Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 7 - On Fullfillment...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Fulfillment: How to make the most of it...

Distinguish Between Lonely and Alone “I’m an introvert…I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at trees, flowers, the sky.”

Get a Therapist “There are people who blow their tops, and people who don’t. I am told it is bad to bottle it all up inside you, but then if you blow you have to go around apologizing…I suppose I should just let it out my ears.”

Practice Acceptance “The greatest victory in my life has been to be able to live with myself, to accept my shortcomings and those of others. I’m a long way from being the human being I’d like to be. But I've decided I’m not so bad after all.”

Find A Peaceful Place “[Switzerland] is the absolute opposite of the life I led working. I was to a great extent left in peace. The Swiss press doesn't care what you do.”

Live Simply “It’s going to sound like a thumping bore, but my idea of heaven is [having] Robert and my two sons at home—I hate separations—and the dogs, a good movie, a wonderful meal, and great television all coming together. I’m really blissful when that happens. [My goal] was not to have huge luxuries. As a child, I wanted a house with a garden, which I have today. That is what I dreamed of.”

Have Faith “I am no longer a Christian Scientist, but I believe in something—in the strength, maybe, of the human spirit.”

Be Needed “My mother always impressed upon us, you have to be useful, to be needed and to be able to give love. I think it’s even more important than receiving it.”