Dare to be Different…

I thought this picture was relevant; I mean, riding a bike around Holland was an achievement for me, even if it was a small one.
{FYI, Holland is very hilly; don't listen to your bestie when she says that it isn't}

As a passionate advertising graduate, every now and again I do love to stalk venture into a brands' social media and watch their latest advertising unfold, especially with Christmas on the way; however it is only officially Christmas when you see the Coca Cola advert for the first time. Recently, I have come across GAP's new campaign 'Girl', featuring Ellen Degeners (one of the most inspirational people on our television screens, by the way!), who has just designed a new clothing range for GAP Kids and it's just as awesome as she is. 

Anyway, this got me thinking… The world that we live in today is a scary place and one that many girls in the 21st century fear. With the growth of social media these days, it gets harder and harder to escape from the media and the negative influences that girls - like me and you - are surrounded by each day. I mean, I know that I've only just turned twenty-one (33 days ago to be exact!) but even at twenty-one years old, I feel the need to please EVERYONE; I know this shouldn't be the case but have you ever made a decision just to please someone? Or do you ever feel like the pressures of making a decision is even harder because you have people around you telling you what you should or shouldn't be doing. Well, this campaign breaks the ice, and reassures girls that you can be whatever you want to be and celebrates all the things that make people different. If you want to compete at the Olympics, then you can. If you want to be the top stylist at London Fashion Week, then you can. The important thing to remember in all of this, is that the world is your oyster and at the end of the day… It's your life and you have the power to do anything you want to do. Unfortunately, during your journey to power, there will always be curveballs that you have to dodge or mountains that you have to climb because life isn't that simple but with plenty of determination and confidence, you can achieve magical things. 

When I was in secondary school, I struggled with a lot of subjects and I never really found my 'niché' or anything I was good. Sport? No. Science? No. English? Definitely not. I mean, I didn't know where I really fitted when it came at being good at something and I definitely NEVER thought that I would go to university and meet some of the greatest people ever (and achieve a First Class Honours) but I stuck with it because I knew I wanted to achieve something in my life. Yes, there were plenty of times that I wanted to give up and hide under a rock but my passion towards things is probably one of my best attributes; I mean, I don't like giving up especially without a fight and believe me when I say that there were plenty of times that people discouraged me along the way or someone said something hurtful or very unmotivational. At times, I would listen but as you get older, hopefully, you'll realised that any discouragements that you might get along the way, should only make you stronger and prove those people wrong. What is it they say… "you don't know until you try". 

Believe it or not, every girl in the 21st century at times probably feels scared or has plenty of self-esteem issues… your not alone but the biggest message that I have probably got from this campaign is "never give up" because if you don't try you will never succeed and succeeding at something is a wonderful feeling and something everyone should get to enjoy. 

Remember! If you love it, do it! 

Love, 

Lauren xo