FearlesslyGIRL - Your Daily Dose of Fearless!

Meet Fearless Girl Kendall Ciesemier!

2012-01-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

Shefought for her life, now she fights for theirs. Born with a rare liverdisease, Kendall Ciesemier understood the human struggle at a young age. At age 11 as she underwent two liver transplants, Kendall started Kids Caring 4Kids (KC4K), a non-profit that raises money and awareness for highly vulnerablechildren in Africa by inspiring youth worldwide to care for others in need. Since its founding, KC4K has grown to support eight projects in four countriesin Africa, helping better the lives of nearly 7,000 Africans, by inspiring over7,000 kids to raise nearly one million dollars and has even attracted theattention of Oprah and President Clinton.

Kendallhas been honored as Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year Reader’s ChoiceWinner, one of Glamour Magazine’s “20 Amazing Young Women” Chicago Magazine’sChicagoan of the Year, a Prudential Top Ten Youth Volunteer, a Build-A-BearWorkshop Huggable Hero, a Discover Financial Top Scholar, a Nordstrom Scholar,a Gloria Barron Young Hero, and most recently a Google Zeitgeist Young Mind. InSeptember of 2007, she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show with PresidentClinton highlighting his book Giving and her work as a young activist.

Today, Kendall is a freshman atGeorgetown University studying Sociology. She hopes to pursue a career inbroadcast journalism so she can use her voice to create effective stories thatinspire others to act. Last summer, she began to expand her experience injournalism by working as an intern for Oprah Radio and today she works as a MTVGlobal Correspondent, and as a blogger for Maria Shriver and Huffington Post.

Tell us about your organization, Kids Caring 4 Kids. When didyou start it? Why? How can others get involved?

The images on thetelevision screen shook my 5^th grade reality. As I sat watching an Oprah WinfreyShow highlighting the plight of African AIDS orphans, I began to imaginemyself, 11-year-old Kendall Ciesemier, alone, living in a mud hut, caring formy younger siblings and grieving the death of my parents. Having experiencedstruggle in my own life, their pain resonated with me and I was in awe of whatappeared to be their unwavering hope.

That night, I knew Ihad seen the opportunity I was waiting for—my chance to give my life morepurpose than the chronic liver disease I had grown up fighting against. Onlineafter the show, I found World Visions’s orphan sponsorship program and Imet Benite, an 8-year-old girl from Mauritania who needed my help. Months aftersponsoring Benite with $360 of my own money, I received a letter from her aboutstarting school for the first time. Witnessing the newfound hope in her lifeled me to believe that with a little help, I could change many more lives.

That summer, as Iunderwent two liver transplants, I asked that in lieu of gifts, friends andfamily donate money to help more children like Benite. With theirgenerosity I sponsored the village of Musele, Zambia. By the end of the summer,I had raised over $15,000 as kids from across the country, hearing of my effort,started their own fundraisers. As a result of this snowball effect, Idecided to officially organize my effort, calling it “Kids Caring 4 Kids”,and in January of 2005, Kids Caring 4 Kids (KC4K) became a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization. The mission of KC4K is twofold: first, to raiseawareness and money for highly vulnerable children in Africa, and second, toinspire kids in America to care for those in need.

To that end, I havespent the last six years working to educate and motivate American youth. I have spoken to schools, youth groups and service organizations, challengingthem to get involved in order to make a difference in another child’s life. Kids across the country have answered the challenge, holding KC4Kfundraisers as diverse as penny wars, basketball tournaments and karaokecontests to raise funds to support the effort.

What obstacles (if any) did you feel you had to overcome inmaking your vision a reality?

Mygreatest obstacles are my physical obstacles. At only eight weeks ofage, I was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that plagued mylife with illness, surgery and uncertainty. Within the first year of mylife, I saw twelve different specialists for a variety of medical conditions.At age 11, I underwent two liver transplants, the hardest challenge I have yetto face. Today, I still face medical challenges necessitating a procedureunder general anesthesia every eight weeks.

For this reason, Kids Caring 4 Kids has been such a blessing. When I started it I was undergoing the worst struggle of my life. Itprovided the positive focus and sense of purpose I needed to get through mytransplants that summer. It has allowed me to define myself not by mymedical condition, but by the work I am doing.

