Turning Your Dream Into A Reality: Start Today

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I often speak to groups about how you can live a life that delights you – the kind of life that makes you excited to jump out of bed in the morning, and makes you rest easy at night. Inevitably, someone always asks this at the end, during the Q&A session: “But, how can I live a life I love and pursue my dreams if I have a job I don’t love and my day is filled with responsibilities, family and friends? There’s just simply no time!” Well, this picture above is a touching example of exactly how you accomplish this.

Yesterday morning, I was walking Miss Ellie in my neighborhood, and I saw this man taking pictures of trees, leaves and flowers across the street. He was dressed in scrubs, so I would imagine he is a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, orderly, or hospital worker. He was just on his walk to catch the bus, and stopped on his daily commute to capture some beauty along the way.

I could create a hundred scenarios of what this man’s life is like, but all we really need to know is this: he bought an 8mm camera to carry with him on his commute, so he could take pictures and do what he loves, in the spare few moments he had available to him. 


So, my message to you today? Don’t “wait” until the time is right to do what you love.

Start TODAY.

Do one thing today that gets you closer to your dreams.

I used to dream of living a fully creative life, where I could work from home, drive to studios, attend events and make a difference philanthropically. Now, that’s been my life for about 3 years. What many people may NOT know is that I always had a day job until 2012. I spent my free time before work, at lunch and after work, pursuing the dreams I really wanted, while working a job I was truly grateful to have, because it allowed me the means and freedom to pursue those dreams.

Did I ever feel resentful that my dreams hadn’t come true and I had to work a job I didn’t love? Heck, yeah. Every single day. But, I looked forward to the free time I did have that I could use to dedicate to my dreams.

I’ve had many dreams over the years, and some have come true, some haven’t, and some new dreams have been borne of broken dreams. But, I always carved out time for them, and left room for them to grow.

So, today, make the decision to use your time wisely. Take those few minutes in the car and record some book ideas you have, scribble some art while you’re eating lunch at work, or listen to an inspiring podcast while you go for your run. While it might seem like your dreams are ever so far away, the truth is they’re right inside you, just waiting to come alive.

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Perfectly Imperfect: A Hanger String Aint No Thing

Something I learned from this pic I just saw up on @GuestOfAGuest of me at a @PeroniUSA event?
Mayyyybe someone should have told me that my hanger string was all hanging out.

A hanger string aint no thing. You gotta be able to control what you can, and leave - and laugh at -the rest.

A hanger string aint no thing. You gotta be able to control what you can, and leave – and laugh at -the rest.

Ok. Let’s get real here for a sec, folks.
There are plenty of perfect pics of people in perfectly cute outfits all over social media and the internet.
But here’s some realness.
It’s life. It’s imperfect. It’s real. And, let’s be honest…it’s hilarious!
I find that being able to laugh at myself – pretty much daily – is one of the best gifts I was ever given. And I do it OFTEN!
Life is so beautiful in all of its imperfections. Control what you can.
Cherish what matters.
And, let go – and laugh about – the rest.

 

xoxo,

Dawn

I Don’t Like This Picture…But I LOVE This Moment.

I don’t like this picture I have broken nails, I peeled the polish off my pinkie nail, have a random red mark on my chest and my eyes look asymmetrical.

I don't like this picture, but I LOVE this moment.

I don’t like this picture, but I LOVE this moment.

But I LOVE this moment. You know your best friend Matt Marr knows you as well as he knows himself, when you’re walking out of Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck at Arclight Culver City and in the middle of a story, he gasps, saying “Oh my god. This light is beautiful. Give me your phone,” and starts snapping pictures.

I learn from him every day as my friend, my neighbor, my brother and as a human I aspire to be more like. He really is the best person I know. I love him to bits.

And I’m learning to love myself, because of – not in spite of – my imperfections – a little more every day.

I’d like to think we’re all here to help one another do just that.

