Most content for women and girls online – especially around empowerment – is usually what I call “S.F.S.N.” (Sounds Fabulous, Signifies Nothing). Which means that it’s usually all Rah-Rah and not a lot of real. I’m all for the sizzle but I’d like a heavy side order of substance, please.
That’s why I am taking the time to applaud the amazing platforms that pack substance in the content they deliver for women and girls. Right now, we are in an age where it’s critical for our girls to see themselves as the world-changing thought-leaders they are!
Here are my 10 favorite platforms:
Teen Vogue – Teen Vogue is playing at the highest level when it comes to telling stories that matter to today’s teenage girl (and well, everyone, really). Not only do they make relevant news and social topics easily digestible and engaging for teens, they also do a phenomenal job at giving girls the opportunity to write their own stories.
Bustle – I’ve been a contributor to Bustle in the past and I’d surely do it again. They serve as a prime source for healthy lifestyle tips and advice. If you love my #SelfCare17 campaign, you will love reading content on Bustle!
Equality for Her – Equality for Her is dedicated to uplifting the voices and identities of people across the femme spectrum. Inclusive to all femme-identifying people, their mission is to generate awareness about issues affecting the global femme community.
Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls – One of my forever faves, APSG will always be held near and dear to my heart. They have always been and will continue to be dedicated to cultivating the authentic, smart girl (which is every girl).
Sesi Magazine – Sesi is on a mission to fill the void in mainstream media, where there is a gap for African-American girls. Sesi is released each quarter of the year with the simple yet vital mission of celebrating African-American teen girls.
GirlGaze – The founders of GirlGaze and I share a vision of putting more content in the world that is created through the eyes of girls. This platform is a shining a spotlight on the visual masterpieces and photographs captured by girls while building a virtual community of the world’s top female creatives.
Lenny Letter – Lenny features real, intimate stories from real women; a concept that is so simple, yet extremely effective in making a connection with the reader. They also post beautiful graphic illustrations of the women featured in their stories to accompany each article.
Awesomely Luvvie – If you prefer to read your news in a tone of “brutally honest and painfully humorous,” Luvvie is your reporter. Luvvie has a gift for taking any piece of news and making it 100 times more enjoyable to consume. She holds no punches and delivers pop culture content in a voice that you cannot deny.
MuslimGirl – This is the biggest and only digital platform specifically dedicated to amplifying the voices of Muslim girls. Even if you’re not Muslim, I guarantee you will read and watch stories that you can connect with and learn from on this platform
UpWorthy – UpWorthy is another one of my go-to websites for news happening in culture. The writers for this platform have an amazing way of making each story feel connected to the reader and I always feel inspired to take action once I complete an article.
Huffington Post (Voices) – HuffPo Voices is what I consider one of the hubs of intersectional media. I can always count on catching up to speed on the relevant day-to-day news through this website. It’s also a great place to read a variety of diverse voices and perspectives on countless topics.
We’ve all been there—stressed, maybe a bit anxious, and instead of calming down, our brain decides to replay over and over again an embarrassing, mean, or just plain stupid thing we said any number of years ago. It happens and it’s rarely helpful. Though we can’t control the random flood of negative self-talk, we can do something about how it makes us feel. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes (big or small), accepting that you cannot go back and change it, and taking stock of moment-to-moment gratitude is a great way to practice self-care, even in your lowest moments.
As girls, we are taught to say yes, even at the expense of our own heart. As women, we can be so worried that people won’t like us, that we talk ourselves into something we don’t want. Not only is this unhealthy, but it’s dangerous! Do yourself a favor, and practice saying no. Even when you are uncomfortable, even when you don’t feel like it, saying no is like exercising a muscle, it needs repetition. No is not only a full sentence, but for many, a first step in really learning to love yourself.
When you’re dedicated to self-improvement, it’s easy to take on too much. But we’re only human and it’s important to remember people like limits. Children thrive when adults set clear boundaries. The challenge comes when you’re an adult and you must set your own. Instead of thinking about it as self-denial or even self-discipline shift your perspective. Setting boundaries is a great form of self-protection and another opportunity to figure out how to express yourself within safe confines. It’s a way to better understand who you are, what you’re comfortable with, and how you want others to treat you. Setting boundaries is integral to building a healthy relationship with yourself and others.