What advice do you have for other young women who might alsowant to start an organization?

1. Find your passion because everything will flow from there.

2. Ignore haters—they are just looking for a reaction, don’t givethem the satisfaction.

3. When you lose your way, get back up again and trysomething different. Redefine failure and do not be afraid to fall flaton your face because you will get there.

4. Love what you are doing because if you lose the love, it’snot worth it.

5. Check in with yourself. Are you doing this for theright reasons? Are you still following your initial purpose and heartaction?

Who are your role models or mentors and what effect have theyhad on your life?

Ilook up to incredible change-makers like Bono, President Clinton, Oprah, LisaLing, and Mattie Stepanek.

What is the most fearless thing you have done?

Committingto raise 1 million dollars for highly vulnerable children in Africa

What's your fearless vision for the future?

Iaspire to host a talk show so I can tell stories that will inspire and empowerchange in our world.

And for fun, 3 fearless facts about you…

A year after having two liver transplants, I joined mymiddle school cross-country team. In one year I progressed from not beingable to get out of bed, to running a two-mile race. Each time I wouldcross the finish line dead last and unembarrassed. To me, there was no failurein taking last place. Failure would have been not having the courage toparticipate or failing to try my best.
In high school an activity advisor sat me down to yell atme and proceeded to say: "You are determined, not willing to take no foran answer, and you are perseverant." I sat there thinking to myself:"Well, geez, those all sound like compliments to me!." Don'tlet others get you down!
I loveto sing everywhere, despite having the WORST voice ever.

There are many waysto get involved in Kids Caring 4 Kids. Please visit our website: www.kidscaring4kids.org. Like our Facebook page: "Kids Caring 4 Kids" and follow us@kciesemier and @kidscaring4kids for more information. www.kidscaring4kids.org

Meet Fearless Girl Cammy Nelson!

2012-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Cammy Nelson is a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin RiverFalls where she is majoring in communications. She is President of the UWRFActionist Network®, a group dedicated to inspiring students to take action onissues they are passionate about. Cammy is also the co-founder of Rep Your School - Build Your School, a simple idea with world-changing effects. Through purchasing at-shirt and representing your school, you're helping build a school in anunderdeveloped nation and giving a child a chance at a brighter future. She is also training to be a motivationalspeaker and is in the process of writing her first book. Her dream is that oneday all women and girls will make more positive comments about themselves thannegative.

What does being fearless mean to you?

Being fearless to me means that you stand-up for what youbelieve in and you chase your dreams, no matter what anyone says. One of myfavorite quotes comes from Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feelbecause those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”.

What do you think sometimes holds girls back from beingoutspoken and stepping out of their comfort zones?

I think girls are sometimes held back out of fear of lookingsilly or not being accepted. Looking silly can sometimes seem scary uncomfortable,but being silly is one of my favorite things. I love coming up with ridiculousideas or asking a funny question. Doing both helps me learn and grow. More thanthat, it’s fun. The girls who look and act ridiculous are the girls i want tospend my time with, because being comfortable acting that way shows howconfident and comfortable in their skin they are. Those are the best kind ofgirls.

Meet Fearless Girl Jen Rubino!

2012-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Jen Rubino is 17 years oldand is the founder of Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a national charitableorganization that gives hope, joy and magic to hospitalized kids across Americathrough cards. Her motivation forstarting Cards for Hospitalized Kids goes back to her own experience ashospitalized kid. At age 11, Rubino was diagnosed with a poorly understoodconnective tissue disorder, more commonly known as a chronic illness. Rubino’sillness forced her to undergo fifteen painful surgeries and inspired her to dosomething meaningful with her life. Cards for Hospitalized Kids has helpedthousands of ill kids across the country by giving them joy through cards.

1) What does being fearless mean to you?
To me, being fearless means not being afraid to chase your dreams and be whoyou are. There is always pressure on girls to change who they are and what theywant their dreams to be, but being fearless means not letting others impact yourdesire to chase your dreams or your desire to be who you are. Being fearlessdoesn’t mean that you don’t have fear; it means you have the courage to putaside that fear.

