How Big Can You Give?

I don’t know if you’ve seen any of Oprah’s latest show “The Big Give” on ABC, but it is very inspiring! Ten contestants were chosen to show how they can give big based on each week’s challenges. They’ve given away money, connected with communities, paid car bills, reached out to those in need, completed random acts of kindness, and so much more. It has challenged me to ask myself each day, “How can I give big? Can I give bigger?” Anyone can be the recipient: my own family, every girl that comes to our site, or a stranger I meet on the street.

So, I would love to hear about one of your recent random acts of kindness or how you’re giving big. Maybe we can all inspire one another. I was thinking about how amazing it would be if every single person in the world took on Oprah’s challenge. Can you just imagine how the power of these simple acts could change things? It’s pretty awsesome! Well, I’m going to go see what random act I can carry out today.

Reach Out.

Every one of us has problems. If you think you’re alone or the only one dealing with a specific problem, keep reading. There’s always someone who wants to listen. No matter what you’re dealing with, you are not alone. There are other girls and women who have been through the exact same thing, and we are all here to help.

In The Powder Box Secrets girls just like you talk about some of our toughest issues. If you can’t find help for what you need here, check out the book or let us know what you’re looking for at info@girlswithdreams.com. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or one of your friends, there is always someone who wants to listen and help. Read our tips on getting help, no matter what tough stuff you’re dealing with!

If I think I need help, where do I start?

1. Talk to an adult you trust.
2. See what resources your school has to offer. Talk to someone at school like a teacher, counselor, or social worker.
3. Help can also start with a doctor or a counselor. Your parents can find out what your insurance company will accept. Even if they won’t, there are many places that have a sliding fee scale. Sometimes doctors may recommend medical treatment.
4. Remember that you are not alone.

How Do I find a professional?

1. Have your parents check with their insurance company for resources and limitations.
2. Seek recommendations from friends, family, your physician, or school personnel.
3. Call the professionals and make an appointment. You can always cancel.
4. Use the Internet and your school to locate further resources.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and counselor?
Psychiatrists
Generally prescribes any medication to treat mental illnesses. Most psychiatrists don’t do counseling. If you’re taking medication, it’s important to find a psychiatrist that specializes in adolescent health.

Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counselors These individuals do not prescribe medications. They should have a Masters Degree and a license in their respective fields. There are many forms of counseling and therapy, so don’t be afraid to ask them for their particular approach, style, or format. Don’t be afraid to keep trying to find someone until you feel comfortable.

Here are a few questions you or your parents might want to ask.
Are you licensed?
What kind of training did you receive?
What is your specialty or expertise?
What is your approach to therapy and medication?
What are your fees and what insurance do you accept?

Break the Ice by Being Nice

Our teenage years are full of great changes, including changes in friendships. Sometimes we need to make new friends and it might feel impossible, but it’s not.

Start by giving someone a sincere compliment. It’s a great way to start a conversation and might lead to a new friendship.

Get involved in a new activity. As scary as this sounds, it’s a great way to expand your social cirlce and meet new people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not as good at something as others might be. People love to help, and this can be another great way to get to know people.

Here’s one final tip that appeared in “The Powder Box Secrets”:
“Making friends was always very difficult for me, especially girlfriends. I never got the ‘secret signals’ they gave each other and was excluded a lot. Now I’ve learned a little about how to do it successfully. First, I think the best strategy to get people to like you is to make them laugh and to help them out in little ways instead of just telling them about your endless problems. In turn, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much people will come to care about you and support you in your time of need.”
-Katie, 17

Beauty Secrets: Words of Wisdom

Okay, so the other day my boyfriend’s mom sent me this poem and I thought it was very uplifting and the perfect thing for every girl to read. Audrey Hepburn was asked about her beauty tips and this is how she responded:

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”

How do you guys like it?

Break it Down.

I have a good friend who is a pilates instructor in New York City. I asked her what she thinks you need to do to stay fit. She’s run two marathons and other races, so, here’s what Nel told me:

1. Think positively. Every time you want to put yourself down, replace that negativity with a positive thought.

2. Schedule time to exercise. Do your favorite activity 4 to 5 days a week for at least 20 minutes.

3. Exercise with friends. It’s always a great motivator.

4. Forgive yourself if you miss a day. Guilt never helps.

5. Remember that exercise is a way to express yourself. If you do it just to lose weight, you won’t want to do it and it will become a burden.

6. DRINK WATER!

Having a Bad Hair Day?

So, what if you’re having a bad hair day? Just throw your hair up in a ponytail and move on!

If you want to feel and look better, you need to take action. Sometimes that can be really hard when you’re having a down day. When that happens, try to find at least one way you can be kind to yourself. Go for a walk, call a friend, listen to music, or sit outside. What else is on your list?

Get a Guy by Being Yourself.

I think girls are tired of trying to be perfect. Girls are tired of trying to be the perfect size, have the perfect hair, and wear the perfect clothes. What if girls were able to just be themselves? This can feel impossible at times, especially when you feel different than everyone else.

What I mean by this is that you should do the things you love doing in order to bring a smile to your face. Do you love soccer? Dancing? Scrapbooking? Playing guitar? Hanging with friends? Whatever it is, just do it.

You will feel happier and be happier, which will shine through. And when it’s the right time, you will find companionship in someone who also likes those things or respects what makes you, you.

Makeup Made Easy

Applying makeup can be tricky, but how will you become pro if you don’t practice? Use these east beauty tips to get started:

1. Keep it Simple. Less is definitely more, so don’t pile on the makeup.

2. Talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. Ask your older sister or mom for advice.

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. How else will you find the perfect pallette?

4. Ever heard of Bobbi Brown? She’s got great tips and advice. Check them out at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

5. If you have acne, talk to a dermatologist about your skin instead of loading on a bunch of products.

6. Remember to see behind the makeup. You are always beautiful, so don’t ever believe differently!

7. Maintain a healthy balanced diet and drink water. What you put inside effects your outside.

Getting in Shape for Prom: Part II

So now that I’ve been on this diet and working out for a couple weeks, I have actually seen results. I’ve lost seven pounds in less than three weeks and I feel great.

This experience has taught me to stick with my program. At first, it sounded so easy to do what my trainer said. But once I got started, I won’t lie, it was really hard.

If you want to get in shape, you’re really going to have to stick with your plan. It’s not easy, but once you start seeing results, all your hard work and effort is totally worth it. Now that I know what I’m doing is working, it’s a little easier to watch what I eat and workout. Just keep your eye on the prize, and it will all be worth it.

Reading About Rock

I have a friend who loves music. I asked her where to look to learn more about rock, and she gave me this list of books:

“The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection”

“Rock She Wrote” by Ann Powers

“She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop & Soul” by Lucy O’Brien

“Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday” by Angela Y. Davis

“Girls Rock! Fifty Years of Women Making Music” by Mina Carson, Tisa Lewis and Susan M. Shaw

“Electric Ladyland: Women And Rock Culture” by Lisa Rhodes

“The Lost Women of Rock Music” by Helen Reddington

“Hip Hop Divas” by Vibe Magazine

“Women and Popular Music: Sexuality, Identity and Subjectivity” by Sheila Whiteley

“Finding Her Voice: The Illustrated History of Women in Country Music”

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