TRIGGER WARNING: If you have not seen the movie Legally Blonde, immediately stop what you’re doing and go watch the movie. Seriously… have you been living under a rock?!
Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in the “Legally Blonde” series is iconic. She is one badass b*tch who never apologizes for who she is. Her character can teach us lessons that apply to both women and men.
As young people in University, we are all going through the motions of figuring out who we are as individuals, apart from our families and friends. Elle Woods embodies the kind of person we should all strive to be more like.
Here are 7 reasons why:
1. First and foremost, her style is out of this world.
Elle wears all of the latest looks, never leaving the house without looking and feeling her best. I’ve come to realize that sometimes in order to feel productive throughout the day, you need to take care of yourself. Get up, do your hair, put something nice on and seize the day. It’s your world, and we’re all living in it!
2. Her kindness is contagious.
Elle is kind to everyone – even when others aren’t so kind to her. Always remember that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and kindness truly does go a long way. Sometimes you may be tempted to snap, especially when someone knows how to push your buttons. The best thing to do is just keep your head up; smile and wave as you walk away from the bullsh*t. Let the haters wallow in their own negative vibes. Plus, a smile is the best thing you can wear!
3. Her confidence is unparalleled.
Fake it ‘till you make it. The reason Elle attracts everyone around her is because of her confidence. When everyone at Harvard Law thought her being there was a joke, Elle was unfazed. She exuded confidence because she knew that she deserved to be there. There may always be someone in the room who is smarter than you but that doesn’t take anything away from your own intelligence. Befriend the people you perceive to be better, don’t compete with them! Strive to be your best self… but don’t lose sight of your worth.
4. She never judges a book by its cover.
It can be easy to look at someone and come to your own conclusions about them based on how they look, talk, or carry themselves. However, there is a lot more depth to individuals than we can ever pick up on at first glance. Underneath the exterior is qualities that someone may just come to love about us… and we may come to love about someone else! As the queen herself says, “first impressions are not always correct.” If someone does choose to judge you based on a sadly flawed first impression, prove them wrong!
5. She refuses to give up on her dreams.
There were several times when Elle was ready to give up, like when Warner broke up with her (sometimes the trash takes itself out) or when she started to feel that attending Harvard Law was a mistake. Of course, she allowed herself to feel those things and cry a little bit, but she never really let the hardships get to her. Elle picked herself up off the ground, turned those hardships into blessings, and learned from them. Remember, something not working out the way you wanted it to could actually be a blessing in disguise.
6. She never settles for less than she deserves.
After Elle showed just how valuable she could be, the people that had doubted her in the first place always came running back. Elle saw RIGHT through this. She knew her worth and wasn’t willing to waste time on people who couldn’t see it. If you treat people the way they deserve to be treated and make it apparent that you won’t accept anything less from them, you’ll end up with the right people!
7. She is bold.
Elle never once toned down her own personality because others were scared by it. She was the girl with the pink scented paper and she refused to apologize for standing out or being different. Do not be afraid to stand out! Never allow your self-perception to be tainted by those who are jealous or intimidated by you. Be unapologetically bold, and as the queen would say herself, “give ‘em a wink.”