CHICKS ROCK!

Equality: Personal & Political

2010-03-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

I’m sure many of you know this already, but yesterday was International Women’s Day. Every year on March 8, various organizations, governments, and people around the world plan events, campaigns, days of action, and so forth to celebrate the advancement of women and to plan for the future. The United Nations chooses a theme each year, and this year’s theme was “Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all.”

When I heard this year’s theme, I thought it was an interesting one. For those who don’t know, this year marks the 15th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing. This conference set up goals for countries around the world to improve women’s rights and this year various organizations have put out reports and documents tracking how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. I’m pretty sure the U.N. had this somewhere in their minds when they came up with this year’s theme.

But we can also look at this theme in a different way. Rather than simply looking at it as a reflection on politics, we can make it personal: as a commitment to the future not only for the world but for ourselves. Last week, I attended Women Hold the Solutions, an event hosted by Global Fund for Women. One of the panelists spoke about how difficult it is to raise children to be equal. Because parents themselves are products of societies where not everything is equal, they pass those ideas on to their children without realizing it. Around the world, mothers might find themselves demanding more from their daughters in terms of housework and chores, or urging their sons to take on more wives. Similarly, most of us do the same thing when we’re around our friends and families. We don’t expect or demand equality in all areas, so progress will always be that much slower.

I plan on taking some more time this Women’s History Month to think about how we can advance equality on all fronts. Just because International Women’s Day is over doesn’t mean we can’t keep it in mind for longer.

Oscar's Dirty Little Secret

2010-03-08T09:36:00.006-05:00

Until last night, watching The Academy Awards, I had no idea that no woman had ever won an Oscar for Best Director. What in the world????

I'm a movie lover, and though I'm not always knowledgeable about what goes on behind the camera, I know a little about the industry. Even I can name a range of female directors who might, at some point in their careers, have been eligible for such an honor: Penny Marshall, Jane Campion, Nancy Meyers, Kathie Bates, Nora Ephron, Sofia Coppola, Mira Nair....the list goes on.

Yet, I learned from the NYTimes last night that in Oscar's 82-year history, only four women have ever even been nominated in the director category: Lina Wertmuller (1975-Seven Beauties), Jane Campion (1993-The Piano), Sofia Coppola (2003-Lost In Translation) and Kathryn Bigelow, who shattered yet another glass ceiling by taking home the award last night for The Hurt Locker.

To be honest, I'm slightly appalled by this. I'm glad Kathry Bigelow won, of course, but why did she have to be the first? And going beyond gender, why did Lee Daniels (Precious) have to be the first African-American director EVER NOMINATED??? Why, in our supposedly post-race, post-gender America do we still have to overcome so many large and small obstacles?

It makes me wonder....if diversity and equality aren't reflected and respected within our pop culture, organically, then have we really embraced these values as fully as we claim?

Friday Forum: Images of Women

2010-03-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's now officially Women's History Month! Just as we did last year, this month's Friday Forum questions will be reflective of that theme.

Because of the Oscars this weekend (and various other awards shows), there's a lot of talk right now about women representation in film and television. What are some changes you'd like to see in pop culture in regards to women? Is it simply more women creating media, or do you have an ideal image of what portrayals of women should be like? Is your reality close to the one being reflected back to you?

Rise and Rebuild

2010-03-04T09:30:00.005-05:00

CHICKS ROCK! wants you to welcome Bridget back as a guest blogger this week:

Bridget is a recent graduate of Vassar College, where she studied Political Science and Women's Studies, and former TWM intern. She loves watching movies with her younger brother and playing rugby.

For the past few months, I’ve been working at a homeless women’s shelter in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. Although it can be emotionally overwhelming to live surrounded by such poverty and heartache, my experience has been positive because of the connections I have built with residents and new friends alike. If I have discovered anything here, it is that New Orleans and its residents are an incredibly heartfelt, resilient people. They are committed to keeping up traditions and celebrating their successes. It would be an understatement to say that this Mardi Gras season, coupled with the Saint’s World Championship, has been an ongoing party in the streets. They take their celebrating very seriously here!

