Own It!

on March 4, 2011
in All Posts

Breakfast was rather beige, but healthy and delicious.

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You know the weather is getting warmer when I switch from oatmeal to yogurt bowls… 🙂

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My oatmeal mix included:

 

  • Banana
  • Greek yogurt (Chobani vanilla)
  • 1/2 cup raw oats <—yes, it really works as a granola sub!
  • Chia seeds
  • Almonds

IMG_0616 

Own Your Beauty

 

As you may know, I write monthly guest posts for BlogHer’s Own Your Beauty program.  There are so many incredible posts by so many talented women – check them out here and write your positive message on the Own Your Beauty Wall.

 

Guess what? America’s biggest newspaper, USA Today, has jumped on the initiative!  Here’s what Rita Arens, Own Your Beauty’s headmistress, had to say about it all:  And because we need as many people to participate as possible if the conversation [about beauty and a woman’s worth] is to really change, I’m thrilled to announce today the launch of Own It, USA TODAY’s counterpart to BlogHer’s Own Your Beauty. USA TODAY is the largest newspaper in the country and reaches a staggering number of readers … including on their web site. USA TODAY.com will be running posts from our lead bloggers, Karen Walrond, Caitlin Boyle and Bonnie Crowder, as well as headlines from all the Own Your Beauty posts.

 

Here’s why they call the partnership “Own It”:  What does ‘OWN IT’, mean, you ask? In loftier terms, it could be defined as having a high degree of self-confidence mixed with authentic purposefulness. Or simply put, it’s how you act when you’re wearing your own personal invisible crown. 

 

I feel like I’m owning it when I run or write a really good blog post.  Oh, and I felt like I was ‘owning it’ last night when I hosted a solo nekkid karaoke session to the new Britney Spears song in the privacy of my own bedroom.   I was just practicing body confidence! 😉 Heh.  Do what you gotta do!

 

What makes you feel like you’re really “owning it”? 

{ 77 comments }

 

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething March 4, 2011, 8:55 am

    when i am rocking my skinny jeans at the ripe old age of 40-almost 41 😉 and i know i look good because i am strong and healthy! great question caitlin 🙂

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:17 pm

      Strong and healthy is definitely beautiful!

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life March 4, 2011, 8:56 am

    Beautiful flower–hurry up, spring! I love the concept of “own it”–what a great motto.

  • VeggieGirl March 4, 2011, 9:02 am

    When I’m with my best friend, dancing and looking my best.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) March 4, 2011, 9:05 am

    I feel like I am really “owning it” when I have a kick-butt workout! Or when I go and talk in front of people!

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove March 4, 2011, 9:06 am

    A good run “owns it” for me! And to practice my body confidence, I always blow dry my hair sans clothes (when at home)!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 4, 2011, 9:08 am

    A good run! And also when I teach a great spin class and know that the participants had an amazing workout… it’s such a great feeling!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 4, 2011, 9:09 am

    I own it when I have my personal dance parties!
    http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2011/02/07/dance-party/

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama March 4, 2011, 9:12 am

    I own it when I cook for my family.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 4, 2011, 9:15 am

    I own it when I get all dolled up and go dancing. Booyah! Also I own it when I get a ton of work done over my workday. Love feeling accomplished!

  • Michelle March 4, 2011, 9:16 am

    I feel like I own it when I finish up a good run. Also when I’m rocking an outfit that makes me feel great! Doesn’t even have to be fancy. Today i’m rocking wunder unders, boots and a mini-dree and I feel like I own it!

  • Megan March 4, 2011, 9:17 am

    What a great concept! Thanks for sharing that article with us 🙂

    I was thinking about your eat in challenge, and I know you’re constantly on the run, so I thought my post today might be applicable to you:

    http://megandyanray.blogspot.com/2011/03/made-in-stages.html
    I know with you and the hubs, you’d do it without meat (could use tofu or tempeh) and without cheese, but it would still be delicious, I think!

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:17 pm

      Oooo that looks yummy!!! Great idea, Megan.

  • rebecca lustig March 4, 2011, 9:19 am

    i love raw oats! definitely underrated.

    I adore this initiative. I feel like I can own it when I’m out with my friends just laughing, goofing off and feeling most confident.

  • Elin @andserenitytoo March 4, 2011, 9:20 am

    It’s a great initiative!
    I feel like I’m owning it for example when hanging out with my best girlfriends, or when I’m holding a presentation about a topic I know I’m good at!

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) March 4, 2011, 9:27 am

    I think “own it” just became my new mantra!!!!!

