Style Statement -- Live by your own design

Master student of life, Harvard Phd star, best selling author and joyful soul.

Carolyn Rubenstein is a believer in resilience, gratitude and respect. She shares a world of wisdom on her innovative blog, A Beautiful Ripple Effect, best selling book Perserverence, a book that profiles young adults who exemplify resilience in the face of adversity, and a column in Huffington Post. It is awe inspiring to watch Carolyn navigate her life so gracefully and a privilege to share her Style Statement journey.

How did you arrive at your Style Statement?

I began the process of uncovering my Style Statement this past fall after my book was published, and interestingly was lacking a sense of structure in many areas of my life. I craved self-inquiry and time to reconnect with my essential self. I loved the concept of creating my own Style Statement, an anchor that would allow me to blossom and flourish in diverse ways.

While it may sound a bit dorky, I answered every question in the book and began to journal about the topics and feelings uncovered through the inquiries. And after months of really devoting myself to the process, I noticed a major theme: the need for structure in order to innovate. Thus, my Style Statement was born: Structured Innovation.

What does your Style Statement mean to you?

It serves as a compass for me, helping me to navigate day-to-day actions as well as remain focused on the bigger picture and my broader, more long-term goals. I love innovation and crave it within my life; however, I feel stuck or great resistance when I try to force innovation without structure. I lose momentum if I neglect my essentials–connection, yoga, visual inspiration, mind-body wellness. If I feel drained, I know that I need to establish clear boundaries and get back to the basics. I ground myself so I can fly!

How has your Style Statement been useful to you? How do you apply it to your life?

It has provided awareness of what works for me and what doesn’t work for me. I realize why I love to create collages and inspiration boards. They are outlets for my right-brain, but contain the essential structure that I need for my imagination to soar. I embrace what I need to be energized rather than resist these needs or feel a sense of guilt.

What’s the best thing about having your Style Statement?

I am much kinder to myself!

How do you interpret your first and second words?

Structured: rituals, routines, tradition, detailed, organized, grounded

Innovation: idea generation, originality, creativity, expression

What do you like to be noticed and appreciated for?

Creating change
Authenticity

What inspires you? How do you know when you’re inspired?

Knowledge, creative application of knowledge, interacting with people who are passionate about what they do, books, handmade art, handwritten letters, the details, love, possibility …

I know I’m inspired when … the worries fall to the wayside and I am fully immersed in the moment.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A little black dress with a great pair of Christian Louboutin pumps! The basic accessories (my staples): bangles, engagement ring (and soon to include wedding band), diamond stud earrings, a simple platinum necklace with beautiful charm. Then, I can add big, fun accessories.

How do you play?

The yoga studio is my playground. And lots of playing with my dog, Lila Rose!

Five books that have inspired you?

1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
2. Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller
3. Hand Wash Cold by Karen Maezen Miller
4. Living Life as a Thank You by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons
5. The Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar

ps Carolyn is offering a powerful service called Discovery Sessions, a one hour consultation call that helps you collect your ideas and form an action plan. Great tool for getting grounded so you can fly.