work every day.
Great inclusions, Anna. I love your last one - to me inspiration is the practical details as well as the other stuff.
Delete7 pages is impressive! I love your style: frighten and confuse the enemies :) So good. I also believe living well is the best revenge. Thank you for sharing some of your list.
ReplyDeleteWell, this was a very inspiring post. I like this. It got me thinking about how I have "come into my own" the last 15 years. I am still young but this post will remind you of goals to make in the future.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Mrs Shockley. We are always growing and evolving, throughout our entire life.
Delete:)
ReplyDelete