Girl World #26: Life Lists, Meghan Markle, Taking Advice, Miley Cyrus Film, Moving to Italy, Rule Breakers, Cortisol Cocktails, LBDs, Relationship Green Flags + More

Netflix has two shows out right now that have sparked IRL and online conversations (Adolescence and The Life List).

We’re chatting about The Life List today. Two unrelated group chats this week included a discussion around this Netflix movie. We watched it last weekend, and while it’s not going to win an Oscar, it had a profound message to consider: where have you settled in your life?

The story follows the main character as she pursues completing the life list she created when she was a young adult. The list is a mixture of life goals (be an amazing teacher) and easily checked-off tasks (get a tattoo). She has a year to complete the list.

As the main character pursues her list, she’s able get rediscover her zest for life, reconnect with herself, and get her life back on a path.

A life list is an interesting concept. Even if you didn’t make one when you were 13, there are likely goals you wanted to accomplish, activities you have wanted to do over the years, places you’ve wanted to see, relationships you meant to repair, or books you’ve hoped to read. At some point, you might have stopped trying or the goal fell off the list. Life happens.

This concept dominated our group chats throughout the week.

“I always wanted to travel to Switzerland, but never did.”

“When I was younger, I wanted to read all of Shakespeare’s works. I only made it through Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.”

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a gymnast. Now, I don’t even stretch.”

“I still want to get that tattoo, you guys.”

What if we paused for a moment to remember goals and dreams we had as kids, teens, college students, and young adults? And, then we added them to a list to complete by the end of this year. There are 9 months left in the year. Are there 9 life list items you could achieve by New Year’s Eve?

And, if you do it, what would your life feel and look like by the end of the year? There’s a great way to find out: pursue a life list this year. Make it manageable, but include a few stretch goals (lavish vacation or something big like a career change). Don’t forget to have a some fun along the way.

Start by watching the movie, and get ready to be inspired.

1. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex rolled out her new As Ever product line, and we’re sad that we didn’t snag any of that raspberry jam but are hoping for a restock soon. In the meantime, we loved her New York Times feature (gifted article). If you’ve been a longtime follower from Meghan’s time at The Tig, then you know her lifestyle brand and 2025 business moves are on brand for who Meghan has been from the start.

2. Love this take from White Lotus’s Aimee Lou Wood on her character’s anxious attachment style and why it’s actually avoidant attachment.

3. The “like” has changed our perception of beauty. We enjoyed this quick exploration of the “like” and its effect on contemporary art.

4. Elizabeth Olsen’s recent interview has us considering how often we do (or don’t) listen to advice. There’s a balance between going with your gut and experience, and considering advice from peers, industry leaders, or random people on the internet.

5. One audience question changed the trajectory of former Live Nation Urban VP Heather Lowery’s life. It led to her founding Femme It Forward, a female-led music and entertainment company focused on celebrating, educating and empowering women. Who wants to join us on the cruise?

6. Women created half of the businesses registered in 2024. LFG!

Deja Foxx is a 24-year-old activist turned political influencer running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th District. She has built an online community and has had access to leading political minds for a couple of years. She’s been advocating for reproductive health and education for several years, too. Mind you, she’s 24. It’s been clear for some time now that we need change in our government leadership, and that we need more Millennials and Gen Z in office representing our generations. Not many have raised their hand—yet. She has and she’s not being quiet about it either.

Lessons: Be outspoken about the issues you care about—and you can build a platform and community to make an impact. You won’t stand out and you won’t be able to truly make big impact in a job or a cause, if you just follow the rules. The rule breakers often stand out in the workplace, the dating scene, the classroom, and beyond. Is it her “turn” to run for Congress? No. But, maybe, it’s her “time.”

If you pick up the Wild Courage book we recommend below, you’ll also note a similar message. Those who follow the rules, the nice girls, the worker bees. They’re getting rewarded with more work, but not more authority. Your work might be amazing, but if you’re not speaking up and speaking out, you’re not likely going to get ahead as quickly as you’d like.

New study showcases the connection between exercise and brain health

Does the cortisol cocktail from TikTok actually work?

The secret to a restorative vacation

Quieting food noise without medication

How to do the splits without hurting yourself

April’s new beauty product releases—we’re adding the Phlur Vanilla Deodorant to our cart

Lovely stories of best friends with large age gaps

Miley Cyrus’s companion film to her upcoming new album is a fashion dream

Dreaming of booking a trip to experience this HBO Max-Four Seasons Napa Valley White Lotus collaboration

If you’re not dry brushing, you should be for that glowy skin! Here’s a how-to guide

13 little black dresses to add to your rotation

7 relationship green flags we can learn from Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

A guide to choosing your handbag that’s actually super helpful

The Met x BAND-AID collaboration is a fun way to make your next boo-boo into an artistic masterpiece

Podcast: One woman’s life-changing move to Italy

Going Out: The farmer’s market returns this weekend and that means our Saturday morning routine is back: farmer’s market, pastry + matcha, and yoga! We’re also trying a new restaurant that opened recently in Chicago.

Watching: One of Them Days on Netflix. It’s starring Keke Palmer and Sza. After this week, we need something light and entertaining! And, The White Lotus finale!

Listening: Wise Woman Era from The Hilary Silver Podcast

Reading: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood

In the Kitchen: In honor of The White Lotus finale, we’re doing a little dinner and a movie theme with this Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry on Sunday night.

Moving our Bodies: Post-farmer’s market yoga will be a relaxing treat while a spring goddess barre challenge is kicking our butts, literally.

💋 Jamie | Late August Media Founder

Girl World is a Late August Media publication.