Thank You, Rachel Zoe

My guilty pleasure: reality shows that revolve around fashion.

Earlier this week, while I was at home doing some house chores, I had The Rachel Zoe Project on in the background. It was the episode where she was scrambling from runway to runway in search of the perfect Oscar dresses for her famous clients. Since she is probably the most popular stylist in the industry, she was often bombarded by questions from reporters as she was entering and exiting each show. Most of these questions had a negative spin on them, and they implied that Zoe was not going to achieve the goals she had set out to accomplish on this very important trip.

During an interview clip, she mentioned something that I thought was brilliant, and that everyone should be well aware of. "People want to see me squirm," she said. "No one likes a success story, so that is why I have to work so much harder." Is this true? No one likes a success story?

When it comes to media that could very well be true. There really isn't any "story" in having something go according to plan. Yes, this is an unfortunate reality, but at the same time it means that people know that success is what should happen. People expect things to go well, but some may hope that it doesn't for various reasons.

The reason why I loved that she pointed this out is because she is aware that she is a target, and she knows that she has to work that much harder because of it. If you are someone who steps away from the crowd, attempting to do amazing things with your life, you are going to be looked at. Some people see your example as something to admire, and others turn green with envy. We cannot control how others feel, but we always have the ability to control our own actions. In this situation, the best thing to do is to live by the Golden Rule. We should give these people the same love and support we wish to receive. People will choose to either accept or reject your grace, but at least you stay true and represent the qualities you wish to see in others.

I understand that everyone has a completely unique situation. But in any case, don't be discouraged by human opinions! We know in our hearts what we are capable of, and that passion will take us far. These negative opinions are designed to make us second-guess ourselves and discourage us from being so great! We need to protect the goodness we plan on expressing from the negative thoughts of others. I feel sorry for people who are prone to criticizing others, because I know that they too have dreams and a desire for more. Whenever I criticize, I know that I am the one with the real issue.

It is ironic how doing great things simultaneously attracts negative attention. If you are feeling discouraged, it is probably only because your good has been recognized. We can take this negative attention as a compliment, for people wouldn't feel the need to challenge something that wasn't a threat to their beliefs or identity.

During these trying times, it is most important to have confidence in yourself. No one will have confidence in you if you don't first have confidence in yourself. Have fun challenging the norm and breaking the mold. By staying true to yourself, you allow others to do the same. (Picture provided by: hulu.com.)

A Proper Introduction

My name is Alexandra and I am a recent college graduate. I have a degree in Mass Communication, and I truly have a desire to spread my message to the masses. What is my message exactly? My intent for starting this blog is to post thought provoking statements and questions that challenge our day-to-day norms. The title of my blog, 'Oh My Goodness,' emphasizes the need to live a quality life full of goodness. Our world, at present, seems to be saturated by sensationalism. I believe that this has happened through the powerful presence of technology in our lives today.

Technology is not going to go anywhere, nor do I think it needs to, but I do believe that we need to reevaluate and rebalance our relationship to it. Social networking sites, for instance, have both opened doors and put up walls. It is scary to think that our younger generations main source of communication is through a keyboard. This habit is sure to stifle growth in social graces and communication skills - two very important things to have in the "real" world. 

I am a member of Facebook, and agree that there are great things about it, but I think some people have taken it too far. I am guilty of having checked my profile more than once a day, particularly at school, but only out of boredom and procrastination. And just the fact that I checked my profile based on such a silly foundation is a huge indicator that I should be spending my time more wisely. Let's challenge ourselves to resist the temptation!

Admirable people consistently redefine their lives and challenge themselves to be better. What is most important, I think, is that we are constantly asking ourselves how we can be better individuals. No matter how large or small that question is to each of us, we all have the potential to be the best version of ourselves.