There is a lot of advice out there if you're looking for it, and even if you're not looking for it. Most of it conflicts each other, but there are some standard tidbits that probably everyone should follow such as drink more water, wash your makeup off before heading to bed, be kind to others, eat your vegetables etc.
Personally, I love getting advice by reading it. Sometimes, I can get a little defensive or overthink things too much face-to-face, but if I read it, I have a chance to really reflect on it and also, I get the chance to feel it in my gut. Do you know what I mean? When I read a line that is very impactful to me, I get a gut reaction. I know when I get this, I should go back and re-read that bit of text over and over because it's obviously something my body and mind needs in my life at that moment.
I have had the privilege in the past few years of getting to collect some amazing advice from women I admire through the Love Letters From A Belle campaign. I wanted to just highlight some parts that gave me that gut feeling, maybe you will feel it too.
"You will become someone who takes risks. You will be misunderstood. You will have to let go of relationships that you begin to outgrow, it’s okay. You will develop a group of people around you who inspire you beyond your wildest dreams. Your most vital connection will be the one you maintain with yourself. You will learn that your internal state is the basis for everything else in your life." - Alyssa Bertram
"The struggle is part of the story. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s working. Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first." - Allie Beckwith
"I know you’re dealing with a lot of injuries right now, and your body feels like the enemy, but let me tell you: your body has a tremendous ability to heal, and you my dear have a tremendous ability to heal. What you think you can’t do now will someday be a distant memory." - Kayla Short
"Please know that no matter how low you get, and no matter how many lies your anxiety tells you, things will always get better. Sometimes you will need a helping hand from someone else to understand this, and that is completely okay. You are never a burden to a real friend, and you will make plenty of these kinds of friends along the way, by just being little ol’ you. Even on the days that you don’t love yourself, these friends will love you unconditionally, without being asked and with no strings attached. “Bad days” are a healthy and natural part of life, although they rarely seem like that when you are faced with one. There will be days when it will be difficult to get out of bed and there will be days that it seems like the whole world is collapsing around you- I promise that it never really is. Positive thinking will quite literally save your life, and although there may be days when it seems impossible to do it, do it anyway. It may not be easy and it may take some hard work, but it will always be worth it. You will always be worth it." - Addie Van Rijn
"It might be a cliché phrase, but it is cliché for the simple reason that it’s true: You are beautiful with or without makeup. And please don’t let social media make you think otherwise." - Savannah Belsher-MacLean
"Don’t let your limiting beliefs stop you from going after what you want in life. Play by your own rules and fuck doing things because you think you “should”. Make your decisions out of love, rather than fear, and your heart will lead you where you were always meant to go." - Rachel Molenda
"I firmly believe we are shortchanging ourselves if we don’t let female friendships blossom in our lives as they can be so rich and fulfilling. After all, who is more likely to truly empathize with us and understand us than those who may have similar experiences, pressures and insecurities. As females we can play a vital role of building one another up and supporting each other. Every Belle deserves at least one female bestie in her life (if not a village of Belles) to lean on. Let’s model that type of fierce lasting friendship. Let’s leave competitiveness, comparisons and hurtful actions at the door and embark on a revolution." - Veronica Powell
"Don’t let your fear hold you back. Imagine the life you want to have in the future, and make the steps toward achieving it. You know in your heart what you need to do to have the life you dream of. Leave that dead end job! Make that phone call! Pick up that paintbrush! No matter how tiny or insignificant the step feels, it is still taking you down the path you have chosen to be on. Beautiful things happen when you get into the driver’s seat and embrace that lovely little spark of fearlessness. Don’t be afraid, don’t feel alone, and, most importantly, don’t quit your daydream. You’ve got this." - Elizabeth Slater
"Be gentle with yourself, keep the ones you love so close to you, & never forget to be grateful for everything you have & face in this life. The way you shape your reality in your own mind is everything. Don’t underestimate this power & use it to your advantage."-Lauren Holden