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Mom, I’m On The Radio: Kathy Kaehler’s Fit & Sexy For Life, Tomorrow 6/24 at 1 pm

I think we know I love to talk. And tomorrow, at 1 pm, I get to do JUST that when I have the honor of being a guest on Kathy Kaehler‘s‪ Fit And Sexy For Life‬ radio show on LA Talk Radio, Channel 2.

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I’ve been a fan of Kathy’s for a looooong time, so this really is one of those bucket list moments for me! Hope you’ll take a listen. Who knows what we’ll end up talking about?? Kathy Kaehler

Dear 15 Me

Hey there!
Do you remember being 15? The insecurities, the peer pressure, the awkwardness?

No? Well, then consider yourself lucky.
It’s hard out there for teens, and I want to do something about it.
While there’s no time machine to take us back to 15 to correct our thinking back then, we at #Dear15Me hope our past stories and struggles, and current strengths and hindsight vision will help inspire – and make the road a little easier – for teens to walk today.
Sometimes we all just need to hear these two words: "You're Okay." Won't you share the words that encourage you?

Sometimes we all just need to hear these two little words words: “YOU’RE OKAY.”

Bonus? Those who have participated, thus far, tell me that sharing their stories has been super cathartic, and has helped boost their confidence today.

Yep. This is actually a win-win movement that changes both the lives of others, and yourself.

Here’s the scoop:
How does it work?
It’s really simple. And there are two easy choices to get involved, using the power of social media.
CHOICE A
1) Post a picture of yourself at 15 (or any teen age), with a caption saying: “Dear 15 Me…” 
2) Follow it with what  you were feeling at that age, and most importantly..
3) What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself at 15? What would help or inspire you to get through those tough years with a little grace?
4) Share on your social media channels, ask 5 of your friends to join the movement and ask them to do the same. 
Together, we can make a difference in the confidence of today’s teens. And be sure to tag @Dear15Me and @BeautyFrosting so we can share your experiences with our social media channels.
 
 
CHOICE B
1) No picture readily available of you at 15? Don’t feel like sharing 15-year-old you with the world? No problem. Just print your choice of the “Dear 15 Me…” sign pdf below.
2) Write your piece of advice on there, and tell the world what you wish you could tell 15-year-old you in the caption. What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself at 15? What would help or inspire you to get through those tough years with a little grace?
4) Share on your social media channels, ask 5 of your friends to join the movement and ask them to do the same. 
Together, we can make a difference in the confidence of today’s teens. And be sure to follow us and tag @Dear15Me and @BeautyFrosting so we can share your experiences with our social media channels.

It’s that easy.
Below, please find examples from celebs, bloggers, influencers, myself – and others who have joined the movement – so you can get an idea of what we’re all about.
xoxo,
Dawn

Actress, Sarah Jane Morris, shares her support of the #Dear15Me movement for teens everywhere – and the future of her kids, Emmett and Beau (pictured here)!

Actress Sarah Jane Morris is on board!

Actress Sarah Jane Morris is on board

Blogger, Rachel Sarnoff of Mommy Greenest, shared her story on her blog, and it was beautiful!

Blogger, Rachel Sarnoff of Mommy Greenest, shared her story on her blog, and it was beautiful!

Blogger, Rachel Sarnoff of Mommy Greenest, shared her story on her blog, and it was beautiful!

 

Actress & Thick Dumpling Skin blogger, Lynn Chen, shared how she wished she had better spent her time in her teens, and it was deeply moving.

Actress & Thick Dumpling Skin blogger, Lynn Chen, shared how she wished she had better spent her time in her teens, and it was deeply moving.

Actress & Thick Dumpling Skin blogger, Lynn Chen, shared how she wished she had better spent her time in her teens, and it was deeply moving.

What have I learned in my life of struggles and strengths? To embrace your quirkiness. It can be the very thing that sets you apart.

I  say, "Embrace your quirkiness!"