2) Tell us about your organization,Cards For Hospitalized Kids. When did you start it? Why? What is it you do andoffer? How can others get involved?
Cards for Hospitalized Kids(CFHK) is a national charitable organization that givescards to hospitalized kids across America. Doctors provide the medicine and weprovide ill kids with hope, joy & magic through cards. I started CFHK in Marchof 2011 with the dream of giving joy to kids with health problems. I know whatit is like to be a hospitalized kid all too well because of my own experienceas a hospitalized kid. When I was11 years old, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and my illness has forcedme to undergo 15 painful surgeries. It was very hard for me to deal with mycondition because it took away my ability to lead a normal life and my abilityto experience the joys of childhood. My illness showed me what hospitalizedkids go through and it also showed me that small gestures such as a card meanthe world to them because of what they are going through, which is why I foundedCFHK. When kids are hospitalized, they typically feel lonely and sad, but wehelp lessen those feelings by giving kids joy through cards.

Live Fearlessly

2012-01-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

Fill your life full of adventures, get involved with issues that are important to you, speak your mind, stand up for what you believe in, express yourself authentically, follow your dreams, dream even bigger, take time for yourself, redefine what is beautiful, be an example, respect yourself, respect others, do that one thing you've always wanted to do, be a leader, trust your instincts, do something that scares you, follow your heart, love deeply, forgive, let go, move on, grow, smile often, give a compliment, be kind, do good even when nobody is looking, don't let "no" discourage you, find out who you are and be that person on purpose, be grateful, define yourself before others do. Blaze a trail, fearlessly.

What does living fearlessly mean to you?

Finding "It" - By Guest Blogger Cammy Nelson

2012-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

What I’ve come to understand, recently, is that no one really has “it” figured out. Actually, we’re all just trying to find our way. Our own way to happiness, while trying to define what that is at the same time. It is a lifelong quest and adventure; it is a new question to be raised in the same way that the sun rises in the morning. We are trying to shine our bit of light upon that which we do not know. We take comfort in the advice of our friends, and find hope in their bountiful love and compassion.

Life, love, and happiness are not easily found for most. My favorite part, however, is how different they look for everyone. For me, I find all three of them wrapped up in my family. I don’t know what I did to deserve the four individuals I was blessed with, but they are my rock and I am grateful for each of them everyday.

Along the same line, not one element of these three delights is easily defined. They are complex but simple, beautiful yet sometimes painful, scary yet comforting, we all spend our lives in search of them, and feel undeserving when we stumble upon them.

Read more »

Fearlessly Gorgeous by Guest Blogger Gabbie Tyson

2012-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I always thought that if you thought you were pretty it meant you were vain, narcissistic, petty. But as I have grown up and now I am into my second year of high school I have realize that it is quite the opposite.

One of the many keys to personal success is to accept that you are beautiful, stunning, gorgeous. I mean, why should other people think you are if you don't realize it yourself? Thats not saying they won't, because they will still see the beauty in you even if you can't see it yourself.

It's sort of like staring at the same flower for hours on end, after a while all you can see is the flaws, not its overall beauty. But if someone with fresh eyes comes and looks at said flower, they will have no trouble seeing its beauty.

So don't fear loving yourself, you are the one person you are with 24/7 365 days of the year from the day you are born to the day you die, so you might as well accept how awesome you are, it'll make things so much better.

So go find a mirror and give yourself a smile and say "Hey there, beautiful", because you deserve nothing less than your own approval.

Gabbie Tyson is an artist, the grade 10 rep on Student Council and the founder of the Happiness Challenge.

The Canadian Student Leadership Conference 2011

2011-10-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

This past week I had the honour of attending and presenting at my 2nd CSLC, along with about 1000 of this country's brilliant and inspiring student leaders. I presented two girls-only workshops - all about the unique and powerful ways girls can lead. It was the first time at any National that there was a girls-only option, which is really exciting!

It was a great opportunity to have an honest conversation about the challenges and obstacles girl are still facing when it comes to being leaders, but also the powerful ways girls are creating change. What truly inspired me though, is how these girls are blazing a trail and being incredible role models, even though it's not always easy.

