One of my favorite movies is You’ve Got Mail. I used to imagine myself owning the character Kathleen Kelly’s children’s book store and living in her brownstone, experiencing New York in the fall and walking to work. When I say I love this movie, I really mean it. I remember watching it with my mom, and I still to this day feel compelled to announce it to her every time I watch it. I’ve also said that if a man ever proposes to me with a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils, I will be his forever.
This movie is such a part of my identity (and my dream life) that I have quotes of it memorized, quotes that I’ve put up on my facebook profile and other places as part of “me”.
I can’t help but think of it and how I’ve seen my self and my life as I prepare to go to New York this week for Full Figured Fashion Week. I always saw myself in the background. My friends had bigger (and as I told myself–better) personalities than me, and sometimes the people I met validated that feeling.
In You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly says,
Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life – well, valuable, but small – and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven’t been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn’t it be the other way around?
When I started blogging, my “small life” and the stories I told myself about what I could or could not do came under question. It took me awhile (and I still have plenty of moments where it takes me awhile) to realize that the stories only held me back further and that I had the potential to create new stories, to allow myself to feel differently about my self and my body and my interests.
I’m excited for New York. I’m excited that I’ve gotten to a place where I’m not scared to fly solo to New York City and meet people who I’ve never met in person before (ok, maybe I am a teensy bit). I’m excited that I now have great friends at home as well as wonderful connections to interesting women across the globe. These are things I hadn’t imagined for myself just a short couple years ago, and they are things that I don’t think I would have done even if I had the opportunity. It feels good to be brave, to do things that I always watched others do but held away from something I could do myself.
I’ll be posting more from New York City when I arrive on Tuesday, but follow me on Twitter for updates about the events I’m attending and people I’m meeting if you’re interested!
I’ve already had lots of fun picking outfits for all the events!
Is there anything you’ve done/are doing that feels brave or outside of what you thought you could do?
Do you have a goal for your future/life that you want to meet?
Rebecca, you’re adorable, and that quote is BEAUTIFUL. You’re going to have such an extraordinary time in New York, and I can’t *wait* to read all about your adventures!
You will have an AMAZING time in NYC! In 2009, I went to the first FFFW on my own and it was one of the first trips I’d taken solo – and I had a blast. Can’t make it this year – so I’m living vicariously through you!!! Take lots of pictures, send lots of tweets. And have FUN!!!!!
Its one of my fave’s too, one of the best bits of my USA trip last year was visiting Cafe Lalo in NYC, have you been? If you can, go!!! Its just like in the movie (I sat about where Tom did!!) The cakes are gorgeous, there are twinling lights in the trees outside – just like in the movie. Enjoy your trip and have an awesome time xxxxx
My brave thing was giving up everything and going to japan. Initially it was only for 6 months but I ended up staying for two years and it was the best thing I ever did.
It gave me confidence – I more than survived in a country where – at first – I didn’t speak a word of the language. I met life long friends and my husband out there. I came back (reluctantly) knowing that whatever I put my mind to I could do it.
I’m a big believer in stepping outside your comfort zone and pushing yourself – you’ll be amazed at what you can do!
Have a fabulous time in NYC.
Wonderful blog, and you know we love that movie at our house. I’m so excited for you regardng this trip, and proud of you for being “brave” and doing something new. I suppose I’ve only been “brave” when it has been forced upon me through life situations and I’m still a bit like Kathleen Kelly, waiting for that moment when I will choose to do something brave. So I’m definitely looking forward to hearing all about your experiences this week. Have a wonderful time looking at lovely clothes and meeting fascinating new people and seeing NEW YORK!!! Love you!
Ah I’ve only been to NY once when I was 17…one day I will return! I love You’ve Got Mail too but have you seen the original – Shop Around The Corner with Jimmy Stuart and Margaret O Sullavan – it’s why Meg’s shop is called that in You’ve Got Mail – I love the original one more!
Oh and have a knish in NY – I remember them being so yummy and have never found them anywhere else….
Rebecca,
Have ever seen the vintage version of this movie called “Shop around the corner”? It has Jimmy Stewart & Margaret Sullavan. It is equally charming. You have alwasy seemed very brave to me. Have fun in NYC.
I’ve been to New York once. It seems so big, yet so small. All the familiar places such as time square, wall street, China town, broadway, These are like microcosyms of the whole of the city. There is always something to do there and the city never sleeps. I am excited for you. I know you will meet wonderful people and make connections there that will help you make your little world a little larger. Carolina Girl in the big city. I love You’ve got mail too. “dont cry shopgirl” is my all time favorite line in the whole movie.
You’ve got mail is one of my top 10. Just found your blog and love it. I’m Sandy, nice to meet you!