"Are you thin yet? Accomplished all your goals? It’s been two weeks, after all! 🙃 Let’s cut the nonsense—January doesn’t have to be a gauntlet of unrealistic expectations.

This season is tough enough without piling on guilt. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Some days, just being ok is a win. Take it one day at a time—1-0, every day.

Remember: it’s ok to be ok. 💛"

What happens when a middle-aged woman reflects on life, Star Wars, fashion, body image, and the extraordinary voices challenging societal norms? You get a raw, heartfelt, and uplifting perspective on what it means to embrace yourself at every size and every stage of life.

In her latest essay, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, an Emmy-winning storyteller, dives deep into the progress we’ve made—and the trailblazers lighting the way forward. From plus-sized fashionistas and unapologetic athletes to celebrities dismantling Hollywood's outdated body ideals, Shannon celebrates the inspirations that fuel her unapologetic self-love.

✨ For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, this essay is a reminder: you belong, and your light matters.
✨ For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into the power of acceptance, resilience, and finding joy in the chaos of life.

🎉 Embrace 2025: Love Your Body, Liberate Your Mind! 💪✨

I was already dealing with anxiety and discrimination—both gender and weight bias—so jumping into freelancing at the worst time for TV and media felt like a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey of braving the industry’s biggest contraction in recent memory.

In my new post, I unpack the “streaming gold rush” that went bust, how it’s impacted our mental health and creativity, and why—despite it all—there’s a new path forward for those of us behind the camera. If you’ve felt the squeeze or battled your own shame spiral, you’re not alone.

^{art by AJ Jones via Deep Dream Generator}

One of my all-time favorite comedies, Working Girl, isn’t just a brilliant 80s film—it’s a powerful commentary on confidence, professional attire, and the biases that come with it. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic red dress to the struggle Tess McGill faces in the corporate world, this movie resonates on so many levels. As someone who's battled with fitting into the "one-size-fits-all" corporate dress code, I reflect on how clothing can empower or diminish us, especially for women with body types that don't conform to societal norms. Here’s a look at how Working Girl and my own experiences highlight the pressure to "dress to fit"—and why it’s time to let individuality and confidence shine. ✨ #Fashion #BodyPositivity #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence

As a passionate traveler and documentary filmmaker, I've learned that the world is a vast canvas filled with stories waiting to be told.

In my recent travels, I’ve come to appreciate not just the beauty of our planet but also the misunderstandings that can arise from how media portrays reality.

Whether understanding the scale of our oceans or the nuances of wildlife photography, we can all benefit from a bit of humility and awareness.

🌟

When faced with a sea of ideas, it can be challenging to pinpoint the ones with true potential. Drawing inspiration from a beloved bear, I've refined my process for selecting ideas worth nurturing.

Embedded documentaries may seem effortless, but behind the scenes, it's a different story. Success in this field requires an exceptionally skilled team, supportive executives, thorough preparation, as well as tact, diplomacy, and tenacity.

Your office space speaks volumes about you. Mine is a true reflection of who I am. Discover how I structure my life and work, and perhaps find some inspiration along the way.