Three Quotes From Coco Chanel and Paulo Coelho That Make Great Body Positivity Mantras
Three Quotes From Coco Chanel and Paulo Coelho That Make Great Body Positivity Mantras
I Used Them While Living in Paris.
By Erin Zhurkin, author of Plus-Size in Paris
Three Quotes From Coco Chanel and Paulo Coelho That Make Great Body Positivity Mantras by Erin Shurkin
When I first arrived in Paris as an expat in 2014, I was immediately caught up in the whirlwind of trying to assimilate into the quintessentially Parisian way of life. It was as if there was a daunting race to perfectly master French, become a wine connoisseur, know how to whip up a perfect soufflé—all in a city that was renowned for its fashion, food, and flair. And yet, the task felt like an impossible, inauthentic pursuit.
Often, the City of Lights felt harsh and unwelcoming. The quest to fit into the Parisian ideal of beauty was like trying to squeeze into a mold that was never designed for me. It was restricting, taking away from my ability to relish the bountiful, scrumptious food that Paris is celebrated for, and truly live the joie de vivre I yearned for.
Yet I discovered inspiration, comfort in the most unexpected place: a series of quotes from fashion world goddess Coco Chanel and international bestselling author Paolo Coehlo. Their words resonated with me as powerful positivity affirmations regardless of whether that was Chanel or Coehlo’s intent.
I wrote them on index cards that I placed in my journal, ready to be pulled out and read when I needed an affirmation. Ultimately incorporated them into my novel, Plus-Size in Paris, inspired by my experience there. Here’s what they are, and how they both grounded and uplifted me:
““How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone.””
Click here for a list of books about Coco Chanel.
This beautiful insight was so far ahead of its time! To think that such an icon of French fashion could harbor wisdom that’s more than skin deep. Being someone is exactly what I have strived to do, and it is what Abby, the main character in Plus-Size in Paris, strives for, too, when thrown into the unforgiving world of Parisian haute couture. Rather than succumbing to the mold, she becomes the person who stages a fashion coup d’état.
““Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.””
Click here for a list of books about Coco Chanel.
These words reminded me, over and over, that there is an elegance and power that comes from embracing oneself, a radiance that outshines any physical beauty. No wonder Coco Chanel—who popularized sporty, comfortable, casual yet elegant chic as a replacement for the corseted silhouette—became a beacon of wisdom and strength for me during my time as an expat in Paris.
““Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything
that isn’t really you!””
This snippet of wisdom from Paulo Coelho amplified Chanel's, adding another layer of insight to my Parisian journey. They served as a reminder that amidst the whirl of Parisian expectations, I needed to remain true to myself. They became my revelation amidst this chaos, illuminating my understanding that I was striving to become someone I was not. I realized that I was suppressing my joy and uniqueness to meet a Parisian ideal that was not meant for me. It was a restrictive experience, detracting from my ability to savor the rich, delightful food that Paris is famed for and to truly live the joie de vivre.
One ubiquitous symbol of all of this was the coveted Goyard bag signaling high-fashion exclusivity, wildly popular despite its impracticality. Another was the intricate ritual of wine tasting, which I found more enjoyable to observe than participate in. Neither of these were me. I loved witnessing the French in their element, their earned arrogance as they expertly maneuvered around their kitchens or swirled their wine glasses, yet trying to emulate them felt forced, unnatural.
Coelho’s words guided me back to my core, reminding me of my individuality, my creativity that had been overshadowed by the demands of motherhood and societal expectations. The essence of my journey in Paris became about unbecoming the layers of expectations and norms that were not genuinely me.
With the help of Coelho’s and Chanel’s words, I learned to appreciate Paris from an observer's standpoint, respecting and admiring its culture without losing my essence in the process. It was a liberating experience, one that brought me back to my creative roots and reminded me of my identity outside societal expectations. I found joy in being part of Parisian life from the sidelines, relishing in its culture without losing myself in the process.
These quotes became my compass when I was trying to find my place in a culture that felt harsh and unwelcoming. Guiding me through my Parisian experience, they reminded me of my worth, of my right to enjoy life in all its fullness, regardless of my size.
In a city renowned for its superior sophistication, they underscored the importance of authenticity, self-love, and the grace of simply being oneself.
To anyone venturing into unfamiliar territory and struggling to feel like you fit in, remember these words. They may guide you as they did me. No matter the context, what truly matters is being true to oneself.
Three Quotes From Coco Chanel and Paulo Coelho That Make Great Body Positivity Mantras by Erin Shurkin
*** Erin Zhurkin is the author of Plus-Size In Paris. An American overseas, she has lived in six different countries (inclusive of France) and ten different homes. Because of these rich and sometimes hard life experiences, she feels called to write stories that resonate across cultures, bringing to light the feeling of dépaysement that occurs. She currently lives in Seoul, Korea, with her family and two cats, Coco and Fifi.
