Day 15: Shine

I’d never heard of the Shine Theory until I saw this image on Twitter (above↑).

I fell in love with it hard and was even more overjoyed when it led me to Cattitude & Co, a blog run by Tara AKA Catstello. C&Co is one of my recent favourites (see Day 5) and I really recommend having a look for yourself.

Anyway, from the above, I found out that there’s a whole philosophy behind it. In my own words, the Shine Theory is the practice of eliminating rivalry between women, instead embracing each other’s successes, supporting and encouraging, and just generally looking at one another for inspiration, rather than throwing around the evil eye at those we deem glossier, richer and more awesome than ourselves.

We’re all on the same side after all, and haven’t we got enough on our plates smashing patriarchy on the daily?

Shining is about allowing yourself to be motivated by all the wonderful women out there in the world. Befriend them, love them, shout from the rooftops about how cool they are and embrace how that makes you feel too. Great isn’t it?

I know this is common sense and something we probably do anyway, we love our friends and we tell them that all the time, don’t we? But it’s not always easy. I can’t sit here writing this post without acknowledging that I’ve been the worst person for envying others. Throwing side eye at someone doing far better than I am, then looking at my own achievements in a newly negative light.

So I’ve been trying harder and it feels good. I’m surrounded by amazing women and incredible sources of inspiration and that makes me the most successful person, doesn’t it?

What makes you shine?

Musical Marker

We all have songs that remind us of specific periods and events in our lives. Twenty years from now, which song will remind you of the summer of 2014? Via The Daily Post (24th July 2014)

This is quite easy really. My jam of the summer is Clean Bandit’s Rather Be (featuring Jess Glynne).

Not only does it remind me of my newest friend (Frannie Dee of Double Gym & Tonic), it just makes me happy. This is the year I started to take care of my body and this song has remained firmly on my workout playlist.

FACT: It’s impossible to listen to Rather Be without belting it out loud. Try it. You can’t.

But since this is such a fun topic, here’s the perfect summertime playlist in my opinion.

Mint Royale with Lauren Laverne – Don’t Falter

Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuune! No bad moods with this on the wireless.

Paramore – Ain’t It Fun

This is relatively new but I love it. It’s so perky. Much like Hayley Williams herself.

*LOVE*

The Ting Tings – Be The One

Reminds me of pounding the streets of Vancouver during my Summer of Freedom. Yes yes yes.

Marvin Gaye – Got To Give It Up

This song is a classic and I feel like it was written about me! Do you think Marvin Gaye had an awkward chubby redhead in mind when he wrote this? Probs.

Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen

One does not simply leave Stevie Nicks off a heady Summertime jam list.

So there you have it. For more Summer Jams of a decidedly cheesy nature, go here. You’re welcome.