In the past few weeks, I have been catapulted into pondering what being an expert really means (to me), and why I have never held the opinion that I am an expert on or in anything. Continue reading “Self-proclaimed experts: You okay?”
Tag: Self-Discovery
When body dysmorphia lost its weight
One week ago, I had a personally significant experience while on a mostly blind, first date. I say, mostly blind, because we’d seen photos of each other, had spoken on the phone, but neither of us could recall ever meeting each other in person. We have many wonderful friends in common and certain career parallels where we might have met at some point long ago. If we did previously meet, neither of us made a noteworthy impression on each other.
For me, and unbeknownst to my date, I was about to have a phenomenal dating experience.
I arrived right on time for brunch. My date was already at the restaurant waiting for me. Approximately 38 seconds into the date, as we arrived at our table, and even before my tush could make the”pffftt” sound that always happens when ANY tush hits the cushion of a seat in a booth, my date said, somewhat apologetically…
I’m usually attracted to slender, more petite women.
The Concussion,the Head Trip & WHY?
My eldest daughter, Juliette, suffered a concussion yesterday. She tripped in the school locker room in total darkness. The power suddenly went out in the entire school, and in the locker room, there are no windows. Her head hit a bench. This is her second concussion in less than two years. She seems fine, so I’m going with that. Continue reading “The Concussion,the Head Trip & WHY?”
Amor Fati, Mi Amor
FUN FACT: Sometimes, I wear pants that on the inside, give me positive affirmations –
Hi Beautiful!
I have one pair of pants that in metallic silver writing, says,
You are Gorgeous!
Prepare for MAJOR Rant & #MunificenceMonday. #MissionMonday?
WARNING: ENORMOUS rant up ahead. Proceed with caution.
Let me start with the fact that I am being a curmudgeon. While I am not remotely the “Get off my lawn!” type, each year for the past several years, (since #GivingTuesday’s worldwide launch), I have sometimes been less than ecstatic about this ONE particular day. I have my reasons and I’m so happy you inquired:
- Numerous nonprofit organizations put far too many resources into a day that much of the time has a nominal return on investment. (If any.)
- One day? Really? One day where the whole world collaborates to give? Don’t we need to set some higher standards here?
- How does #GivingTuesday impact the state of:
- our fractured world?
- our psyches?
- our collective consciousness?
- nonprofit organizations?
- band-aids healing a major fracture?
- They do help minor cuts, so if a nonprofit does a decent #GivingTuesday SWOT analysis, and they’re trying to raise a goal that is accessible and won’t drain the organization, I’m fully on board with that and even enthusiastic.
- Why does this day follow #CyberMonday? So, let me get this straight… We might spend our money on a bunch of stuff we likely don’t need, just because the sales are so spectacular, and then, if we have a few shekels left, we throw a dime or two into #GivingTuesday? This kind of change, won’t really impact lasting change, will it? There, I said it.
- Did I mention I’m cranky?
Okay, okay. I’m breathing now.
Continue reading “Prepare for MAJOR Rant & #MunificenceMonday. #MissionMonday?”
13
I don’t believe I’ve ever been officially diagnosed as obsessive compulsive, or maybe I’ve been diagnosed, but I don’t remember. Wouldn’t someone with OCD, remember a diagnosis like that?
I have always preferred even numbers over odd. I can’t explain why, but in 2006, (a nice, even year), I was scheduled to deliver my second daughter via cesarean section on December 13th. I decided it was time for me to stop worrying about odd numbers, let alone the “unlucky” number 13. Now, thanks to Charlotte, my second born, I have mostly embraced the number 13. Just don’t ask me to live on a 13th floor. Continue reading “13”
The Midlife NON-Crisis: Trumps Anger
This post is not going to focus 100% on what EVERYONE is talking about almost 100% of the time these days. Sure, I have my thoughts, opinions and feelings on the subject, but I have been and continue to be relatively quiet and very focused on what is right in front of me in the here and now.
For many years, I worked in Jewish social justice and I loved it. This was a life-changing experience where I learned the real strength that comes from praying with my feet.
While I was there, I worked shoulder to shoulder with some of the most talented, passionate and effective community organizers in Chicago and beyond. I will forever consider these individuals role models and heroes of mine.
As I learned about community organizing, the most knowledgeable facilitators would often emphasize the power that comes from staying angry; leading with anger. Continue reading “The Midlife NON-Crisis: Trumps Anger”
Loving the Petty Moments, Truly.
DISCLAIMER: I have been on a writing strike. Bear with me. Thanks.
When I was a child, I couldn’t fathom the idea that anyone was a Tom Petty fan. I disliked his singing style so much, I balked at listening to the meaningful music. Of course, I felt the same way about Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. Now that I’m older, (and CLEARLY wiser,) I’ve grown to fall in love with and appreciate extraordinary talents that transcend a “purdy” or lyrical vocal quality. All of these artists’ songs strike deep chords inside of me and are among my very favorites.
Beginning on April 4th of this year, I celebrated spring, by springing free from a job that resulted in deep pain and angst in me. Once I left that position, I couldn’t help but notice that I was hearing a ton of Tom Petty songs. Perhaps I was just listening for them. It seemed that almost daily, I’d hear, I Won’t Back Down, The Waiting, Free Falling, and Learning to Fly.
I didn’t understand the meaning, or if there was any meaning for me. I just knew that feeling trapped and waiting to leave that job was the hardest part. I had to learn to fly again and while I was free falling, I was not going to back down or retreat.
Continue reading “Loving the Petty Moments, Truly.”
I thought Tinder for Business was my INNOVATIVE Idea.
I also thought attractive winter gloves that successfully utilize mobile devices, (with real human hands actually inside of them), Starbuck’s delivery and eye make up magnifying glasses were also my original, great ideas.
I’m brilliant, I know.
Um, no.
People who may be smarter and more creative than I am had these ideas looooooooong before I had them. (Although, I don’t really think mobile device winter gloves are attractive, and I also think if you’re looking so silly wearing those eye make up magnifying glasses, who needs make up? But, these are simply an opinion from me, who at best, is a questionable fashion plate.)
Wait. There’s no question. I’m not a fashion plate. Continue reading “I thought Tinder for Business was my INNOVATIVE Idea.”
This Day and National Recovery Month.
I almost hate to put the anniversary of 9/11/01 beside National Recovery Month, but everything seems to connect somehow to that fateful day, getting real and honest about the impact of it, and getting real and honest about how we cope or can’t cope is what connects us to recovery.
Today, in the year 2001, everything changed. I can only speak for me, but as inherently fearful and geared toward sadness as I was before 9/11, the volume of my fear and sadness resounded at a higher decibel and with more frequency.
It still does, but I work very hard to locate a peaceful and serene volume and that happens almost solely by working with and helping others.
I am currently in my 19th year of sobriety, but up until this year, I had absolutely no idea there was a, National Recovery Month. Continue reading “This Day and National Recovery Month.”
Pamela Klier-Weidner (PKW) 