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 4, 2011, 9:28 am

    OMG you are hilarious!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns March 4, 2011, 9:31 am

    Hahaha! I own it when I’m running! I feel so strong and happy when I’m pounding the pavement. 🙂

  • Jennifer (The Fat Carrot) March 4, 2011, 9:32 am

    I don’t feel like I really “own it” yet, but I am in the process of getting the funds together so I can OWN IT!! 🙂

    Over the past 10 years I have gained and lost the same 20 pounds (but need to lose around 40-50). When I look at pictures of me 20 pounds ago, I think I “owned it”, and I am working my way there, again!

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:18 pm

      Own It right now!!! Own something. Don’t wait to own it. 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 4, 2011, 9:34 am

    That visual is cracking me up! I feel like I “own it” when I create a recipe that knocks it out of the park. It makes me feel mentally strong and that feels great!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 4, 2011, 9:39 am

    I feel like I’m OWNING IT when I get up in the morning and have my workout completed before 5:30 AM. Boo-yah!!!

  • Lori Lynn March 4, 2011, 9:40 am

    When I finish a 2 mile run- such a good feeling!

  • Jenifer March 4, 2011, 9:47 am

    This is possibly tmi… but when I have on matching black underclothes. I don’t know why… it’s been that way since I was a teen. I find that I stand taller, I walk w/ a little “swagger”. Um, ok, I’m officially going to retreat to the back of the room as the strange girl from VA. Lol.

    • Katie March 4, 2011, 12:19 pm

      I don’t think that’s strange at all! In fact…that’s why I wear awesome underclothes every single day. They make me feel awesome.

      • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:19 pm

        Hahah I own it when I have on sexy underthings too.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing March 4, 2011, 9:57 am

    When I spend extra time to dress nice, put on make up and do my hair. I usually throw myself together but I feel really good when I put some real effort in :).

  • Cara March 4, 2011, 10:12 am

    I feel like I own it when I have a kick butt workout, and/or when I spend some time to put together a nice outfit and head out for a night of fun!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti March 4, 2011, 10:24 am

    This may sound really vague, but I feel like I’m owning it when I truly walk away from any experience knowing I was myself and not pretending to be something I’m not. This post reminds me of my new favorite quote – “If you want to see someone in real pain, watch someone who knows who he is and defaults on it on a regular basis.” LOVE IT! Thanks!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 4, 2011, 10:26 am

    I’ve been using that phrase — “own it” when people seem bashful about admitting something that they believe is right or that they are able to do. And usually, that “something” is positive… they are just afraid of judgment.

  • faith @ lovelyascharged March 4, 2011, 10:26 am

    I own it when I’m strutting around in a nice outfit or better yet, when I’m in a cute curve-hugging yoga outfit, adjusting my posture in front of the studio mirror.

  • faith @ lovelyascharged March 4, 2011, 10:26 am

    I own it when I’m strutting around in a nice outfit or better yet, when I’m in a cute curve-hugging yoga outfit, adjusting my posture in front of the studio mirror.

  • bakingnbooks March 4, 2011, 10:26 am

    When I can let go of what other people think of me and fearing their judgements.

    …on another note – you eat the seeds? Don’t they have to be ground though for the nutrition? Like flaxseeds?

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:21 pm

      Nope! Chia seeds don’t need to be ground.

  • Jenn @ Frost Bites March 4, 2011, 10:28 am

    I “own it” when I do Zumba. I try to grab a spot up front and get my booty shakin’ on!

  • Heather March 4, 2011, 10:34 am

    thats awesome congrats! I feel like I am owning it when I have a great run!

  • Ashley March 4, 2011, 10:36 am

    I also ‘own it’ when I write what I thinks a really good post, or do a really awesome work out. Just being plain happy also helps!

  • M March 4, 2011, 11:08 am

    What a delicious breakfast! Holy Yum! I own it when I have a fun walk with my dogs or just have a really awesome day!

  • Kacy March 4, 2011, 11:19 am

    I own it when I rock dirty hair and still feel sexy, like today for example! Just don’t sniff my head 🙂

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 1:21 pm

      Hahah I feel the same way today!

  • Sarah March 4, 2011, 11:33 am

    I own it when I wear clothes that fit my body well, when I believe my husband when he says I’m hot and he likes my butt (I tend to think it’s too big), and when I forget about what everyone else things and just do MY best.