I left completely inspired, and more dedicated than ever to help young women reach their full potential and become strong, powerful and FEARLESS leaders!

Check out the rest of the pics after the jump!

Start A FearlesslyGIRL Chapter At Your School!

2011-09-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

FearlesslyGirl On Campus is an in school, girl-to-girl leadership & mentoring program for high school girls. Our "Fearless Leaders" receive leadership training and materials throughout the year.

FG trains senior students (grade 11 & 12) to be mentors, leaders and positive role models, and provides them with the tools they need to facilitate a monthly mentorship group for younger girls, run monthly campaigns, fundraising activities and plan orientation and follow up activities for incoming grade 9 girls. The mission of FGOC is to boost self esteem, sisterhood, school spirit, create a positive school environment and provide every girl with the tools she needs to become a strong, confident and fearless young woman.

We believe every girl should feel fearless and have the tools she needs to feel confident, be treated with respect and express herself authentically. So, each chapter will have the opportunity to be a part of bringing our summits and programs to girls in communities who need it the most, and travel with us to create positive and lasting relationships and change for girls in need!

Contact Us to receive your FGOC Info Package with everything you need to know, including registration info, chapter positions, sample activities, your Getting Started Guide, and more!

BONUS! Sign up before September 15 and receive a FREE copy of Kate's book, The Empowered Gal's 9 Life Lessons, for your Chapter!

Join Our Team!

2011-09-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Loves!

Just wanted to share a couple opportunities for you to get involved!

Blog For fearlesslyGIRL

Love to write? Have an opinion to share? Challenging yourself to be a little more fearless and want to share your journey? Interested in finding other fearless girls and interviewing them? Want to keep us up to date on all the girl world news, trends and current events? We would LOVE to hear from you!

Join Our Teen Advisory Board

We are looking for fearless girls between the ages of 14-19 who are enrolled in high school and passionate about girls issues to join our TAB. If you are interested in joining our team, please send us your resume and bio.

Sharing your thoughts, feelings, ideas and opinions on our programs, events, summits, books and publications.
Helping us create new content, programs, events and other awesome stuff.
Contribute to our online community, help spread the word and promote upcoming events.
Plus, you’ll get to sample all our swag, get to attend all our events and try our programs.

Application deadline is September 30tht - please contact us to apply!

And stay tuned for how to contribute to Kate’s next book and info on internship opportunities this Fall! We can’t wait to hear from you!

xo,

Kate

Meet Fearless Girl Emily Anne Rigal!

2011-09-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Emily-Anne (@Schmiddlebopper) is the 17-year-old founder and director of “WeStopHate.org,” a nonprofit program created to raise teen-esteem through the power of online videos and social media. She defines “teen-esteem” as giving teenagers the confidence to stand up for themselves, while also accepting who they are and not being afraid to show it, and her videos feature teens and WeStopHate experts sharing their personal experiences about overcoming insecurities and providing their confidence tips with the WeStopHate community. Her inspiration for WeStopHate stemmed from her love of the YouTube community. In the last few months, WeStopHate videos have received well-over 225,000 views. I was lucky enough to meet this superstar in LA last summer and I was totally knocked out by how authentic, real, and FEARLESS she is!

FearlesslyGirl: What does being fearless mean to you?

Emily-Anne: To me, being fearless means being afraid of something, but going ahead and doing it anyway. I like to think that my knees can be knocking, but as long as I’m still walking, it’s okay. People who don’t let the fear stop them are fearless.

FG: What do you think holds girls back from being outspoken and stepping out of their comfort zones and what advice do you have for other girls on being fearless?

EA: The fear of being judged holds girls back. Once a girl realizes that this is her life and that in the end the only person being limited by that fear is herself, she will then have the confidence to step out of her comfort zone.

FG: Who is your fearless role model?

EA: My fearless role model is Kelly Cutrone. Not only is she honest enough to tell it like it is, but more importantly, she follows her intuition, something I believe all fearless girls must do.

FG: What obstacles (if any) did you feel you had to overcome on the way to being authentically you?