In reality, the quality of life here in the 9th ward could be disheartening. There is a deep sense of lawlessness, abandonment, and raw sadness. The legacy of slavery and inequality have never been made more apparent or felt so immediate to me. Yet, despite the crime, lack of resources, and other adverse conditions, New Orleanians are consumed – obsessed, even – with hosting community meetings, parades, and other social events. I think there’s an unspoken understanding that everyone who has come back into the city has a responsibility to contribute to its rebirth, whether it’s through painting murals on buildings that create a collective social memory, having brass bands play traditional music on street corners, or just getting a local library card. These small acts are big statements that keep alive a sense of Home and Spirit.

The reason New Orleans is staying alive and even thriving right now is because of the resiliency and passion of its residents. If it were not for the strong sense of community and home, I fear it would just be another devastated, abandoned city. But, of course, New Orleans continues to prove itself to be much more than that and I’m proud and privileged to call it my new home.

Travel: The Best Education

2010-03-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

I think everyone should travel to a place they have never visited before at least once a year. Whether it is within our own country or to an international destination, traveling somewhere new and really experiencing the local culture is the best education.

I speak as someone who has just had the best vacation of my life in India, my parents’ native country. I have been there before, but this time I visited places I never saw before. Delhi, Mumbai (formerly Bombay), and other locations not commonly mentioned by the tourism industry were some of my stops during the month of February, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit these areas. What I learned from these urban and rural areas was how different the cultures and daily life in general are from other locations previously unknown to me, even though I have visited India several times before.

One example of this is witnessing camel rides in a residential area in central India. It is a common sight to see children sitting on top of these desert animals on any given day, walking by houses and avoiding cars and trucks that pass by regularly. For someone who was born and raised in New Jersey, where there are no camels or deserts in sight, I found myself watching and taking pictures eagerly, while parents of the children on these animals just returned to their houses to have afternoon tea. I had never seen this before when visiting India previous times, so it was refreshing to experience this unique sight.

Just driving a few hours away from New York City is like entering into a different world. When I visited a farm in Dutchess County in upstate New York, I was surprised that people actually say hello to strangers as they walk by, and will cheerfully take the time to give directions to those who are lost. I had to remind myself that I was not too far from home, even though it felt like I was.

Do you have any similar travel experiences to share?

Global Responsibilities Revisited

2010-03-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

These days, it seems we can’t go too long without hearing of another natural disaster. This isn’t exactly new – hurricane season happens in certain parts of the world every year, and the after-effects of natural disasters almost always involve even more disasters. Of course, this doesn’t make it any less sad when you hear the stories of the lives devastated by these calamities. But what I find interesting is the way the rest of the world responds.

I’ve written before about our responsibility to help people around the world. It’s easy to get caught up in “me, me, me” and focus on the things that happen to the people and places closest to home. All too often, people forget about their ability to help those in bad situations around the world.

It’s almost refreshing, then, that when these events occur, we often rise to the challenge. The response to the earthquake in Haiti was significant, and in the past couple of days, I haven’t gone more than a few blocks without overhearing somebody talking about the situation in Chile. People are ready to give their money and goods when and where it’s needed.

In thinking about it a bit more closely, however, sometimes it seems the balance is tipped in the opposite direction. For example, I keep hearing stories about people wanting to adopt Haitian children. In reality, most children still have their parents; they simply don’t have the basic resources they need, but this is true for both the children and the parents. This just goes to show that any help people want to give needs to be considered with the bigger picture in mind.

Even still, I think it shows that people do have a great desire to help and that every so often we allow ourselves to feel the connection we have to the rest of the world. Perhaps we all need to become more in tune with that tug, so we can feel it all the time and constantly give back.

My Hollywood Moment

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday evening, I attended the NAACP Image Awards show which was televised live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (My book was nominated for "Outstanding Literary Work for Youth/Teens.") This was a full on black tie, celebrity studded, red carpet phenomenon... the kind you imagine attending as a kid, standing in front of your bathroom mirror with a hairbrush as your microphone: "I'd like to thank the Academy..."

The real deal, as it turns out, is simultaneously as thrilling as you imagine it will be, and yet somehow also fails to live up to your most glamorous expectations. The behind-the-scenes vibe of Hollywood, it seems, is just as awkward and dysfunctional as the behind-the-scenes vibe everywhere else.

My brother and I arrived in limousine style, stood in line with the other nominees, and walked the red carpet immediately behind the likes of Sherri Shepherd (The View), Gabrielle Union (Flash Forward), and the teenage cast members of Glee and Lincoln Heights. We waited forever for our turn, as they ushered the more famous individuals past us for priority red carpet access. Why we waited it out was unclear, because none of the photographers were terribly interested in capturing us, but I refused to slip around behind the curtain and scurry to my seat. I was determined to have my red carpet moment, even if nothing came of it but the experience.

Once inside, we discovered that, while the glitz and glam of Hollywood is definitely a true fact, there is also a human side to everything. It's refreshing to watch someone like Morgan Freeman studying his ticket stub up and down trying to locate his seat, or Chris Rock smiling as he embraces an old friend in the aisle. These are consummate performers with a job to do, yet they are also just people.

I'll be happy to post more about my L.A. adventures, if folks want to hear about it, but for now I'll leave you with one small nugget. I was so nervous in preparing for this event ("What am I going to wear?" "What is it going to be like?" "This is so far out of my league..."), but in the end, I didn't feel as out of place as I expected. I accepted my role as author, nominee, and person--and found my place among the stars.

Friday Forum: Resolution Check

2010-02-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Time is flying by and it's already been a couple of months since the new year started. For those who made a resolution, what was it and how are you doing with it? Have you already fallen off or have you not yet started? Let's share tips for staying on track.

Honor Yourself for Women's History Month

2010-02-25T11:00:00.002-05:00

March is Women's History Month, but while you're reflecting on the past, we don't want you to forget the present or the future. We suggest taking some time this March to reconnect with yourself. Take a day out of your busy schedule to get in touch with yourself and figure out what you really want and need. Many of us are at a point of transition right now, so there's no better time for TWM's Visioning Workshop. Check out the details and RSVP today.

VISIONING WORKSHOP: Using Your Creativity and Intuition to Gain Clarity, Find Focus and Manifest Your Dreams
Saturday, March 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Feeling a little confused with all that's going on with your career and the economy? Not sure what to do next with your life? Maybe your just a bit unsatisfied overall but can't exactly pinpoint what it is...

Our Visioning Workshop can help you sort it all out! Come to our popular and powerful semi-annual workshop for a creative, transformative afternoon where you will make a collage to manifest your heart's desire - and you may be surprised as to what that turns out to be.

It's not unusual for participants to start new businesses, relationships, families or career paths as quickly as weeks or months after the workshop. If you are looking for both answers and results to help figure out where you are right now in your life and where you want to go next, this could be thing exact thing you need to push you forward and take you there.

COST: $75 for TWM Members; $120 for Non-Members
LOCATION: TRS Professional Suites, 44 East 32nd St, 11th Floor

RSVP on Facebook or by emailing sally@thewomensmosaic.org

The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

2010-02-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

I have known for some time now that understanding non-verbal communication is essential when it comes to human relationships. Many of my family members in India do not speak English very well (or at all) and I do not know much of my parents' native language, so it has been difficult to communicate with them. Regardless of the language barrier, I manage to keep my powers of perception as open as possible, because when speaking is difficult or impossible, simple actions like facial expressions or body language become very important when determining what another person is thinking or feeling at any particular moment.

Even when language is not a barrier, I still try to be perceptive in non-verbal communication. In many previous work and academic environments, I learned the hard way not to always believe what was promised or told to me at face value. I specifically remember a former employer trying to make conversation with me in a conference room before a meeting, and realizing for the first time that she did not like me at all. This became blatantly clear just before I left the position to attend graduate school full-time. I caught her in a lie about my job performance, and knew it was time to leave. I also remembered how she was on that day before the meeting, and other experiences that occurred afterward that really made everything clear.

Ever since this incident, I used my powers of perception to understand what people think. My observations are not always correct, but I have been more right than wrong when it comes to non-verbal communication.

Do you agree with my assessment? Why or why not?

Ground to Cover in 2010

2010-02-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

Looking back at 2009, I started adding up the miles I traveled, both for business and pleasure. I visited three states – two for the first time – to attend some great conferences and, of course, there was my trip to Europe in the fall which spanned four countries. It was the most traveling I’ve ever done in one year, and I’m ready to top myself this year!

For the past few months now, my friends and I have been throwing out ideas for trips to take this year. We’ve thought of: a road trip across America, a quick trip to Las Vegas or L.A., a journey down under to Australia (and possibly New Zealand), a trip to Egypt, going back to Europe, Panama, D.R., P.R., Miami… Basically, if it’s out of the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, we’ve laid out an itinerary for it. The possibilities are endless, but the reality will obviously need to be scaled down.

Some of my friends are still mostly thinking “hmm, let’s put this on the backburner” but I’m ready to get some dates down, request time off, and book it.

Now that the first quarter of 2010 is coming closer to an end, I’m going to need a new resolution for the next three months. I was considering a few different things, but I’ve decided to focus on scheduling my trips for the year. I’ve got a lot of ground I want to cover and a lot of people I want to share it with – now I just need to make it happen.

Are you traveling anywhere this year? What are some trips you’d like to plan for the next few months?

Finding the Fantasy

2010-02-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Well, this is the week of the NAACP Image Awards. I'm beginning to try to imagine myself walking the red carpet. In the past, I've daydreamed about this type of event in an abstract well-it-will-never-really-happen-but-it's-nice-to-dream kind of way. I imagined a dramatic, expensive dress, make-up to the hilt, needle-thin stiletto heels that I could somehow glide perfectly in, a gorgeous date to shepherd me through the crowds of my adoring fans....

Yeah, right.

The reality is shaping up to be quite a bit less than the fantasy, but I must admit it is still exciting! So far, I have a dramatic, inexpensive dress, no idea what I will do as far as make-up, marker-thick sparkly heels which I can walk in without falling, and a gorgeous date to shepherd me down the red carpet--my little brother!

What I've realized through all of this is that fulfilling the complete red carpet fantasy isn't what's important here. I'm a regular person, not a starlet or debutante. I don't even want to be those things, so why should I bend over backwards to try to look or act like it? It's fun to dress up and feel glamorous for an evening--I'm actually looking forward to that. But I'd rather not fit in by being myself than by trying to look like celebrities do, and missing the mark.

I'm excited about the possibility of rubbing elbows with the Hollywood types, of course. But I'm more thrilled that my work is being recognized. That's part of an entirely different fantasy--one I love and am much more comfortable living into.

Friday Forum: Winter Wonderland

2010-02-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

Groundhog Day has come and gone, but there's still a bit more than a month of winter left. What are some activities you're looking forward to doing before the spring? Ice skating, skiing, snow boarding, hot cocoa by a fire, cleaning out your home? What tops the list for your winter wonderland?

Link Love for 2/18

2010-02-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since our last link love round-up, so get ready for another one. It was fun catching up on our blogroll to sift through and pick these great posts. Check them out!

Girl w/Pen considers the lack of interest in theater among young boys and what might be behind it.

Global Sisters has an interview with Kat O'Reilly, an activist from Australia who focuses on business and finance.

In Good Company explores the different workplace dynamics in telecommuting, working for yourself, traditional work, etc.

Lindsey Pollak recorded a podcast about working for small businesses, noting that new jobs are expected to be created by women business owners.

Savvy Ladies sheds light on some money myths that hold you back - here's hoping for more money in this new year.

That's all we've got for today. Be sure to leave links in the comments to things you've been reading and writing.

The Importance of Being Happy

2010-02-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

My trip to India has been a multi-faceted collection of experiences that have been surprising and unexpected, but not at all unwelcome. The most annoying thing to happen was being locked in after spending the night at a small B&B in South Delhi when we were desperately trying to catch a local flight, but crisis soon passed with no problems. Among the many things I have learned so far have to do with the importance of being happy. When I think about the happiest people I know, I see that the most important qualities they all possess are self-confidence, flexibility, and a sense of humor. No matter where I have visited and who I have observed, I find that this ideal is universal. People who live in simpler places and less are superficially-driven cultures tend to fare better in the happiness department than those who are constantly in doubt about themselves, and threatened by others for no, or very reason, at all.

I have encountered a few people in India who exemplify the current generation of highly ambitious people with grand homes and high-pressure jobs that bring in the rupees, but even with all that they have, they are not happy. Those with the ability to love who they are, who they are with, and where they live are the ones I find are the most successful. In my personal observations in India, the United States, and anywhere else I have lived and or visited in the world, the happiest people are not the richest or most affluent people. They are those who give to others freely, and without the expectation the money as their foremost reward. The other important quality the happiest people I have met all share is their ability to be realistic about the world around them, yet at the same time see the beauty and goodness in it too. It is the greatest attribute to have, and I hope to perfect it in myself with time.

Do you consider yourself happy? What do you think you need to achieve real happiness?

At the Movies

2010-02-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

The winter means a lot of things to a lot of people. There’s the holidays, the chance for a fresh start, winter break, going back to school after winter break, or... awards season! For me and my sister, the winter is our chance to bond over the music we regularly jam to, the movies we didn’t have the money to watch, and the tv we may or may not have had the time for.

We loyally follow the news and coverage for the Globes, SAG, and, of course, the Oscars, with the Grammys sprinkled in for good measure. We keep up with the buzz that starts late in the year, maybe see a movie or two in December, watch the red carpet, and cheer for our favorites. As I’ve mentioned before, a big part of our ritual is making our predictions for who will win each category. Whoever has the most wins at the end of the season is deemed the coolest (a title which inevitably ends up going to my sister).

It’s fairly easy for us to keep up with the tv and music we need to get through the Globes and Grammys, but one thing we’ve always wanted to do is take a trip to the movies to watch all of the nominated films. Between the various award shows and numerous categories, it’s nearly impossible to watch all of them, but the Best Picture nominees for the Oscars do get more love than the rest. One awesome event is AMC’s Best Picture Showcase in which they feature the nominees, marathon-style. My sister and I have missed it in the past, but I’m determined to make it happen this year. With 10 nominees instead of the usual 5, this is probably a bad year to start, but I don’t care!

Now all I have to do is convince my sister (and hopefully some other movie fans as well) that this is well worth our time and money. Wish me luck!

Olympic Fever

2010-02-15T11:17:00.006-05:00

I'm growing slightly obsessed with the Winter Olympics this time around. Normally I'm only interested in the figure skating, but I've spent the weekend watching the skiing, speed skating and luge, as well. The athleticism is truly impressive in its own right, on top of which I get rather choked up at times when they do the sidebar spotlights on certain athletes, and you see how far they have come and how much they have sacrificed to get to the top of their field.

It's pretty inspiring to witness the dedication of these athletes. Sports isn't really my thing, nor is cold, but watching them makes me think about what it means to commit to a goal, and how many different ways there are to measure success.

Sometime I'm envious of the Olympians for the fact that the goal they pursue is so concrete: an Olympic medal. Yet so few people can achieve that, so there must be other triumphs that they experience along the way that have meaning, otherwise why put yourself through the wringer like that? Is it really all about the endgame?

My favorite Olympic story so far is about a 17-year old American ski jumper whose entire family skipped Christmas and pooled their money to send him to compete. The announcers were all busy saying he had "no chance" to medal, and he didn't, but the grin on his face when he landed a personal best jump in Olympic snow has to mean something.

Maybe it's just about walking off the field knowing you put your absolute top effort out there to be measured against the best of the best. Maybe there's joy in the attempt, not just the victory. I hope so, but either way, I'll be watching!

Friday Forum: Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

Most people seem to hate Valentine's Day, but we can just look at it as another chance to tell the people around you that you love them. So, whether single, married, cohabiting, or whatever, take the time to love those around you and, of course, yourself!

You already know how we'll be celebrating Valentine's Day in a couple of weeks, now it's your turn to share. What are your plans? What will you do with the people you love and how will you show yourself some love?

Help Your Heart this V-Day

2010-02-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

We're not sure if you know, but February is American Heart Month. To get you to focus on your heart health, TWM and David Barton Gym are hosting an awesome event. It's got a bit of everything: good info, a sample class, raffle prizes, refreshments, etc. Check out the details below and RSVP today!

LOVE: What Is It Good For?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 6:30-8:30pm

In honor of American Heart Month come listen to TWM Founder Kristina Leonardi and the team at the new David Barton Gym at Astor Place talk about the ways to keep your heart healthy from the inside out! Learn new techniques and gain unique perspectives for keeping your mind, body, spirit and soul in the best shape so that you don’t become one of the many Americans affected by cardiovascular diseases, the number one cause of death for women in this country.

*Learn unique ways to keep your heart healthy
*Experience a sample class
*Win raffle prizes (including tickets to the award-winning off-Broadway show Love, Loss & What I Wore)
*Enjoy refreshments from Mini-Bar
*Bring home a fun and informative goodie-bag!

Be sure to wear or bring sneakers and comfortable clothing!

COST: FREE for TWM Members; $10 suggested donation for guests
LOCATION: David Barton Gym, 4 Astor Place NYC

BONUS: Anyone who joins or renews with TWM by that day will be eligible for a special membership rate from David Barton, which includes two free personal training sessions!

SPACE IS LIMITED - Be sure to reserve your spot now!
RSVP on Meetup, Facebook, Idealist, or by email to sally@thewomensmosaic.org

Give From the Heart

2010-02-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

It’s understandable why most people have forgotten the origins of St. Valentine’s Day. Today, the overwhelming commercialism of the holiday eclipses everything, and the beleaguered public pays the price. I say this because I have witnessed people standing on long lines outside of florist shops and small markets that sell flowers on Valentine’s Day with annoyed or anxious looks on their faces. I remember walking by one of these lines and hearing someone say to the person in front of him that he could not go home to his wife without buying anything for her. The way he expressed himself started me thinking about how important it is to give from your heart. I would not want to receive a gift from someone who felt pressured to buy it. The act of giving should be sincere, and performed with joy; if not then it’s a waste of time.

All relationships require maintenance and sincerity, but those that center on romantic love and intimacy (physical and emotional) need both the most. Why? Because we can live away from family and friends for long periods of time, and keep in touch with them periodically, but that just isn't enough for those in a committed relationship. Couples who live in close proximity of one another often complain about how difficult it is to make time for their relationships, so those living apart need to work much harder to sustain the bonds. And I say that anyone in a serious relationship shouldn't’t wait until Valentine’s Day and their anniversaries to honor and celebrate their relationships; making the time for one another on a daily or weekly basis means so much more than occasional grand gestures-at least it does to me.

So don’t be like the grumbling guy I overheard on that Valentine’s Day of yesteryear! Give from your hearts, as often and as much as you can.

Don't Leave Home Without It

2010-02-09T09:45:00.001-05:00

Anybody who knows me knows that I am very much reliant on technology. I love technology! I love that I can use it to stay in touch with people, stay informed on important issues, and even be more productive. There are some around me who think I'm too reliant on technology. I don't think that's the case, but every so often something happens that makes me chuckle at how wrong or right they might be.

During Social Media Week, I was scrambling to get to a workshop I was excited about. In my haste, I realized I left my iPhone behind. Because I didn't realize this until I was well on my way to the train station, I knew that going back would make me late, so I decided to carry on without it. Except that on the train I realized that I didn't list the address in my planner -- all I had was the date, time and title.

You see, normally when I'm heading out, I check the address on my calendar... the calendar on my iPhone... the iPhone I had left behind.

A slight wave of panic hit me as I struggled with what to do next. I couldn't check the email confirmation because I didn't have my phone. I couldn't call anybody because I didn't have my phone. And despite having a quarter on me for an emergency such as this, I could not find even one working pay phone.

Luckily, my memory is really good with numbers. I was pretty sure that if I tried hard enough I could remember some of the numbers in the address. So I concentrated a bit and tried to picture what I had put down. Thankfully, it worked! I ended up finding the building, albeit after two wrong tries.

Once I was settled in, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Of course, once the workshop started and I couldn't live tweet it, I decided I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd rather reap the benefits of relying on technology than make do without them.

Touching Things Past

2010-02-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a little bit of a history geek. I was a history major in college, and I really enjoy historical fiction, historical films and other things along those lines. I love to dive into some other time or place in the world and try to get a handle on what was going on then and there, what people might have thought and felt way back when about one another and their lives and their place in the world. There's something about knowing what has gone before that feels deeply important to me.

Thinking about it recently, I know that there are two sides to my interest in the past--one is intellectual and the other is more personal/emotional. I do have the desire to really know this world--in a sweeping, epic, global sense, where I begin to understand the cause-effect relationships that have led us toward the wonderful and vicious, beautiful and horrible experiences we collectively face day to day, now.

Within that massive base of knowledge, there are individuals. I think about my grandmothers, and the disparate lives they led that somehow, miraculously came together to create me. One of them lived through the majority of the 20th century in America, and while I knew her as a teenager, I never got to know her as an adult, when I could have really asked the questions I now want to, about her life and the things she personally witnessed within the history that I know so well in terms of dates, facts and situations. My other grandmother lived her whole life in West Africa, a place that I am connected to, but know less intimately. There's a wisdom there that is somewhat outside my grasp, but I long for a taste of it.

So, I read lots of books, and look at lots of pictures, and try to imagine what I can about these women, and the many like them whose lives and work set the stage for my own world. I feel that I'm still looking for the truth of those experiences, and I don't know if we today can ever really touch it, but it's nice to believe we might be able to come close.

Friday Forum: And the Award Goes to...

2010-02-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Oscar nominations were announced earlier this week and, as Kristina mentioned in yesterday's post, the Grammys were this past weekend. This means that the awards season is coming to a close, but we thought it'd be fun to share the ways people enjoy it.

Do you or your friends host an Oscar-watch party? Do you dress up and walk down your own red carpet in your living room? What are the fun things you do during the awards season?

Groundhog Day, The Grammys & Gaga

2010-02-04T11:30:00.002-05:00

CHICKS ROCK! is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week:

Kristina Leonardi is the founder of The Women’s Mosaic. She is a career/life path consultant, speaker, seminar leader and expert in the areas of women, diversity and personal growth.

Join her for Spring Cleaning for the Soul next Tuesday, February 10. You can also check out her series, Thursdays at Three for weekly inspiration.

This week was Groundhog Day, and whether or not a shadow was seen by that furry creature, it marks the midway point of winter - a time to be sure you've planted the seeds of all that you want to bloom come this Spring.

But Groundhog Day really reminds me of the fabulous movie starring Bill Murray, who gets up over and over to the same day with a chance to make things right each time, and ultimately makes the best changes to himself that attract Andie MacDowell and they live happily ever after. It's a good time to reflect on what you are doing everyday that is helping you get closer to or further away from your goals. As Einstein said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

So what do The Grammys and Lady Gaga have to do with any of this? One year ago you probably never heard of her, yet on Sunday there she was, the opening act performing with Sir Elton John, on the biggest night in music. Overnight success? Never. From an early age she figured out who she was and what she was supposed to be doing with her life. And with a clear vision, talent and determination took steps every day to get there.

I don't know much about her journey, but one thing I will bet on is that it was INTENTIONAL, as everything about Gaga is. Anyone who was nominated or performed at The Grammys would have that in common, in varying degrees. No matter what you want to do make your life about it, morning, noon and night and you will see results - at any age.

Being Drastic, Being Free

2010-02-03T10:00:00.004-05:00

I hear the word “freedom” all the time, and, like many, my first thoughts are events such as the successful Indian independence movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the end of World War II, the destruction of the Berlin Wall, and other well-known events that have happened (and continue to happen) all over the world. I also know that pursuit of freedom manifests itself on a much smaller, personal scale in people’s lives. Examples of these include ending a “terminally ill” relationship, moving out of your childhood home and finally living as an adult, and quitting a dead-end job to start working in a career that you love. My own pursuit of freedom has been a continuous struggle with indecisiveness and frustration, but these dark clouds have been lifting. Why? I have decided to take drastic steps to make my declaration of independence imminent.

Working from my parents’ home is like climbing a slippery slope: I have a list of tasks to accomplish every day, but there are always too many distractions that make completing them impossible. Friends and other family members have complained to me about similar feelings of mental stagnation, making them less productive when they are living, working, or just visiting their childhood homes. Many may not have that problem, but I know myself; to realize my pursuit of personal freedom, I must move out of my current residence as soon as possible.

How will I make it happen? Some family friends have offered their place in New England and a teaching job at a private school as a temporary solution. I also have a few opportunities to teach abroad, which I will consider after I return from India at the end of February. My months of self-imposed exile are coming to an end, thanks to deep introspection and serious conversations with people I love. I may struggle much more than I planned to, but I know that it will be for a short duration if I take a deep breath and jump.