Posts Tagged ‘preteens’

This past fall, I’ve been blogging, as well as commenting on my Twitter and Facebook pages, about the dangerously skinny photoshopped ads by designer Ralph Lauren and the firing of his loyal size 4 model for being "too fat." (see earlier posts). Maybe I’m sensitive to all of this due to my years of modeling in that crazy industry, because, even then, it would madden me as to the pressure the models faced to be ultra thin. Everyone wants to blame "those skinny models," yet in their defense, it’s really the designers and advertisers who are to blame. Models aren’t known for their sense of self or high self-esteem, especially the younger ones, and will often "do what it takes" to be accepted, seek approval, or get a job. They will often be cruel physically, mentally, and emotionally to themselves – and to each other!

Unfortunately this behavior filters down into our schools with the increasing popularity of "mean girls," and that’s why I am so passionate about getting out there and reaching these girls. It was challenging to handle all this as an adult as a model, but it breaks my heart to see it happen with our young girls today!

More on that at a later time…for now, here is a call to action to help stop a contributing factor to our girls’ obsession with thinness. Filmmaker Darryl Roberts has become an advocate for body acceptance since making the fabulous documentary AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL.  Now he’s spearheading a boycott against Ralph Lauren that’s really intended to get the attention and wise up the whole fashion industry. He needs us all to join the boycott! Here’s the link to sign up for the boycott and learn more about Roberts’ campaign: join the boycott

Read the rest of this entry »

Debra Gano conducts her "It’s What’s Inside That Counts!" Self-Esteem Workshop for Girls, Women, & Parents of Girls (Dads welcome to!) this Sunday, Nov. 1, in Scottsdale, AZ. Click here for all the details, and be sure to tell your friends in the Phoenix-area about this great opportunity!

 Debra Gano comes to Arizona to deliver this empowering and interactive workshop, teaching self-esteem principles "from the inside out." Adults & girls appreciate Debra’s open and amusing style as she discusses unhealthy media, critical peers,  inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to your true essence. You will walk away with a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, feeling more empowered and resilient to withstand life’s challenges.

WHERE: New Vision Center

www.HeartlightGirls.com & www.DebraGano.com

Did you know that approximately 90% of kids will experience some form of bullying this school year? Ouch! What’s happening??? When did it suddenly become “cool” to be mean? While “Mean Girls” may think they’re cool, we here at Heartlight Girls are here to remind you that they are NOT cool…and NOT beautiful! Girls who bully are really suffering from low self-esteem, and use bullying tactics to cover it up. It’s important to remember this if you are the victim of bullying (or your daughter is). Remind yourself that the mean comments and manipulative games have nothing to do with YOU, it‘s about THEM and their insecurities. Bullying is the sign of a dim Heartlight, and when someone’s Heartlight is dim, they will try really hard to dim your light too (or steal some of your beautiful bright light!) So protect yourself, Heartlight Girls, from the “dimmers” and keep your Heartlight bright! Be sure to do your Heartlight Meditation every day (it’s at the back of Beauty’s Secret).

As the Young Authors League Director for the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation, I organized a short-story writing contest this past spring for 4^th & 5^th grade students of the Cherry Creek School District in Denver.  Always looking to bring out the inspirational side of kids, I selected the theme, “Making the World a Better Place,” thinking the stories would be based on human, heart-warming aspects, such as kindness, helping others, etc., (you know, Heartlight Girl themes). While we did receive some fabulous stories like this, I was truly surprised that the majority of stories were about about litter, recycling, and pollution. I am all about cleaning up our Earth (I’m a big recycler!), but have to admit, a slight groan would escape me when I saw I had to read yet another story on this topic…that is, until a powerful experience on the beach this past August changed my perspective… Read the rest of this entry »