Jackie or Marilyn?

I’m originally from a small town. Actually, let me rephrase that, my “town” isn’t a town, it’s actually considered a “village.” Yea…. Anyway, when I was a little girl, I was always knew I wanted to dream big. I am the type of person who loves getting dressed up, fixing my hair, feeling put together and doing things that I truly believe in- but on the flip side, I also like the simpler things too. Hanging out with friends on a back porch, grilling out and running around barefoot.

I recently came across this book cover on Pinterest:

Although I haven’t read about the main premise, I think one can gather as much from the title and two iconic women on the cover (isn’t is ironic that they couldn’t be more different, but also share JFK as a common similarity…no? Just me, okay.). But the cover got me thinking. Not only about which women I technically “am,” but moreso why can’t I be like both?

Most of my girlfriends would tell you that I have an odd curiosity about Jackie O, I’ve read some books about her life as well as preforming more google searches on her than I care to admit. I think she was brave, classy and timeless. Then there is Marilyn- or should I say, Norma Jean Baker- a woman from a less than perfect background who always wanted to be someone different (hints the name change in later life). Marilyn was sexy, daring and adventurous (I may have googled good ole’ Norma Jean a few times as well…I have a life I swear..)

Whether or not you are a fan of either, both women made a mark on history that will not be forgotten. But why do we have to pick which lady we want to be like? I have always wanted to be like Jackie O with pearls, matching pink suits and pill box hats- the epitome of classy, but then there are times that I want to be Marilyn too- a touch of sexy mixed with a little bit of adventure. Im coming to learn with time, that I can be a bit of both. We can’t change who we are and where we come from, but we can dream big enough to be able to let our past help shape us into the people we want to become.
I say all of this because I think its important to dream big for yourself in a way that makes you larger than life like Jackie O. But you can also be fun, adventurous and from a small start the way that Marilyn was. It’s okay to remember where you started and dream for something bigger- you shouldn’t be ashamed of it. You should embrace it- and in the end, it will make you a better person. So be brave, classy and a little bit of sexy- mix it up and keep it interesting, take chances and live without regrets. If you fail or disapoint yourself think “Im glad that happened to me and Im a better person for it” and pick your classy butt back up and try a new approach.

It’s like that ryhming Dr. once said:

“Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter and Those Who Matter Don’t Mind.”