“Single-And-Pretending-To-Be-Happy”
With the beloved show returning this month for Season 6, it is time to honor 30 Rock’s signature “single-and-pretending-to-be-happy- about-it” girl, Liz Lemon. Played by Tina Fey, Liz is the head writer for an SNL–esque sketch show called TGS. She is usually stressed, wearing sweats and eating Pop-Tarts off the ground.
Single girls everywhere relate to Liz, with her stress eating, dream husband “Astronaut Mike Dexter” and trademark grouchiness. But with 30 Rock’s return this winter, Liz is sporting a new positive outlook on life and love. As Liz grows this winter, stressed out girls everywhere should take the hint from Lemon herself. Abandon the over-worked and sarcastic attitude for a more upbeat vibe. Try looking to 30 Rock’s other characters for inspiration.
You, You, You
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to take some time for you. Get inspired by Jenna Maroney, Liz’s best friend and star of TGS. Jenna puts the “me” in mean. Played by Jane Krakowski, she frequently locks herself in her dressing room and the diva once had a rage stroke at the thought of sharing the spotlight. Although Jenna may take self-centered a bit too far, do not feel guilty about stepping away from the stress of school to pamper yourself with a pedicure or a night to unwind alone.
While Liz Lemon gets wrapped up in everything going wrong around her, Jenna has no problem just focusing on herself. Also, don’t let yourself be brought down by negative thoughts, sometimes giving yourself a pep talk can be just what you need. Jenna knows she’s great, and you should too. After all, Jenna did study voice at Northwestern University.
There’s Nothing You Can’t Solve…
Another key to banishing Liz’s perpetually grumpy ways is to use some Jack Donaghy confidence. Alec Baldwin’s Jack is a high-powered executive and Liz’s mentor. Jack firmly believes that he, along with capitalism, can do anything. Jack thinks tuxedoes are the only appropriate attire past 6 p.m. and claims that he can backflip because its “90% confidence.” Jack takes on any problem with full confidence that he can solve it and this is something you can apply to whatever stresses you out.
Don’t go into an assignment or a test thinking there is no way out. Try Jack’s method of “Reaganing”, named after Jack’s favorite president, Ronald Reagan, where you try to achieve an error –free day of solving every problem that comes your way. Instead of running to someone else for problem solving like Liz, try channeling Jack Donaghy and The Gipper for some confidence in your own abilities.
Be Free To Be Liz
Although Liz’s negative qualities are something you can do away with this winter, make sure not to abandon all of your Lemon-like traits. Liz is a funny, independent woman just trying to have it all. She is rarely self –conscious and will bust out a dance move whenever she feels like it. She’s always there to pick up the pieces when her friends like Jenna and Jack need help and can always lighten a mood. Not to mention, no one can really deny the understated sexiness of a woman who once admitted to wearing a Duane Reade bag as underwear.