Shantel Van Santen's Live Twitter Chat!
June 22, 2011
SHANTEL: Hey guys its Shantel! Soooo happy to be a part of this! Let the questions begin. We will be retweeting the questions and then I will reply!
QUESTION: Shantel! I had a question sent to me for you from @alisonlbell: “hey. so my question is,, did u ever feel unable to talk about the issues you so wonderfully and sadly illustrated? if not, when did u become able and what do you think was the change that enabled you to? as I’ve said many times to the lovely meg, I truly believe the battles we fight give others grounds to walk on, but that only works if we talk about our battles to enable them to help others. I’m not brave enough much yet, many are grateful that you are. much love God bless”
SHANTEL: @Meggsnel @alisonlbell: This was the first time I publicly opened up about them and before then I only had a few friends I could talk to.
QUESTION: Shantel, I know there are days when you don't feel beautiful or yourself...do you have any songs that make you feel better?
SHANTEL: @Meggsnel I listen to anything by "City and Colour" they are my ALL time favorite band. But dancing around to Rihanna makes me happy
QUESTION: Thank you so much for doing this, Shantel! Your interview really saved me in a lot of ways. I always knew that I had an issue, but I don't think I would have reached out for help if I hadn't read it. There are many days when I can't focus on anything because all I can think about is how awful I feel about myself. Then I read your article, and it's like a weight has been lifted :) I have two questions... In addition to the pressure I put on myself to look a certain way, I also get mixed messages from my mom. One day she'll say I need to watch what I'm eating, and the next day she'll yell at me because she thinks I'm starving myself. There is constant pressure and anxiety around food in my house. How do YOU deal with pressure from other people to eat/workout a certain way? My next question is more general... what do you do to feel better about yourself when you are just having a really bad day and not feeling so great about yourself? I'm going to Wilmington with my dad in July for my graduation present...HOPEFULLY I'll meet you there!
SHANTEL: @ProjectC_U_R_E I deal with the pressure through self talk... Its SO important to believe YOU are an incredible person. There will always be pressure to look a certain from others around you. What matters is WHO you are not what you look like
QUESTION: you've inspired many people in my class in France &your TTB it has been a huge hit in my University. Did you think you could have such an impact overseas?
SHANTEL: @LalieMariage The response has been overwhelming and I feel SO grateful that my message spoke to so many girls! We are all a TEAM!
QUESTION: ps- I thought you would like this :) http://twitpic.com/5fecjg
SHANTEL: @ProjectC_U_R_E This INCREDIBLE and tell yourself this everyday... because you ARE!
QUESTION: Ahh! Yay! Hi! What's your most essential beauty product?? You're so beautiful! xx
SHANTEL: @HallieJx Clarisonic brush to wash my face because I hate wearing makeup!
QUESTION: Shantel, growing up, who was your biggest role model/inspiration?
SHANTEL: @kitkatkels23 It has for me always been my mom... She was a tangible form of inspiration and her strength astounds me!
QUESTION: What beauty regimens do you swear by??!!
SHANTEL: @LyzzleG I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup .. natural beauty is the best! but when I do I always like to wear lashes :)
QUESTION: you have so many fans in the UK have you ever been or would you ever go? Xo
SHANTEL: @__boofle IF I ever get a vacation I would love to go there!
QUESTION: hey Shantel! How do you know Dallas Green? And you look super pretty in the Fragile Bird video for City and Colour!
SHANTEL: @courtneykean Dallas is a very talented and dear friend of mine... He made one of my life's dreams come true by putting me in his video!
QUESTION: do you have any close friends who have had eating disorders? How did they overcome them?
SHANTEL:@HallieJx Yes, its very unfortunate but some minor cases were helped in therapy others had to be hospitalized. We need to support each other
QUESTION: what inspired you to tell us your story?! :)
SHANTEL: .@xAMG23x I was asked initially to give advice to young girls through TTB and I decided it was time to share my story in hopes of helping girls everywhere. I wanted to just inspire a few people and help them realize their true potential.
QUESTION: hey Shantel! Just wanted 2 say thank u so much for everything u do! My ? is: since u inspire so many of us, who inspires u?
SHANTEL: @kgray30 Inspiration comes from so many places and everyone who has shown support and reached out to tell their story truly inspires me.
QUESTION: You are absolutely beautiful btw! Who inspires you the most in your life? <3
SHANTEL: @taliafromfundon So many people inspire me for different reasons. A lot of them aren't celebrities but everyday people.
QUESTION: Shantel you said you'd be happy to reach just 1person.Seeing how many lives you've changed how does that make you feel?
SHANTEL: @LalieMariage OVERWHELMED... I never thought my lil' old story would make a difference to so many people! THANK YOU!
QUESTION: do you think everyone can ever be happy the way they look? Or do you think we all will always find something wrong with us?