I say, “Embrace your quirkiness!”

 

BF Asks: Are you up for the Challenge? The #Dear15Me Challenge, that is. If so, post you pic and spread the word! Want to use a current picture, holding our #Dear15Me sign. Email me at [email protected] and we’ll send the printable pdf files your way!

The #Dear15Me Challenge

How did you feel at 15-years-old? And what do you wish you could tell yourself at 15 if you could go back now?

#Dear15Me : Helping teens tackle their teenage years with the confidence, grace, wisdom and ease we wish we’d had.

That’s what #Dear15Me is all about. Dawn McCoy (host, creator of BeautyFrosting, and lifestyle and life empowerment expert) has created a movement where we can share our stories and struggles of when we were 15-years-old – and share our hindsight vision – to encourage teens to love and accept themselves, just as they are right now at this very moment.  *Helping teens tackle their teenage years with the confidence, grace, wisdom and ease we wish we’d had.*

So many of us say, “If I had known then, what I know now….”, so why don’t we tell teens while they’re still in it? Our goal is to start a viral movement that helps ease what can be a tough time in a teen’s life. Post a picture of yourself at 15 and your #Dear15Me message, and let teens know how you felt at 15, and what you would say to yourself if you had the chance now. Because you do. You have a chance now to help them get through this challenging time, with confidence, grace and ease. No picture of you at 15? No problem. Just post a pic of you now, holding the sign “Dear 15 Me…”and write your story and what you wish you could tell 15-year-old you in the caption.

Seeing the struggles that we went through then, how we got through them, and what we know now that we wish we had known then will inspire them to live their best lives now.

****

From Dawn:

Listen. Being a teen was hard. I remember it so clearly: the insecurities, the doubts, the fickleness, the fear, the fights with friends, the crushes, trying to please your parents, trying to impress your teachers, all of it. HARD.

But, today’s teens have it even harder. They have all of that above, plus the added pressure of social media. If there had been social media when I was in high school, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have graduated, and I think my parents would agree with me on that.

I realized just how tough it is for teens these days on a recent trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. There, I talked to the mom of a 15-year-old daughter who told me about the pain she has to see her daughter go through daily when she compares herself to others on social media. Remember that party you didn’t get invited to in 9th grade? Well, imagine having to see pictures of it on Instagram the next day. Remember the guy you had a crush on who asked out your best friend? Imagine having to see pictures of them hand-in-hand on Facebook. SUPER HARD.

That next night, I drove to my Dad’s house in Hot Springs, Arkansas and saw a picture of me at 15 years old, hanging on his wall. I saw this gorgeous girl and was shocked, because that was not the girl that I remembered. The girl I remembered was chubby, with braces and filled with nervousness and insecurity. She was scared of being too much – and not enough – all at the same time.

I ended up writing a post about it, and was overwhelmed by the comments, Facebook messages, texts and emails that I received in response. My feelings of wishing I could go back and speak to 15-year-old-me really had struck a chord. Hundreds of women wrote to me, expressing that they too look back and wish they could tell their 15-year-old selves that they were perfect as is, and that everything was going to be okay. Sometimes, that’s all we need to hear: “You’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay.”

So, I’ve decided to do something about it, and start a movement. It’s called the “Dear 15 Me Challenge,” or #Dear15Me for you hashtaggers out there. #Dear15Me is a movement where we can share our stories and struggles of when we were 15-years-old – and share our hindsight vision – to encourage teens to love and accept themselves, just as they are right now at this very moment.  Helping teens tackle their teenage years with the confidence, grace, wisdom and ease we wish we’d had. Here are the details. I really hope you’ll be a part of it, and that we can help make the journey a little smoother for teens out there today.

#Dear15Me : To inspire teens and women and men, at every age, I encourage you to share what you would say to yourself at 15, having the hindsight, wisdom and experience that you do now. I urge you to 1) post a picture of yourself at 15, with a caption saying: “Dear 15 Me…” and follow it with 2) what  you were feeling at that age, and most importantly, 3) what you wish you could tell yourself at 15. It’s that easy.

