I want to introduce you all to one of my oldest and truest friends, Callie!  Callie is more than just a friend to me, she is my sister.  Growing up as an only child, she was the one who I went to for just about everything. We shared clothes, lived at each other’s houses and even got our ears pierced together. It has been incredible to see my best friend grow and change as we got older, and I admire her so much for the decisions she has made and for always staying true to herself.

Without further adieu, meet Callie!

Where are you from?

I’m originally a California girl (Callie from Cali, get it?) but I moved to south Florida 8 years ago.  California will always be my favorite, but Florida has surprisingly become a second home. 

Which celeb would play you in a movie?

Hmm this is a hard one but I think I have to go with Kaley Cuoco.  She is the realest of the real and an all around badass.  Life has thrown her some punches but she rolls with it and never tries to scoot around the truth.  Also, did you see her on Lip Sync Battle?  AMAZING.

What is one piece of clothing you think that every 20-Something girl should have?

Ripped boyfriend jeans.  I rock these all the time because they are the perfect go-to clothing item.  You can dress them up with chunky heels or down with some vans.  Not to mention, they are super comfortable and offer extra space in the trunk for some booty popping action when necessary. 

What makes you the happiest?

This is probably the most relevant question in my life right now.  I am still in the process of figuring that out, but I think I am headed in the right direction.

First and foremost, I find myself happiest when my time is spent doing something I am genuinely passionate about.  For me, that means dance, fitness, being outside, teaching, and caring for others. 

Secondly, I am happiest when I am around people that are on my level and relate to my outlook on life.  It’s really hard to explain to some people why I’m doing what I’m doing and why I chose the current path I am on.  When I find people that are open to non-cookie cutter possibilities, I am appreciative and comforted to know that other people like me exist. 

My happiness level also jumps a few levels when given coffee, Netflix, dance parties and cookie butter from Trader Joes. 

What qualities do you look for in a true friend?

I have been overwhelmingly lucky in my life to have the friends I have.  I recently experienced some hard times, but never once did I have to question the loyalty of my friends or what they would think of me.  I’ve learned that the friends that matter the most are the ones who never give up on you, even if they can’t relate to or understand what you are going through.

Some of my greatest friendships aren’t necessarily the ones that consist of texting and snap chatting everyday.  They are the ones that no matter how long it’s been since you last talked, when you finally do it’s like time stood still and nothing ever changed. 

Has there been a time when you had to make a decision that would greatly impact your life?

For sure.  I am technically a senior in college but I am not currently in school.  While I have every intention of finishing my degree, I decided to take some time off for myself.  In December I decided that I would not be returning to school due to some personal issues.  More specifically, depression.  It took a long time for me to be able to outwardly say that.  2016 started out as the hardest year of my life, but over the past few months I have thrown myself into things that drive my passions and bring me pure happiness.  While leaving school was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I am 100% confident in my decision.  It was the first time I ever had to dig deep and truly listen to myself and what I knew I needed.  It would have been easy to continue pushing my problems aside, but I was sick and tired of feeling worthless and lost.  I am proud of myself and the strength it took for me to make that decision.  By no means am I completely better, but I am a million miles ahead of where I started and for that I am grateful and excited. 

How do you spend your days now?

These days you can either catch me working at Lululemon or teaching barre classes at Xtend Barre in Boca Raton.  I am so grateful for both of these opportunities that popped into my life.  In a matter of two months I have learned more about myself and my strengths than I have in my entire existence.  I feel blessed to be around such motivating, inspiring, understanding and badass people.  You can also find me checking out workout spots within my community and making dance videos for my Instagram @calliefriedman.

What piece of advice would you give to other 20-Something girls?

You do you and don’t be afraid to fail.  Sometimes it’s hard to choose the “lesser” path, but there is no such thing.  Everyone has their own purpose, and in the end all that matters is your happiness.  And no matter what, be kind to everyone- everyday, all the time.

XOXO,

Rachael Claire