I, along with hundreds of other women (and men... own up to it fellas!) have fallen under the witty and hypnotic genius that is the popular HBO show GIRLS. Lena Dunham, a creator, producer, actress, author, and basically a total powerhouse, is who to thank for a lot of that.
Recently, I became the owner of her book Not That Kind of Girl, and it's the total literature package, minus the whole hot lead male character. If you haven't read it, I highly suggest getting your hands on it, canceling all of your afternoon plans, and locking yourself in your room because once you start, you won't be able to stop. Raw, funny, and just plain ballsy are the best words to describe this written work of art, but then again, those are words I would use to describe the author as well.
I'm sure other fellow fans all wish that she could be our best friend IRL, but alas, unless you're Taylor Swift or any of her GIRLS co-stars, we're not even close to being on that level. However, reading her book gives you a look into her most personal life moments, spanning from when she was a child to the present. Lena Dunham has a total candid approach to figuring her sh*t out, and as a woman in her early 20's, I appreciate her just as much as my morning cup of coffee. Here is a list of the most important life lessons she has bestowed upon us.
1. Friendships
It is not the end of the world if you don't feel connected to someone long term just yet. The people who are your "best friends" may not always be under that category once you're deep into your college career. Sometimes people meet their true blue group of gals (or guys) in college, but even if you don't, that's okay too. You'll meet your posse, clique, entourage, bros, girls, (whatever you wanna call it) when it's the right time in your life. Remember, always surround yourself with people that will help you grow and be the best version of you.
Lena didn't meet her close friends that she has now until she stepped foot in the professional world outside of college, but she's not doing too badly, if you asked me.
2. Dating
Ugh, dating. It's my least favorite thing to do, next to having to put on pants when I leave my apartment. I just can't go out with a total stranger and make small talk with them, because that bores me. Bad dates are even worse, because you have to sit through a period of time immersed in awkward silences and realizations that you have absolutely nothing in common with the person sitting in front of you. Things to remember while you're trying to figure out what you want in a person: "You have to love yourself, to love someone who's going to love you." In Not That Kind Of Girl, we're taken on a trip through all the bad relationships Lena has had before she began dating her current main squeeze (the ever so handsome lead singer of The Bleachers). She's right though, don't settle for less than you deserve. It's better to be single than to be in a toxic situation with someone who doesn't think you are a big ball of sunshine.
If only....
3. Personal Strength
"All adventurous women do." I've quickly discovered that if I want to be somebody then I have to put on my big girl pants and do the damn thing. I know where I want to get in life and I won't let anyone tell me "no," and neither should you.
THIS. I needed this.
4. Body Acceptance
I know that I've struggled with body acceptance for years. The scale is my mortal enemy and I'm constantly thinking about pizza even when I'm chugging a kale smoothie. Here's my little beacon of hope to all the ladies out there: work with what you got and flaunt the heck out of it. We were blessed with imperfections because every one of us are unique in our own ways. Some days I'm stronger than others, but that's all a part of growing. Lena has expressed her struggle that she's had with her weight, but I love how she embraces every part of her in the best way; it really takes a positive role model to make a change in society.
5. Do what you want (and lol @ anyone who tells you otherwise)
If you want to go work out at the gym, then go ahead girl, and squat till you drop. If you want to eat five slices of pizza, then by all means, go right ahead. It's your life and it's okay to live it how you want. If people are going to judge you for what you want to do, wear, say, think, and so on and so forth, then they're living boring lives and need to let loose a bit more.
Judgement free zone.
One more: just to assure everyone that sometimes Lena still is living her life as ridiculous as she wants, and that's okay.
