I am currently reading “The Gospel According To Coco Chanel” (by Karen Karbo). For those who do not recognize the name, Coco Chanel was a larger than life French designer that changed the world of women in a very aggressive, positive manner. She is the lady that we can thank for the concept of the “little black dress” (Thank you, thank you Coco!), for the stunning boxed suit jackets of the Jackie Kennedy era, and for (amongst others) the wonderful Chanel #5 perfume that I have worn for over thirty years!

Karbo talks about Chanel’s accomplishments, but also about her sense of self (which is where her sense of style came from). She came from a very poor background (she was raised by nuns after her mother died, and her father could not care for her), yet she walked at a very early age through the world of the aristocracy.

We can all learn something from stories like Chanel’s. We all have our own life story – we want it to be as authentic and strong as it can be. Coco Chanel knew what her strengths were – and she played to them. She accepted what was “right” for her, ad allowed her light to shine.

What is right for you? What are your strengths? Who is the authentic you? Why are you not living the authentic you!