Dress Day 1: A Vulnerable Beginning

 “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”

― Brené Brown

Day 1 of the Dress Challenge: A Vulnerable Beginning
 
Cloudy with just enough sunshine. You can't back out of a dress challenge on a day like this. Let me be frank, real beginnings rarely seem glamorous. I got back from the gym, showered, and put on my first dress of the week. Grey with flower and flow on the bottom. When I saw it in the store, I instantly gravitated towards it while a little voice of Doubt crept into the back of my mind and whispered, "Oh, that? You wouldn't look good in that."

It would have been easy to agree with that voice. In fact, it always seems easier. But, I'm a Girl Warrior and I know that love is more powerful than hate.

"Doubt," I replied kindly, "You are sweet to worry that this dress isn't in my best interest, but I beg to differ." And I bought that damn dress. And then I wore it today.

I would like to tell you that I rocked that dress with nearly 100% confidence and Doubt didn't say a peep all day, but I didn't and Doubt interjected quite frequently. It was, at best, maybe 70%.

Vulnerable. Exposed. Sensitive. I felt all of these things, because I'm a human being. But, that's the point of a challenge, babes. I was pushed outside out of my comfort zone and yes, it felt pretty weird.

I spent a while outside in the park, laying in the sunshine and staring at my legs. In my previous point, I mentioned that I used to be very self-conscious of my legs and rarely showed them. On this sunny afternoon, it seemed like they were thanking me for finally letting them shine.

All those uncomfortable feelings? Worth it.

Girl Warrior isn't just about being strong all the time, but accepting our beautiful human limitations. I have to be honest, I'm not that good at it yet, but I'm also not sorry. The journey to body acceptance is an everyday challenge.

Now, ladies, I need something from you.

In the past few days, I've had the honor of being interviewed by a couple different people about Girl Warrior and they have all asked me the question, "Where will Girl Warrior go?"

I'm honestly not sure, babes. I've got a lot of ideas, but the response has been overwhelming and I have no idea what to do for the next step forward. Cuties, I've never been good at asking for help. It makes me feel vulnerable. So, here I am, embracing that vulnerability and asking for your humble help, if you feel so inspired.

What should I do with Girl Warrior? I want to hear your voice!

XOXO
Girl Warrior