EA: I have to learn how to stop comparing myself to my classmates – much easier said than done! I also had to try new things. By taking risks in trying new things, I proved to myself that I could do whatever I set out to do, and that realization played a big role in giving me the confidence to accept myself exactly how I am.

FG: And for fun, 3 fearless facts about you…

- When I was 8 years old, I flew to France by myself – and at 8, I’d say that’s pretty fearless! The flight attendant even moved me up to first class (score!) so that it would be easier to watch over me.

- My bathroom walls are COVERED with quotes that inspire me to be fearless.

- I have been and always will be a hopeless romantic, so Taylor Swift songs are my absolute favorite. And as pretty much all girls would know, her album is called, “Fearless.” :)

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/schmiddlebopper

WEBSITE: http://emilyannerigal.com

I'm Fearless Because...

2011-09-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

The founder of Dani California Outfits and Be Heard, actress, stylist, and self esteem/anti bullying advocate tells us why she’s fearless!

Jess Weiner Gets Real About What Loving Your Body Is REALLY All About

2011-09-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

My friend and mentor Jess Weiner is making headlines with her article in this month’s Glamour Magazine. Some say it’s controversial, but I say it’s brave. And fearless. And I totally love that.

I have always been a huge fan of this spectacular woman and she has my full support on her journey of health and wellness.

I believe that every women has the right to love her body as it is. Right now. I also believe that a vital part of loving your body is honouring yourself enough to take care of it in the kindest way possible. By being healthy. Taking ownership of your body is empowering. Exercising, eating real, health-full food, going to the doctor and loving yourself enough to make your health and wellness a priority is an important conversation to have. With ourselves and as a society as a whole. As Jess says,

“…pursuing your health and vitality is in no way betraying the fact that you care about body acceptance.”

I applaud Jess for coming forward, sharing her incredibly personal story and opening up a national dialogue about health, wellness, and showering your body with massive love, respect and kindness.

Pick up the September issue of Glamour, or read the article here, and tune in to The Today Show tomorrow at 9:15 to see Jess in action.

For more insight on Jess’s article, check out these two amazing blog posts: Jess Weiner Gets Honest About Her Body & Actionist Jess Weiner Gets Real About Body Acceptance

Because your health is an important part of loving and honouring yourself fully.

A Little Inspiration

2011-09-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

You Are Worth It! - By Cammy Nelson

2011-09-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have a question for anyone who would like to answer it: Where do we get this ridiculous idea that we are not “worth” our life? That we are not good enough? I’m really curious to know because your life, your mind, and your dreams don’t have the time to be wasted. The world needs you! We only have so many tomorrows and right now is the only time we are guaranteed. So again, I ask, where do we get this ridiculous idea?

I have seen, read, and heard countless images, sayings and songs all of which allude to the fact that we are worth the time and space we are given to experience every good thing life has to offer. But hold on for just one second. While I am extremely grateful for the existence of all of these, I still wonder when it is that we began to believe the contrary.

The way I see it, you are one in 6, 775,235,700. You are an incredibly rare, unique, beautiful and essential resource. I truly believe you were not given your life to spend it believing you don’t deserve it. You are here to witness the many miracles that life has to offer, the surround yourself with those you love, and to make a difference in a world.

I beg you, please stop thinking that you are anything less than wonderful. Is that easier said than done? Absolutely. Is it worth the time and work it takes to do so? More than you can imagine. To prove it: take a moment and try to picture what the world would be like if we were all the same person.. If we all looked the same, wore the same style of clothes, spoke the same language, and saw the world in the same way. How boring, right? We would lose everything that makes our world interesting and beautiful. That is exactly why we are all so unique. Without different perspectives, opinions, and experiences, not only would life be extremely dull, we would also lose all the magic and small miracles that comes with it.

So here it is, your chance to look yourself in the mirror, say “I’m worth it” and start believing it. To see that amazing person everyone in your life gets to know. You are one of a kind. You are beautiful. YOU ARE WORTH IT! In the wise words of Dr. Seuss “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!”

-Cammy

Cammy Nelson is a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin River Falls where she is majoring in communications. She is President of the UWRF Actionist Network®, a group dedicated to inspiring students to take action on issues they are passionate about. Cammy is training to be a motivational speaker and is in the process of writing her first book. Her dream is that one day all women and girls will make more positive comments about themselves than negative.

