(Re)Defining the Southern Belle- First Post!

Hey y'all!! So recently, I have decided to start a blog, and here it is! The first thing you probably wonder is, "What is this blog going to be about?". Well, I will be writing on various topics, but the general theme is "things through a Southern belle's eyes". Then, that leads to the inevitable question of "What defines a Southern belle?".  Now when you hear this term, the first person you probably think of is Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind. If you have seen the movie and/or read the book, you probably get the idea. 

However, as timeless and beautiful as Gone with the Wind is, this example of a Southern belle is quite antiquated. This is 2012 and not 1862, and when times change, sometimes terms need to be redefined. My main inspiration for this first post came about a week ago from a conversation I had with a guyfriend from Seattle about what a Southern belle is. With the (re)definition I am about to give you, I will also give you an idea of what to expect in my blog as well as tell a little bit about myself. So without further ado, I want to share with you my personal (re)definition of a Southern belle.

A Southern belle is a girl living in the South who...

1) Is classy- Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant said, "Show class, have pride and display character. If you do, winning will take care of itself". To be a modern Southern belle, I believe that not only must a girl live in the South, but she also must have a classy, confident attitude. Being classy is more than just table manners and other basic etiquette--it is about being respectful towards others, too. If you want others to respect you, you must learn to respect others first. Not only that, a Southern belle must also be respectful of herself. Now, of course, this doesn't mean be a stick-in-the-mud. Just don't do anything that you would be embarrassed about later. Classiness is what separates a Southern belle from just a regular girl in the South. 

2) Is genuine- A Southern belle must always be true to herself. Don't cave into peer pressure and try to be someone you're not. Know who you are and what values you stand for. If someone does not like you for who you are, then that person really isn't your friend to begin with. Just be your sweet, silly self!

3) Loves God- Personally, I believe faith is what makes a Southern belle who she is. It can really help you through anything. I have been Roman Catholic my whole life, and I am proud of it! I believe that God is very important and He works in amazing and mysterious ways! 

4) Loves her family and friends- Family and friends should be another important part of a Southern belle's life. These are the people that will be there for you during your high and low moments. In turn, be there for them, too. I am an only child, so I am very close to my parents. In addition, I also have my sorority sisters that I love very much. I would not trade these people for the world! (P.S. This is from an 80s skate party, and that's me in the middle with the pink hat.)

5) Loves sports (especially football!)- In the South, football is a very important part of life. My school, The University of Alabama, is definitely no exception! I grew up being a fan of Crimson Tide football (Roll Tide!). However, I love sports in general, especially football, basketball, and baseball. So don't be surprised if I write about sports quite a bit. :)

6) Demonstrates Southern hospitality- Ok, so there are some things about Southern belles that have not changed over the years. One of those things is showing Southern hospitality (because that is what we're known for, right?). A Southern belle makes everyone feel at home and loves to entertain others. I love parties and socializing, so expect to see some recipes and party ideas!

7) Wants to look her best- WARNING-This should not be confused with being high-maintenance! There is absolutely nothing wrong with a girl wanting to look presentable and stylish. In fact, Southern belles have always been quite the fashionistas! Therefore, I may sometimes write about fashion because it is one of my favorite things to talk about! And yes, these are Lilly Pulitzer dresses below! :)

8) Cares about her community- Southern belles should learn to put others before themselves and give back to their community. Nothing feels better than helping others in need. Find causes you care about, and do as much as you can to help! I have had several wonderful opportunities in college to give back, through my sorority and other organizations. I will also be a Provisional member of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa starting in August, so I am proud I will be continuing to help my community through this organization! Below are just a couple of the causes I care about--April 27th tornado relief and breast cancer awareness.

9) Works hard to reach her goals in life- Modern Southern belles must find a passion in their life to work towards. It could be a career or a cause you feel strongly about. Recently, I have discovered that I really want to go into broadcasting because I love to learn about people, places, and events. I also love to inform people of different things. Above that, I find the work in the media field interesting, and it is something I can see myself doing. I am currently studying Telecommunications & Film with an emphasis on broadcasting, with hopes of going into anchoring/reporting and/or producing in either news or sports! I will do whatever I can to work hard so I can reach my career goals because I want to follow my dreams!

Which ties into my last point...

10) Loves living life to the fullest!- One of my favorite quotes is from Henry David Thoreau. It says, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined". A Southern belle should always have fun! If you want to follow your dreams, do not let other people or things hold you back! The only thing you will regret is never chasing your dreams, so go for it!

What is your personal (re)definition of a Southern belle? Feel free to leave your thoughts below!

Welcome to Dixieland Dreamin'!!! Hope you enjoy my blog!! :)

Yours truly, 

Rachel