IHOD + DEAN STREET SOCIETY INTRODUCE #EncourageBeauty

February 27, 2013

Posted 09/12

If I had a dime for every time a friend or stranger was critical of herself in conversation… “I have the worst skin, my hair is such a pain, I just need to lose this belly bulge…” I have a feeling I would be a very rich woman. I am guilty of this myself. Its what we do. Sometimes we believe with truth what we are saying and other times, we have a genuine need for affirmation, and that is how we search for it. It breaks my heart to see the state of confidence in women today…of EVERY age.

{THE ENCOURAGE BEAUTY MANIFESTO (PART 1 OF 2)}

When Hilary approached me about this genius idea to Encourage Beauty in the month of March, I immediately jumped on board and here’s why…

The root of the word “encourage” is “to put courage in”. You have the ability every day, to put courage in another person. You have the choice to use your words and actions to inspire confidence in everyone you talk to. If you remind a friend that her reflection glows every time she pulls out those jewel toned sweaters, that is what will run through her head the next time she is in her closet deciding what to wear. And because of this extra boost of confidence, she has the courage to turn to the stranger at the check out line and exclaim, “Excuse me, but I just had to tell you that your auburn hair is truly stunning.” The compliment may be about her exterior, but it always will encourage interior dignity, which runs far deeper than we can see.

And so this month, Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society and I will be hosting the #EncourageBeauty Challenge. Hilary is a dear friend I met back in September, and have been inspired by her since. Honestly, she is a blast to follow! You can head over to read her part in this story and the other half of the manifesto!

We can’t wait to share the rest of the details with you tomorrow. But for now, if you’re with us in this manifesto & commitment to #EncourageBeauty this March, Pin/Tweet/Facebook/Instagram & help spread the word! We will be sharing your stories. See you tomorrow:)

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Janika R. says:

February 27, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Great thoughts…

Waiting to see more..

http://lovelybusybee.blogspot.com/

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Camille DiPaola says:

February 27, 2013 at 6:36 pm

this is awesome…sharing on fbook now!

cheers.

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17 Perth says:

February 27, 2013 at 6:47 pm

I love this! And it is so true–we (as women) are often so easily focused on what we aren’t instead of what we are…….Looking forward to reading more!

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Kate says:

February 27, 2013 at 6:58 pm

great idea

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Diana says:

February 27, 2013 at 7:01 pm

i love this Anna! I am definitely on board and looking forward to sharing the love!

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Martina says:

February 27, 2013 at 7:04 pm

Sounds exiting Anna! Yes – we are sooooo ctitival about ourselves. Making March the months to encourage Beauty is a wonderful idea! Cheers!

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Because of Jackie says:

February 27, 2013 at 7:09 pm

Oooh, I love both you ladies, can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves!

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Ashley says:

February 27, 2013 at 7:34 pm

Can’t wait to read more about it!

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Alexa says:

February 27, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Eeek so excited to hear more about this Anna! What a great collaboration!

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Lisa | Happy By says:

February 27, 2013 at 9:17 pm

I love the movements you engage with Anna, because they are true and important. When I was in college, I’d try to pick up something I liked on my female friends every morning I’d meet them in front of the building or in between classes and complement them. It made me feel good and I guess them too. The key is not to lie and make the other woman feel worse because they will know, but choose something you really appreciate, even as small as a pair of earrings or nail polish color.

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Danie at Pasadya says:

February 27, 2013 at 11:54 pm

I love this, Anna. Can’t wait to read more!

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ilene @ muchloveilly says:

February 27, 2013 at 11:57 pm

oooh, this is super inspiring! love this!

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Rebecca Wagner says:

February 28, 2013 at 12:45 am

Cant wait for more:)

http://www.becstitches.blogspot.com.au

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Bridget says:

February 28, 2013 at 12:52 am

yes yes yes! i couldn’t agree more with this post. thank you for always being a beacon of light in a mixed up world

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whitney @ thecurtiscasa says:

February 28, 2013 at 2:06 am

What a lovely project to encourage us to encourage one another! I’m so excited to see what yall do with this 🙂

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Brynn Renné says:

February 28, 2013 at 9:27 pm

SO excited about this!! Like I mentioned on IG, the timing of this is really so perfect for me 🙂 Can’t wait to see what is to come! (Oh yeah! I am a day behind on blog comments, so I get to check it out right now!) XO Brynn

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Collette | Serendipity Handmade says:

March 3, 2013 at 3:07 am

What a lovely idea Anna! I’m so glad that you are doing this.

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Tobe | BIA says:

March 12, 2013 at 9:24 pm

LOVE this. Obviously. Makes me want to get The I Am Project up and running again! What a beautiful message. ox

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