Feature Articles

Make Your Life Matter

Lisa Izzi, GAC Founder & President
April 9, 2007

ou chit-chat on the phone, text message, and surf the web. Okay, and you check out the popular celebs who're making millions or just went in to drug rehab this week. Finally, you watch TV. You know, kill a little time.

Hmm, you're not sleeping. You're sort of functioning. But I wonder--is anything great going on with you? Does your life really matter?

Passing time and gazing at other people's lives can be addicting. It's as if you've got nothing better to do, and their life is always more exciting. Sometimes you may even feel jealous--Man, how come they're so lucky? Meanwhile, you're waiting for something to happen to you.

Well stop it! Enough of that. Instead, shut off the computer, phone, and TV. Get away from distractions and listen to quiet. Lie on your bed, relax, and just be still. Then ask yourself, What do I like to do? What's my passion? And by "passion" I mean your interests and inner desires.

Let's put on our thinking caps.

Here's the thing: It's easy to get caught up in everyday mundane routines, whether you hurry from one thing to the next, or you're simply bored and hours seem to drag on. Life can be a never-ending hamster wheel. You breathe, eat, move your legs, but where are you really going? Of course, there are authoritative figures, too--parents, teachers, etc. I know. They have expectations. They tell you what to do. Yeesh! Oof! Isn't this your life?

Well, settle down for a second because I have a word for you: perspective. In this crazy world of social pressures, political tensions, and adult-ruling realities, you do have an opinion, a voice. Your own voice. And you can tell yourself that life sucks or you can buy into an optimistic point of view--that life is a well of opportunities. Really. Your existence is meant for more than just sustaining or pleasing your elders. You are the only you on this planet, so do something! Break out of your cycle, take a risk, be unique. Come on, stand up! Speak up! Say what you think, or at least start saying it in a journal. Your thoughts and opinions are important--you matter. Even if other kids at school don't listen to you or don't think you're cool--so what! Who cares! Don't let other people's opinions get to you.

Take a lesson from former supermodel and current talk show host, Tyra Banks. She is on a soap box, big time, and has made a life choice to NOT let her critics win. When the press plastered pictures of her all over the papers, slamming her for gaining weight and letting go of the svelte-skinny-figure she used to have as a model, she fought back. Tyra went on her national TV show and without flinching, Tyra stood on her stage in a one-piece-bathing-suit and said, "So what." And the all-female audience joined her with enthusiasm and personal stories. It was clear that girls, young and old, need to support each other. With social pressures everywhere, it's not easy to be yourself, or step out of your shell, when others are judging you.

You might be thinking, But Tyra is gorgeous, rich, and famous. She can do that.

Okay, but she didn't start out that way. Tyra took one step at a time and created her career by working hard. She took advice from wise people (her mother and trusted professionals) and moved forward with strength and conviction. The fact is, if you're not willing to take risks, the alternative is just dreaming about your goals, and that gets you nowhere. And that puts you back on the hamster wheel.

Truth: achieving individual greatness doesn't just happen. You must seek out what you're good at--seek it!--and be committed. Don't assume that when the almighty universe handed out talent and uniqueness, you were skipped. Because you weren't.

Remember when I mentioned the word perspective? Okay, if you think the cards are stacked against you, then they are. If you think you have a future, then you do. From my own experiences in life, as well as listening to other success stories, I am convinced that you have every power in your mind to take advantage of the resources in this world. I am convinced that if you are strong-minded you can achieve incredible things, and, people will help you!

If you didn't know it, there are schools, camps, and organizations that, by design, help girls become all they can be. For instance, if you are lucky to attend the Julie Foudy Leadership Academy, (which offers a number of full scholarships to girls whose families couldn't otherwise afford it), you will be empowered. Julie's mission is to teach girls to believe in themselves and to become leaders in their communities. At the academy you play soccer, bond with girls from different backgrounds, and learn their catch-phrase philosophy, "Choose to matter!" because every life matters. YOU matter. And if you have courage, and you want to live a life with purpose, you can.

The sports connection is meaningful as well. The challenges in the physical activity allow girls to grow emotionally and psychologically to assist them in larger life goals. At the Leadership Academy, Julie and her staff teach girls that they have the ability to help in their neighborhoods and be a leader in the world. What a wonderful concept. What a wonderful feeling.

To make it simple, I always go back to the mental choice: The glass is half full or half empty. Mine is half full. Or for that matter it's completely full. You see, it's like Oprah says, you were born with a crown and it's sitting right in front of you. All you have to do is pick it up and put it on.

What do you say? Stop sitting in the stands of life waiting for something to happen. Look around, see what's going on in your world and brainstorm about how you can be active. Whether you pursue personal interests or reach out to others, I know you'll feel better about yourself.

Start with a quiet moment. Reflect on your desires. And if you have any doubts about taking a risk, I will echo Tyra, Oprah, and Julie: So what! Put on your crown, and choose to matter.

For more information about the Julie Foudy Leadership Academy go to: http://juliefoudyleadership.com