Superstar author Debbie Reber tells us why she’s FEARLESS!

2011-09-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

My View

2011-09-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Signing books! Have you got your copy yet? Check out our summer sale here! :)

A Little Inspiration

2011-09-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

Free Stuff!

2011-09-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Download our FearlesslyGIRL Desktop Image!: 800x600 | 1024x768

Dear Girls

2011-09-03T09:15:00.001-07:00

Girls Celebrate every single thing that makes u so beautifully unique, love yourself fearlessly & dazzle the world with your brilliance. You are spectacular and incredible and full of more potential than you could ever imagine. Exactly as you are. Right now. Perfectly imperfect. xo

You Are Beautiful. Period. By Cammy Nelson

2011-09-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, something has caught my attention that has been very irritating. Just the other day, my sister and I were checking out of a store when I glanced at the section of magazines that are always ready to be perused as you wait to make your final purchases. To be honest, I love reading the headlines because of how ridiculous they are. But, this time I noticed something that wasn’t funny in the least. I saw that each of these magazines featured an amazing woman on the cover. Women who had followed their dreams, created successful careers for themselves, and are wonderful role models for girls. Then I read the headlines of the articles they were interviewed for. This is when I became irritated.

Every headline mentioned something about fashion, guys, or fame. To say I was surprised would be a lie. It seems most girls and women have become satisfied with the type of content they are consuming in these magazines. Still, What kind of message are we sending girls when an intelligent, poised, and powerful woman is featured on the cover of a magazine with an interview that offers nothing more than a passing nod at the success they have earned. Well, I would like to change that. Right now.

To all girls and women, this is what you deserve to be reading about:

(I hope you hear this everyday)

You are an intelligent, powerful, and important person.

You are beautiful. Period.

You are strong.

Dream BIG! You can do anything!

You CAN do it. Whatever “it” is, you can do it!

Your opinion matters, speak up!

The best thing you can EVER wear is a smile. Seriously.
Your dreams are possible! CHASE THEM!

Be exactly who you are. The world needs YOU!

We need to support each other. Stop the competition!

You know all that stuff about what size you are??? Yeah, it
doesn’t matter.

You deserve the best. Raise your standards!

Dream HUGE! You can do anything!

Don’t change who you are, what you want, or what you believe in for anyone. I guarantee it will never be worth it!

Respect yourself. Love yourself.

Smart IS sexy.

Everyone needs a break at some point.

What you say and do online wont go away. Be cautious!

DREAM SUPER HUGE!!! You can do ANYTHING!!!

This is a short list, yes, but it’s the basics of what I believe every woman and girl needs to know. If you know all of these statements are true and believe in yourself, nothing can stop you. Nothing.
You were not born to play small.

Be fearless, ladies!
Cammy

Cammy Nelson is a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin River Falls where she is majoring in communications. She is President of the UWRF Actionist Network®, a group dedicated to inspiring students to take action on issues they are passionate about. Cammy is training to be a motivational speaker and is in the process of writing her first book. Her dream is that one day all women and girls will make more positive comments about themselves than negative.

The View Starting My Next Book!

2011-09-03T08:58:00.003-07:00

Meet Fearless Girl Becca Wertheim

2011-09-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Becca Wertheim is 19 years old and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of The Blue Ridge Mountains. She began writing Live High on Life for Teens during her junior year of high school when she was 16 years old. She attends UNC-Asheville, where she is studying to become a school teacher. Aside from teaching, Becca has big dreams for her future. She plans on speaking at events and conferences to empower more teens, expanding her organization for teens, and of course, writing more books! Becca hopes to impact teens around the world by sharing the simple ways to live a life full of happiness…and she will. I’ve known Becca for the last almost 4 years and she never fails to totally amaze me. She is a friend and a sister and I couldn’t be prouder of her!

FearlesslyGirl: What does being fearless mean to you?

