All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Sharing personal stories and opening up isn’t easy. I know I haven’t posted in a while after I promised to be consistent, but I’ve been dealing with a serious personal family matter which has greatly affected me, mentally and emotionally. Not only have I been very affected but also drained. Taking care of my mental health has always been a priority even if that means taking breaks and disconnecting to process my emotions, I’m going to do it. Though I haven’t been consistent on the blog I have been a bit more on Instagram. I’ve been mentally blocked, so I didn’t feel inspired to write a blog post nor did I want to write about anything pointless. In my life I’ve been through a lot, and I must honestly say this situation has hit me the hardest. I have always been open about my life and experiences but this time I’ve decided to keep it to myself especially because there are other individuals involved. One day I will open up and share my story because I know many have been or are going through a similar situation. Even though I’ve been told that since I have a big platform and am a influencer, I should share this situation which will inspire many but I’m still in the process of accepting and healing. When I’m ready I promise I will share details because I am embracing my story.

I’ve got to say that having a career on the internet-social media isn’t easy when you go through difficult circumstances because being happy or being yourself is hard. If there’s one thing about me is that I can’t be fake or pretend. I’m 100% authentic.   I also don’t like to share anything dark and depressing. There’s so much going on in everyone’s lives and in the world that sharing positive content is very important to me. One thing about me and which has brought me a lot of success is that I’m very responsible and a big perfectionist. Since I haven’t been at my best, I even put brand sponsorships on hold. I had been focusing on other projects where I didn’t have to show much of myself.  Everyone goes through different processes, and some aren’t ready to speak about it. That’s something that should be understood and respected. I don’t want to be forced into talking about anything. In my journey through life I’ve learned that no matter what you share even if you have the real facts people will believe what they want to believe.  And they will always have their own opinions and conclusions. So, I’ve learned to be careful of what I share. AND when I share my story it’s not for pity or attention, it’s to inspire.

I will never forget an experience I had many years ago. If you follow me for a while, you know that I love to help others and be involved in social initiatives that will have a positive impact. So, I created a special project to visit children and teen shelters to bring them gifts, love and give them a fun time. During that period someone in the industry started spreading comments saying I had only created that project because I wanted attention and fame. That was so far from the reality because projects like that have been my mission and goal even in my childhood. Honestly, even though I share a lot about fashion and beauty I can truly care less about it because there are more important things in life and there’s a lot of need in our world. That day I learned that whether you do good or bad people will ALWAYS criticize. That’s why I’m super careful about what I share and I’m careful about the energy I surround myself in.

We all face different circumstances and have our own journey in life. The way everyone faces those circumstances should be respected. One thing is for sure, there’s never anything we can’t handle. My goal through everything I face is to be a better person each day, do good and live as peacefully as I can.

On another note, soon we celebrate Lovely Chicas 10^th anniversary. Wow, I can’t believe its going to be 10 years. Lovely Chicas has been my biggest life project. During this time, I’ve been reflecting on which direction I want to continue in, even though my mission will always be to inspire, empower and continue being an advocate and very outspoken on social issues, women’s rights, mental health issues, bullying-cyberbullying and more. I’m very thankful for this platform and will always use it for good. Though I’ve taken a break and may not be the same Charlene as before I promise the best is yet to come.

With all that being said… remember to be good, kind, tolerant; BE LOVELY, BE YOU!

Charlene Gonzalez

If there is a decision I’ll never regret it’s creating this blog. It took me a while of indecision and battling fear to officially start my blog, but it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I started blogging almost 10 years ago. I had no idea what I was getting myself into from all the work, time and dedication it requires to the fact that it would become one of the biggest passions which I love it so much.

I can list stories about my past life which led me to create this blog…. from feeling like I didn’t have a voice, being envied and bullied, dealing with family traumas, overcoming heartbreak, wanting to break superficiality and much more.

Everything led me to create a special platform where I could share my voice and be myself with the goal to empower and inspire many. As I look back to when I began, I was a shy introverted girl, lacking confidence and full of fears. Speaking on camara or in font of large crowds terrified me. Even singing in church caused me so much stress. My extreme shyness, negative thoughts and lack of self-confidence were barriers that held me back from trying to achieve my goals. The battle I faced to publish my blog was mainly because I knew that I’d have to break free from those blocks, be vulnerable and expose who I was, so I decided to challenge myself.

