California is the Key

Being from southern California means more than living in sunshine, traipsing around with the stars, and having plastic surgery to augment those parts that seem less than perfect. No no, with great weather comes great responsibility. Like gym memberships and water bottles.

It occurs to me that I've been blogging for over 6 years, longer if you count the Asian Avenue days. When I started, it was refreshing. I mean, I had been journaling since I realized that there were thoughts and memories that could/should only be kept for myself. A public journal was like a Post Secret release on a daily basis. Inevitably though, nothing stays private and someone finds you and your innermost thoughts, that you meant to only share with perfect strangers over the internet, are stumbled upon by someone you know. Sometimes blogging becomes a show. It's written with the intent of entertainment instead of personal growth and reflection.

I bring this thought up because though I think the description of California written above is humorous, it's not what I really think. However, I am fully aware that other people, outside of the state, may see it that way. And why not? Despite the fact that I know better because I live here, I see it that way at moments too.

I mean, as a California resident I feel the need to adhere and surpass the physical expectations that the media puts forth. Being an empowered woman makes me feel the same way. Everyday when faced with someone with a better body than mine, whether in person or in the media, I think "I can do anything anyone else can do, so why don't I have that body?"

Thinking that way is both good and bad. I don't think anyone would disagree that believing you can do anything is a great characteristic, but the reality is that when you're striving for it and sometimes failing, it can be pretty defeating. Jessica Alba's body is a great goal, but really, I think she might be genetically engineered to look that good.

So how do people stop themselves from being defeated by falling short of their goals? Obviously there should be a healthy level of self disappointment when you fail to reach a personal goal (regardless of what those hippies teaching unjustifiable self esteem in elementary schools will tell you.) But how do you get disciplined and stay disciplined your whole life despite the occasional crushing setback?

I suppose my first step is to stop calling them crushing.