Let’s face it, ladies. Society wants us to be perfect. I am completely guilty of falling into that pit of pressure that we all get from magazines, TV shows, movies—it’s everywhere. Now, I’m not saying I have low self-confidence or anything, but sometimes I feel like I don’t live up to the expectations that society places on women. Who’s with me? Instead of encouraging us to be strong, smart, humble, generous, beautiful, DISTINGUISHED young women, we are pushed to be sexy, materialistic, submissive, and selfish. It is up to us to decide which of these paths we want to take. It’s up to us to live up to the Distinguished Young Women name. Good ole’ Webster defines distinguished as: “marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence.” It’s our turn to be excellent, girls. Do something great this week: volunteer at a local charity, talk to someone you’ve never talked to before, read something that will broaden your understanding of the world. It’s these little things that make your life BIG. Don’t waste your time wishing you were skinnier, had better hair or whiter teeth—in 30 years, will those things even matter? You should all be proud of your accomplishments, but don’t stop now. You have so much left to do, such an impact to make on this world. Don’t let society bring you down.
I know I shared this quote in my first blog post, but it is so prevalent, here it is again:
I know I shared this quote in my first blog post, but it is so prevalent, here it is again:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
1 Peter 3: 3-4
Stay distinguished, and much love to you all,
Katye
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
1 Peter 3: 3-4
Stay distinguished, and much love to you all,
Katye
Katye Brock is a college freshman at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee majoring in International Studies. Originally from Tullahoma, Tennessee, Katye was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee for 2011 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2011. Learn more about Katye here!