SHANTEL: @HallieJx I think we are our own worst enemies and when we can shine from inside and tell ourselves THAT'S what matters ...then half the battle is won. I know its a struggle but remember you are BEAUTIFUL, CAPABLE and LOVED!
QUESTION: Shantel u are a true beauty! Any Advice on how to keep a positive perspective when being disabled u feel uglier then others?
SHANTEL: @Hotrod_chickidi YOU are unique and there is NO ONE like you... OWN THAT! Beauty is subjective don't let anyone else define it for you!
QUESTION: what makes you feel most beautiful?!
SHANTEL: @xAMG23x RED lipstick and some amazing heels!
QUESTION: Shantel, what makes you feel better when you are having a rough day
SHANTEL: @courtneykean Talk about it with someone you trust. Sing in the shower. Dance in your undies.
SHANTEL: @VALEsv3 If you stopped; you have the strength within you and find the support around you to never do it again. YOUR LIFE IS WORTH TOO MUCH!
QUESTION: Shantel, what would the one message you could send out to every single one of your fans be? <3
SHANTEL: @taliafromfundon MY FANS INSPIRE ME. To continue to work hard and life a good life.
QUESTION: Shantel, what motivates you when you've had thee worst day?
SHANTEL: @omgitsmichelle2 1. MUSIC. I find things I relate to or that move me and 2. GOOD FRIENDS. They are rare but amazing when you find them.
QUESTION: how did you get away from putting yourself down and start being confident? x
SHANTEL: @HallieJx SAY OUTLOUD... I am beautiful from the inside out, I am capable of anything and I am LOVED by so many! (DO IT!) Now believe it!
QUESTION: What is your go to comfort food on a bad or rainy day?
SHANTEL: @KaitlanOlivia TWIX bars with peanut butter are like heaven to me!
QUESTION: Shantel, What made you decide to open up about your struggles? I am so incredibly thankful that you did!
SHANTEL: @BrookeToffolon When Meriam interviewed me I had no idea I was going to reveal so much but when we talked I felt like I wanted to share Thx
QUESTION: Hi Shantel. You have an amazing figure! Have you ever had any weight issues? Times you felt like you we're over or underweight? How did you overcome this? You're amazing by the way.xo
SHANTEL: @_heyitsolivia yes I do struggle with body issues just like everyone else. But realize the measure of who u are isn't your weight.
QUESTION: so many fans today/tonight got excited because of you doing this question thing, none of us realized you were doing it to help people, I should be annoyed that I don't stand a chance at a reply because I don't need to be helped, but I’m just so happy that you are just as kind as your character in One Tree Hill, you are so loving<3 if you by chance read this at all, would you ever consider getting twitter? you have so many fans out there Shantel <3
SHANTEL: @FANSforOTH Well just stay tuned because I might get the hang of this technology thing and get myself a twitter... :)
QUESTION: what single thing do you think defines beauty in a person? :) x
SHANTEL: @CherylTWeedy13 YOUR heart and YOUR actions!
QUESTION: How do you constantly remind yourself that you're beautiful, capable and loved? Sometimes it's hard to be so positive.. <3
SHANTEL: @taliafromfundon That's where your friends and family come in. I agree it isn't always easy!
QUESTION: If you could say ONE thing to every person who's ever had an eating disorder, what would it be? <3
SHANTEL: @taliafromfundon STOP! Your unique and your life is worth living!
SHANTEL: @ItsHeatherCate FIRST of all... that's AMAZING! You have more strength than the anyone who bullies you! Know that!
QUESTION I’m trying to help my sis - struggles w/ bulimia. We don’t have our parents support or live with either so its hard! (1/2)
SHANTEL: @JessieBell93 You are a great sister and support system. Remind each other how loved and beautiful you are daily! Ask for help if you need!
QUESTION: Shantel you said magazines and the media were making you/us feel insecure. Why do you think they feel the need to Photoshop every single picture when they have 'model' as beautiful as you??
SHANTEL: @LalieMariage Everyone gets photoshopped ... even me!
QUESTION: I try talk to her & tell her I love you & she refuses help & says she has it under control.. Do you think she will let me in? (2/2)
SHANTEL: @JessieBell93 Never stop loving her.. be there for her... and if you think she needs help GET IT FOR HER. She will thank you!
QUESTION: A girl suffering from a phobia of leaving the house, she's had it 5 years, what words do you have for my friend @Tanywag <3
SHANTEL: @FANSforOTH @tanwag Be her support system, love each other and remind one another how unique and special you are.
QUESTION: hey Shantel some of your quotes are through my house. Thx! I may be nearly 30 but you inspire me! Hoping 2 meet u 1 day <3 u
SHANTEL: @Hotrod_chickidi hope to meet you too!
SHANTEL: I really enjoyed chatting with everyone sorry if I didn’t get to answer all of you! Maybe we can do this again soon! You all inspire me!
ALSO....
Be on the lookout because someone might be joining twitter soon ... :) xoxoxox love you all!