Becca Wertheim: Being fearless is all about not being afraid to be yourself. It’s about following your dreams, standing up for what you believe in, expressing your true self, and living the life you want to live—without worrying about the possibility of failing, and without caring what others think about you. It’s about loving yourself and having the confidence, self-esteem, and perseverance to do anything and everything you set your mind to. It’s about knowing that you have what it takes within you to live the greatest life you can imagine!

FG: What do you think holds girls back from being outspoken and stepping out of their comfort zones?

BW: I think the biggest thing that holds girls back is fear of what others are going to think. This also ties in to the fear of failing and low self-esteem. When we’re afraid of failing, often times it’s because we don’t want others to look down on us, or think negatively about us. This goes back to self-esteem as well, because when we don’t fully believe in ourselves, we allow the opinions of others to shape the view we have of ourselves. When that happens, it’s difficult to take risks, be outspoken, or step outside of our comfort zones. But when we set the negative thoughts or opinions of others aside, and don’t let that get to us, we truly gain a sense of fearlessness and determination to try new things, express our personal opinions, and ultimately take leaps of faith to bring us closer to our goals and dreams.

FG: What advice do you have for other girls on being fearless?

BW: If you have something you’re passionate about that you want to accomplish, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from getting there. Keep moving forward and don’t be afraid of failing. If you do fail, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow, but get back up and keep moving towards what you want. Don’t let the opinions of others, or fear of what others may think, be a reason for you to hold back. Courage and determination are incredible traits to have because when you combine those with passion and goals, you will be unstoppable and capable of accomplishing incredible things! I think this quote by Dr. Seuss has a great message that relates to being fearless: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” I’ve had that quote on my wall since middle school and it always reminds me to just be myself!

FG: Who is your fearless role model?

BW: When I was 15 years old, I met an incredible young woman, and at the time, I had no idea that she would completely change my life. That woman is Kate Whitfield, my close friend and mentor and our #1 Empowered Gal. When I first got connected with Kate, I told her about my book and my dream of inspiring teens. I couldn’t believe how much we had in common, and it was amazing to see how successful Kate was even at a young age. She was doing the things that I’d dreamt of doing since I was 12, and seeing that she was actually able to accomplish her goals was the biggest inspiration to me. Any doubts I had of myself quickly faded. Kate became a big sister to me, and was proof that no matter how young you are, it’s never too soon to make your dreams a reality. Constant support, encouragement, and inspiration from Kate helped me get to where I am today. She was and still is completely fearless, and by seeing that trait in Kate, it makes me feel like I can be fearless, too!

FG: What obstacles (if any) did you feel you had to overcome on the way to being authentically you?

BW: In middle school and the beginning of high school, I really worried about what others thought about me. I was a people pleaser, and my personal view of myself was often based on how I thought others viewed me. This constant pressure of trying to be liked by everyone got me absolutely nowhere. It was holding me back from expressing myself and doing what I truly wanted to do with my life. One example of this is my book. When I first got the idea of writing Live High on Life, I was worried that my peers would think it was cheesy and make fun of me for it. But I realized that I couldn’t let that hold me back from following my biggest dream. So even though I knew that not everyone would be supportive, I kept moving forward and believed in myself. I blocked out negative thoughts and stopped thinking things like, “What if I fail?” or “What if they don’t like it?” I kept writing, and never gave up, and now I’m so proud of myself for finally making my dream a reality. I had an irrational fear of what others would think; when it turns out that they were actually super supportive! If I had kept worrying about what others thought, I would have never finished my book. This experience has changed my life because I now know what it feels like to be fearless and I’ll be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to and be who I truly am, without letting the opinions of others or the fear of failure or rejection get in my way.

FG: And for fun, 3 fearless facts about you…

I’ve been really into journaling ever since I was seven years old. I write in my journal almost every single day.
I love watching Food Network and I secretly wish that I had my own cooking show, even though I’m not that great of a cook haha.
I love hiking and spending time in nature! I’m also really into photography and I always bring my camera with me when I go on hikes.

To learn more about her new book, Live High on Life for Teens, visit www.livehighonlife.com.
You can also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livehighonlife, follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/beccawertheim, and check out her blog at www.beccawertheim.blogspot.com.

Fearless Inspiration

2011-09-02T13:32:00.001-07:00

"Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge." - Oprah