  • Rachel Wilkerson March 4, 2011, 11:34 am

    I felt like I was really “owning it” when I wrote my post about “owning it” last summer (http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/18/how-to-stop-feeling-guilty/)and then bloggers all started doing their “owning it” posts on their blogs and it was a really exciting time for me as dozens and dozens of people wrote their “owning it” stories on their blogs or e-mailed them to me and it felt like a the beginning of a movement.

    I feel like I’m owning it every time I talk about owning it on my blog and women respond positively. I love that it’s become one of the main focuses of my blog.

    Oh! And one more! I also felt like I was owning it when I posted about what it feels like to get ripped off. (http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/08/27/stealing-blogs-plagiarism/) I guess you owned how you felt about that topic when you left a comment on that post saying “If we were crediting every single person every single time, it would become overwhelming (and ridiculous).”

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 12:03 pm

      I’ve never read your Owning It post – it was great! You should submit it to BlogHer to be included in the movement with a link back to your blog.

      And about plagiarism, I definitely think it’s wrong… I think my full comment was about not crediting simple stuff every time related to trends like photograph or simple recipe themes in blogging because it would get overwhelming. When someone copies sentences like your friend did to you, they should definitely credit!

    • Elisabeth March 4, 2011, 12:37 pm

      I’m really surprised that prior to launching such a lofty campaign, BlogHer, USA Today and HTP would not have collectively done a search to see if this concept had already been done. In a standard Google search using the phrase “Own It”, Rachel’s post displays in the first page of results. When searching “Owning It”, Rachel’s post comes up second in the results.

      There were some amazing developments that came out of Rachel’s original “Own It” concept , and it’s sad that they will not be recognized or credited to her, considering this concept is nearly identical.

      • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 12:47 pm

        Hi Elisabeth:

        I have nothing to do with naming or launching the USA Today Own It campaign. I’m not really sure what you’re implying when you say that I should’ve done research for USA Today or BlogHer as I’m just a contributing blogger for the Own Your Beauty initiative, which has been in the works for 1.5 years.

        Also, I think Rachel’s posts come up for you on the first page because she’s in your ‘social network’ on Google. It’s not showing up on mine.

        If you’d like to send your comments to BlogHer, you can contact Rita Arens at rita@blogher.com.

        • Elisabeth March 4, 2011, 12:54 pm

          I was not specifically laying blame on HTP, I did say “collectively”, but we each should take responsibility for the campaigns that we stand behind.

          If you had prior knowledge of an existing “Own It” movement, it should have been mentioned to the organizers. If not, then of course it was up to USA Today and BlogHer to do their due diligence.

        • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 12:58 pm

          Shoot Rita an email!

          Yes, I had no idea about Rachel’s movement; there’s a lot of blogs out there.

        • Martha March 4, 2011, 3:45 pm

          I’m an avid reader of both this blog and Rachel’s blog, and I have to agree, I’m kind-of surprised to see this.. Obviously it’s not your (Caitlin)’s responsibility to have a google alert on “owning it” but as one of the three bloggers for this campaign, maybe you could give USA Today/ Blogher a heads-up that a well-known blogger in your genre of blogs has already started a similar campaign a while ago…

      • Manon March 4, 2011, 4:53 pm

        TOTALLY AGREE…google “owning it blog” and Rachel pops up FIRST. You would think USA Today and BlogHer would google the idea as part of due diligence, AT A MINIMUM. In a blog world full of cookie cutter bloggers, Rachel “owns it” like no other, and she should definitely be recognized in this campaign. I will definitely be sending my two cents to BlogHer.

        • Laura November 1, 2011, 7:04 am

          Rachel owns Caitlin.

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine March 4, 2011, 11:44 am

    I feel like I’m “owning it” when I teach a great lesson in class. I also feel that good when I make a great meal for my family and they LOVE it!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In March 4, 2011, 11:53 am

    How great!
    I feel like I’m owning it when I complete a long run by myself. And when I accomplish something at work!

  • Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free March 4, 2011, 12:23 pm

    I feel like I’m owning it when I run also. It feels so awesome to get a great run in!

  • Ally March 4, 2011, 12:28 pm

    I have two times when I own it – they are very different:
    1. I own it when I’m in the gym lifting weights
    2. I own it when I’m wearing sweet heels and doing a bit of a strut down the street (don’t deny it; we all strut sometimes!)

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef March 4, 2011, 12:35 pm

    when i have a great long run or workout!

  • Natalia - a side of simple March 4, 2011, 12:40 pm

    I own it when I have an indulgent dessert and don’t feel guilty at all!

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table March 4, 2011, 12:49 pm

    Congrats being a “mover” of such a great cause!