Funny thing though, I thought having an online blog would be less social because it’s the internet, so I’d just create my content from behind a computer and that was all? I was so very wrong. It turned out that being a blogger required a lot of interaction. My life converted into a super social life of networking, attending events and more.

Through my journey as a blogger, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities and experiences. We can be our biggest enemy sometimes. If I would have held onto all my fears, I would have never accomplished my goals or be who I am today.

I’m not even 1% of the person I use to be. My shyness is gone, and I’ve gained so much self- confidence. Never in my dreams would I have imagined I’d accomplish what I have.

I’ve been a speaker for big events, have been interviewed on TV & radio, I’ve been nominated for various awards, featured in magazines, newspapers, and billboards. I have worked with over 100 brands; I’ve led teen conferences and have even hosted influencer events.

From being extremely shy, now I’m a very social person.  To me blogging has been life changing.

I share my story because being scared and shy doesn’t get you anywhere. If you want to accomplish anything in life face your fears head on and go for it. Trust me, when you face those blockages, life leads you through an amazing journey.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

Have you ever compared your life to someone else’s only to feel discouraged, disappointed and insecure? We’ve all had moments when we question our self-worth. Believe me, I’ve been there many times.

No matter who you are or your walk-in life, it’s easy to get lost in the social-media-obsessed world we live in and find ourselves feeling we aren’t enough.

The biggest epidemic is the disease of comparison. With the rise of social media more and more people are finding themselves comparing their lives to the highlights they see from other people. Trust me on this, no one’s life is as perfect as their Instagram feed. You’re comparing your behind-the-scenes life with someone else’s controlled reality.

Look at it in this perspective, people often portray what they want people to believe about them. Very rarely do they show a real glimpse into their true personal life or who they truly are. You don’t see what is going on in people’s lives behind the scenes nor do they show the unlovely and imperfect parts of their life. On social media most people tend to only share the best and good parts of their life and most of it is produced. No one posts their struggles, failures, and problems. Very few are real and authentic.

You see: A fashion blogger posting expensive wardrobe, lifestyle and luxurious car.

You don’t see: The over-the-top credit card bills and endless creditor calls for unpaid bills and massive debt.

You see: Perfect romantic and very in love couples #PerfectRelationship #CoupleGoals

You don’t see: The physical and emotional abuse. Constant arguing, disagreements, cheating and disrespect of a toxic relationship.

You see: United family enjoying vacations and memorable holidays.

You don’t see: Dysfunctional imperfect family with generations of trauma.

You see: An empowering boss achieving his/her goals.

You don’t see: The struggles, the sacrifices, those who underestimated and criticized them, the sleepless nights full of work, the tears of frustration, the self-doubt and self-sabotaging mindset.

You see: Fitness and health influencers posting perfect bikini bods and six packs.

You don’t see: Their insecurities, lack of confidence, the eating disorders they struggle with or the steroids they consume.

So, as you see…. Instagram isn’t a full reality. You are making a comparison on a small fraction of the story. Comparing is unfair and unjust to yourself.

We have different stories and timelines. Know that no one’s life is perfect. Till this day I still haven’t met anyone who has it all together. We all struggle and carry some kind of burden.

The truth is, although we compare, we don’t want other people’s lives we just want ours to be better so focus on your life. Inspire and motivate yourself to work harder for your goals and what you want. Be better than you were yesterday and focus on the good things in your life to develop yourself. People always tend to believe the grass is greener on the other side which has always been a negative comparison. Believe me, the grass is NEVER greener on the other side. Instead of focusing on others green grass focus on ours.

Though from the outside many people look like they have it all; the money, the perfect family or relationship, fame and success the truth is that’s a small percentage of their story. They have the same emotions, struggles and battles with insecurities and life.

Start thinking differently and develop your mindset to achieve the life that you want. Stop comparing yourself to others and realize YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez