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5 Life Lessons We Can Learn from Amy Schumer
Yes, she makes us laugh so hard we snort wine through our nose, but she's also kind of a mad genius.
Of course, she makes us laugh so hard we snort wine through our nose. But she’s also much more than just the comedienne du jour: She’s kind of a mad genius. Here’s just a sample of the many life lessons we can learn from the brilliant Trainwreck star.
1.
Back in 2013, Schumer inked a book deal with HarperCollins worth at least a million dollars. But that was before a huge chunk of her fame came in the form of a hit television show and blockbuster movie. Instead of going through with it, she returned her advance, saying she was too busy — but all along she knew her value was about to go through the roof. And guess what? She was right: She just sold a memoir to Simon & Schuster worth at least $8 million. She showed us we can give ourselves a pretty nice raise when we believe in our own worth.
2. Don't compare yourself negatively to your friends
Schumer and pals including Jennifer Lawrence went on vacay together this past summer, hamming it up on jet skis and boats. They even made a human pyramid, snapping a picture for social media that went viral. Lawrence is at the top of the pyramid, with her well-known modelesque bod on full display. Schumer’s at the bottom in a T-shirt. She later joked to John Stewart, “I look like her coach!” But rather than feeling inadequate, Schumer’s all about having fun and feeling good — frequently speaking plainly on that mantra of easy-going self assurance. That’s confidence for ya!
3. Look good, but keep it real about the process
Despite not having a traditional Hollywood bod, Schumer is a stunner with sexy curves and a smile that lights up a room. Among our favorite looks was her radiant blue Emmy gown, paired with beach-y waves and a super smoky eye. Girl looked good. But unlike most celebrities, she’s honest about what goes into that camera-ready look, routinely posting photos that show her appearance without all the contouring and hot tools. Furthermore, her Inside Amy Schumer sketch “Girl, You Don’t Need Makeup” pokes fun at the whole fallacy behind our cultural celebrations of “the natural look.” Schumer paired that sketch with a hashtag that encouraged women — and men! — to post and celebrate their no-makeup looks. (And hey: The sketch went viral and even won an Emmy!) So while Schumer doesn’t reject dressing up, she helps shine the light on the whole machine that makes it possible so others won’t be dangerously deluded.
4. Keep family close
In 2013, Amy convinced her sister Kim Caramele to quit her job working as a school psychologist in Chicago and join the Inside Amy Schumer writing staff. Now the inseparable pair live only blocks from each other in New York. Kim was an associate producer on Trainwreck, travels with Amy, and is tagged all up in her Instagram as #roadmanager. Amy knows that no one has your back like family — and instead of going big time and leaving her family in the dust, Amy did the opposite.
5. Sometimes wine and chocolate is the answer
Schumer is at the top of her career right now, swimming in media and opportunities. But even when life is good, sometimes we all just have those moments when we need to retreat into a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, and a TV bender. Schumer isn’t shy about sharing those dressed-down moments and unglamorous realities that are part of all of our lives. And that’s why we love her.