No picture readily available of you at 15? No problem. Any pic of you as a teen will do, or just post a pic of you now, holding the sign “Dear 15 Me…” and write your story and what you wish you could tell 15-year-old you in the caption.

While there’s no time machine to take us back to 15 to correct our thinking then, we hope our past experiences and heartfelt words will help inspire – and make the road a little easier – for teens today. Tag 5 of your friends and ask them to do the same. Together, we can make a difference in the confidence of today’s teens. And be sure to tag @Dear15Me and @BeautyFrosting so we can share your experiences with our social media channels.

“I wish you could see what you look like to me. Don’t you know you’re made of stars? You can do anything – dance, laugh and sing. You’re carried by love. All that you see will come to be. So, what will you do, beautiful you?” (Dawn McCoy)

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Audrey Hepburn: Her Loving Heart Inspires Me Every Day

This original Jo Almeida painting of Audrey Hepburn hangs in my foyer.

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, by Jo Almeida - one of my favorite artists

It’s the first thing everyone sees it as they walk into my home, and that is no accident. Audrey’s at the heart of my home – in the foyer as you enter, to welcome guests, and in the kitchen, the heart of the home.

In my home, Audrey is at the heart of it: in the foyer as you enter to welcome guests, and in the kitchen, the heart of the home.

While she played the seemingly free-spirited Holly Golightly, Audrey was anything but.

As a child in post-World War II Holland, Audrey never forgot her humble beginnings of carrying smuggled Allied notes in her ballet slippers, and the help she received from UNICEF.

Young Audrey Hepburn

As a UNICEF ambassador herself in later years, Audrey worked tirelessly to help children all over the world, the way UNICEF had helped her.

Audrey Hepburn and her giving heart

My painting of Audrey hangs in a corner where it is reflected in an antique mirror, where I can see both her and myself, as I pass by. That, too, is no accident. It’s to remind me that as my dreams come true, my job is to help make dreams come true for others.

Audrey as UNICEF Ambassador

I am so thankful to have been introduced to the lady and legend who is Audrey Hepburn at a tender age by my big brother David McCoy, as it taught me early on that your life must be balanced with giving back as much as you get. Every time I see this painting, I am reminded of that as her external beauty was only overshadowed by her beautiful heart. I aspire to give as much.

Audrey Hepburn: Her love had no limits.

Later today, I’m announcing a movement that I hope will inspire girls and women all over the world. I don’t think it’s an accident at all, that we’re launching it on what would have been Audrey’s 86th birthday. Happy, happy birthday, Audrey Hepburn. Thank you for inspiring us all with your beautiful heart. May we help others half as much as you did.

A "deer" heart.

xoxo,
Dawn

Walk On: The Way The Universe Re-Routes Us

Sometimes it’s hard to walk away from something.

And, other times…it’s not.

Sometimes it's hard to walk away…and sometimes, it's not.

When you work with hundreds of people, dozens of brands, and a good chunk of charities every week, like I do, you are occasionally going to find one that’s not a fit. As a “recovering” people pleaser, that’s not always been easy. I used to spend countless time and energy, trying to bend myself every which way to fit other people’s needs. To say it was exhausting would be a grave understatement.

I now realize that when I have a problem with a person, brand or organization, it’s life telling me that they’re not a fit for me, and I’m better suited serving in another capacity somewhere else. After all, there are hundreds of thousands of options out there!

Out of the hundreds of people I have known – and worked with – on a weekly basis, for the past few years, I am proud to say that there is only 1 brand I refuse to work with (because of a very ill-mannered pr head), 1 charity I won’t consider contributing my time or money to (because of a poor communication system and lack of organization), 1 periodical that I’m reticent to work with (because they require more than they give back)…and 1 boyfriend I couldn’t be friends with (because he had unresolved issues that had nothing to do with me, but I digress). So I let them go. And that is not only okay, it’s healthy.

