In The Dark of Winter We Shine, Shine, Shine

The Shine Theory: “I don’t SHINE if you don’t SHINE!”

“Shine Theory” is an idea put forth by journalist Ann Friedman, inspired by her best friend, in her 2013 article for New York Magazine entitled, “Shine Theory: Why Powerful Women Make the Greatest Friends.” Ann’s theory posits that surrounding yourself with powerful, successful women doesn’t make you look worse in comparison, it makes you better. She states, “ I want the strongest, happiest, smartest women in my corner, pushing me to negotiate for more money, telling me to drop men who make me feel bad about myself, and responding to my outfit selfies from a place of love and stylishness, not competition and body-snarking.”

While Ann’s article focused mainly on career, nowhere in my life do I see shine theory exemplified more on a daily basis than at WLG. Now that I know about shine theory I can’t NOT see it in each and every class. It’s not just a haven for this practice, it’s the expectation. Our coaches voices are encouraging, pushing, teaching us to be better. Your partner is counting down with you. “One more.” “You’ve got this.” “We can do it.” Even during a 12 week challenge where there is one definitive winner, the entire process is centered around the support of your team and getting everyone to their personal best.

When one shines we all shine. In a recent session, a certain powerhouse in 6am did sit-ups and planks to the pace of my sprints and power pushbacks. It was the end of a really challenging workout and as I watched her be awesome and heard her encouraging me, I was able to find that tiny bit of energy I had left to finish as strong as I could. She was shining (as she always does) and so I did as well.

Look around the next time you’re in class and observe. Who is cheering everyone on? Who is trying something new? Who is pushing themselves? Who is coming to class for the first time, even though they’re nervous? WLG is generating some pretty bright light and we’re all shining as a result.

Author, Molly Malone, WLG Athlete 

Source: http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/05/shine-theory-how-to-stop-female-competition.html

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