Penguin Workshop - The Queer Eye Guide: How to Love Yourself the Fab Five Way

PENGUIN WORKSHOP

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Illustrated by Dale Edwin Murray

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Ebook ISBN 9780593095096

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T h e ability to see the best version of yourself is sort of like a superpower. We know, its totally corny. But hear us out.

Self-acceptance is a superpower because it gives you perspective. Most days, self-acceptance can be the hardest mountain to conquer. The road feels too steep, the twists and turns too sudden, the terrain too rocky. But once you reach the summit, you can see things from a whole new vantage point. The way you approach people and the way they approach you strengthens. The way you move within the world changes. Your breath steadies.

Thats the spirit of Queer Eye, and thats what this book is all about.

Real change doesnt happen overnight. Theres beauty in progress, in the journey, and in the smallest moments of life that become uniquely, perfectly, and simply yours.

Never hide from it. Instead run like hell toward it.

W ere often taught, in one way or another, to build up walls. We do it as a way to protect ourselves, to shield ourselves from the unknown, from rejection, from failure. Strength, were told, comes from knowledge.

But what if weve never been properly taught to ask the questions?

At the very core of self-love is vulnerability. And theres real power in it. In the I dont knows. In asking for help when you need it. And most importantly, in being open with yourself and with others.

Self-love requires a look inward and doing the due diligence of asking those hard questions. It requires patience and work.

It also requires time. Lets start by creating some.

Important Reminders

They might seem obvious, but sometimes these things just need to be said.

STAY ON THE CROOKED PATH

those twists and turns are part of the journey.

DONT BE AFRAID OF NO

or knowing your limits.

DONT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS

ask questions instead.

INTERACT WITH THE WORLD

the worlds better and brighter IRL.

BE ON TIME

value your time and someone elses.

TO KNOW YOURSELF

is to love yourself.

Mind, Body, and Soul

DE-STRESS ON THE DAILY

Meditation can sometimes feel anxiety-inducing rather than calming. How can I possibly sit still when I have about a thousand items on my to-do list and a million tabs open in my mind?

It takes a conscious effort to relax our minds and find our peace, and it can really help recharge your brain and even increase your productivity. Its also a great way to check in with yourself and your body, giving it a brief moment to reset and focus.

Figure out what youre willing to commit to and then try to stick with it. Even if its just ten minutes, the first step is trying.

FIND YOUR MANTRA

We all wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes. To shift your mind-set, create daily mantrasquick statements of positivitythat can help change the wrong side of the bed to the right side.

Daily mantras will help build concentration and focus, and uplift your mood. They can be recited out loud or mentally, especially in a difficult situation when you need to distract yourself from stress.

But dont just take our word for it! Try it yourself: Write down a few mantras and repeat them once or twice and see how that affects your mood.

LEVEL UP

Being active is healthyfor both your physical health and your mental health.

And you dont have to be the captain of the soccer team to be considered an active person. You can join a dance class or ride your bike after school. Get in the habit of taking a morning walk before first period or join a sports league thats interesting to you.

If working out or playing a sport isnt appealing to you, find a way that you do enjoy moving. Are you interested in bird watching? Try going on a hike to search for birds. Are you interested in volunteering and recycling? Sign up for a beach cleanup. Are you interested in clearing your mind? Try swimming or walking around the neighborhood. Physical exercise doesnt have to mean being a part of an organized sport. You get to decide what works best for you.

So what makes you want to move? Write it down here, and move at your own pace.