In the old days, I would take a disagreement or parting of ways as a personal affront. Today, I realize that it’s just the universe re-routing me to where I need to be, to make the most impactful difference I can in this world. And isn’t that what we’re all here to do?

If you’re feeling disrespect, unrest or rejection right now, think of it as a re-routing – like the way the GPS app, Waze, works on your phone. Much like that app, the universe foresees all of those roadblocks and wrecks up ahead – which we might not see in the moment – and is helping us avoid them in the future so we don’t waste any time, on the road to our dreams. When you feel unsettled and uncomfortable with a person or in a situation, the universe is actually just re-routing your travel plan to send you on the fastest route to your desired destination.

So, when you’re given a clue that you’re supposed to walk away from a roadblock to your destiny, LISTEN…and walk on, with your head held high. Yep. Just like that.

And remember: YOU’RE OKAY.

xoxo,

Dawn

You’re Never Alone.


In the arms of the angel, on West 3rd Street

You’re never alone.

Not for a second.

Even when it really, really feels like you are.

Listen to that voice whispering to you that you’re not.

Angels, angels everywhere…even on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles.

 

xoxo,

Dawn

High-Low 11/10/14 #BF30DaysOfGratitude Style: Bravery & Bullying

It’s been a while – okay, a loooooong while – since I’ve posted my High-Low column. So, I decided to put a #BF30DaysofGratitude spin on it this week since, well, we’re smack-dab in the middle of it. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

HIGH

I had an amazing day on Friday. I challenged myself. I dared myself. I went out on a limb, I found bravery and I was rewarded richly. That’s my high. It’s that simple. Here’s the recounting:

High 11/10/14: Be Brave

#Bf30DaysofGratitude Day 7 11/7/14: I am so grateful for those moments of bravery that define the survival of a creative life. I keep this @charmandgumption “Be BRAVE” sign pinned to my bulletin board above my desk. Every morning, it reminds me to be just that. Today, I took the first step in turning a dream into a reality. I feel like I can fly. I urge you to do the same today. This week, do something that scares you, and let bravery be your guide. It never disappoints. Ask your heart: What would you do if fear wasn’t a factor?

 

LOW

Oh, and there just has to be a low, doesn’t there? This low wasn’t mine. It was a friend’s. I am – and have always been – an anti-bully crusader. I don’t understand it. I don’t condone it. And I DON’T tolerate it. My dear, beautiful, sweet, kind, hilarious, creative and generous friend dove into the pool of online dating a while ago. Overall? A pretty fun – and funny – experience, according to her texts, which she’s kind enough to share with me across state lines – until she was bullied by a callous coward online bully. No need to honor him by going into the nasty details, but I want to honor her by saying that I stand united against bullies and am so happy that we have an anti-bullying community on this here planet.

Low: Bullies

#Bf30DaysofGratitude Day 5: Today, I am so grateful for all of the anti-bullying campaigns and organizations alive today, such as @kindcampaign@noh8campaign @trevorproject @stompoutbullying and @bravetrails (whose bingo fundraiser is tonight at WeHo Hamburger Mary’s). As a woman who spent a good portion of her young life yo-yo dieting and straightening my naturally curly hair as a result of a few cruel, careless words uttered by 8th grade kids, I can assure you that the effects of bullying can last a lifetime. And I know how easy I had it. So many aren’t that lucky. Thus, I am so thankful that these forward-thinking organizations exist to encourage and educate the bullied, the bullies, the parents and the educators. Bullying cannot – and – WILL NOT – be tolerated. And I support any and every organization that fights it.

So, here’s our lesson this week.

Be brave. And be kind.
It’s really simple as that.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: When have you felt most brave? Have you ever been bullied? What’s your High-Low this week?