    I feel like I “own” it when I get all dressed up and just know I am rocking my outfit. 🙂

  • Heather March 4, 2011, 1:17 pm

    Your oatmeal looks DELICIOUS!!!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales March 4, 2011, 1:43 pm

    Wow, that “Own It” program sounds sooo, so neat! Congrats on being such a part of such a big movement!

  • Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini March 4, 2011, 1:51 pm

    You are the perfect pick for the Own It program that Blogher and USA Today are spearheading.

  • Kira March 4, 2011, 2:40 pm

    I want to own it too!
    xx

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 4, 2011, 3:30 pm

    haha 🙂 I love owning it when I dance, shake my booty, and teach BodyPUMP. Or run a few miles. I also like to dance in whatever as well….. 😉

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 4, 2011, 3:44 pm

    How I love flower photos! Those are beautiful~~~I feel like I’m owning it when I boulder indoors, or go on crazy hikes 🙂

  • Judy March 4, 2011, 3:45 pm

    made my day!

  • amber March 4, 2011, 4:35 pm

    I feel like I’m definitely owning it when I do well in math or when I sing, which is my passion in life. Often I feel like I’m owning it when I think I’m making progress in something hard (math again), or when I make plans. I LOVE planning things. 🙂

  • Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily March 4, 2011, 6:07 pm

    I “own it” when I have a day that consists of a great run, productive day at work, and great meals.

  • Dee March 4, 2011, 6:22 pm

    i feel like I own it after a good run, esp if I reached a new target, and I’m walking back home, I feel like there’s extra swagger in my stride!

  • Lauren @ Team Giles March 4, 2011, 6:25 pm

    I think its a great campaign. I think it’s great that something like “owning your beauty” is reaching tons of woman.

    In regard to Rachel’s blog and “own it”, I have read her blog before and seen the “own it” posts. I agree with you Caitlin (in the comments) that Rachel should contact BlogHer and make note that she had been writing about the said issue and ask to have some ownership (no pun intended) in the campaign. I think there is no harm in asking and showing the previous blog posts that she has written.

    I also think that this whole internet world is HUGE and with so many thoughts, ideas and blogs, there’s going to be someone who posts something that someones already written about, and that person may never even know its out there. Regardless if you google search it first, it may be on the second page (and who ever goes to the 2nd page?) and yet you still feel like you “did it first”. It’s going to happen, and obviously has. It now matters how people handle it. You can handle it in a classy way, or throw a fit. Its that persons choice.

    and side note (so people don’t kill me): I read Rachel’s blog post response to “owning it” and I thought she handled her response in a very classy way.

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes March 4, 2011, 7:16 pm

    okay, maybe this is a silly question… do you mix all the food together and eat it together, or like you have it pictured and eat each thing separately???

    • Caitlin March 4, 2011, 7:28 pm

      I mix it all together!

  • Emma March 4, 2011, 11:00 pm

    I “owned it” today during my first race!

  • Emily March 4, 2011, 11:52 pm

    I actually prefer raw oats to granola with my CHO, and it helps cut down on the sugar if I choose to have a fruit flavor. Thanks for choosing CHO for breakfast!

  • Richelle March 5, 2011, 12:09 pm

    I feel like I own it when I get dressed up and do my hair and makeup. but also when I put on my workout gear, sans makeup and get a good sweat on!

  • LC March 5, 2011, 9:54 pm

    I did not know about that website! I recently went through an experience where I suddenly felt so down on myself for not measuring up to a certain standard of beauty. I learned a lot about myself as I worked through it and it felt really good to come to the same conclusion: OWN IT! Love your blog, Caitlin 🙂

    (If you’re interested, this was my write up of the experience):
    http://shallowmoneytrench.tumblr.com/post/3634446081/what-i-learned-from-stana-katic

  • Nikki March 6, 2011, 8:51 pm

    I think that the Own It movement (at the very least in the blog world) was clearly established by Rachel Wilkerson, and her prevalence in the community means there are no excuses for plagiarizing her idea. You can say it’s not your job to research for BlogHer, but the fact is, we are all responsible for our choices, an we decide what kind of people we are.

    If there’s anything I’ve learned from loyally following both your blog and Rachel’s, it’s that our actions define us.

    So I guess I’m Owning that I support Rachel.

    • Caitlin March 6, 2011, 10:07 pm

      I’m sorry you feel that way, but I think you don’t have the facts straight and you’re assuming that I have ANY control over what USA TODAY names their movement, which I don’t.

  • brandy March 8, 2011, 11:27 am

    Ditt. I am sorry that I am not sorry for taking HTP off my reader.

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