Just now doing the dishes I had a realization - it is a challenge being brave. I keep realizing that I am 40, single once again, living on my own, running my own consulting practice, working from home, and am somehow making it all work while being strong. Plus, I'm reaching my professional goals with all kinds of new projects and teaching opportunities.
But my life isn't the norm. All around me people are married/coupled, have houses, kids, pets, cars, and jobs. I see these relationships and wonder if those paths should or could have been mine. I have so much freedom but also not many role models. Certainly I am not alone, especially in a major metropolitan area with tons of creative, intelligent and motivated people. Many of my friends have evolved into the same life path. We look to each other for support, connection and family. I am curious to see if we are actually leaders of a trend - a new choice of lifestyle.
The new term Cougar has been mentioned - fierce, older, single women on the prowl. I take offense to this statement. I am certainly not on the prowl, nor am I desperate. Frankly, I've realized that life doesn't have to be filled with compromises; difficult situations can be changed and new paths forged. This isn't easy but it does allow me to live free and strong.
Showing posts with label strong women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strong women. Show all posts
October 20, 2009
October 1, 2009
LunaFest Films By, For and About Women
Tonight I attended the LunaFest film festival of short films by, for and about women. Each of the films touched me deeply and together they made me feel strong and proud to be who I am. Lately I've been feeling that life is passing me by because I am not living the standard protocol of being married, having a family, buying a house. Tonight I recognized that I'm living a unique life and every day is experienced to the fullest - with each choice my own. Plus, my friends are my extended family and what a tremendous network of women I have in my life.
Although I attended the film festival alone I met some wonderful women this evening who were eager to pull me into their circle. Some of the best vibes I've had in a San Francisco arts experience, ever.
Although I attended the film festival alone I met some wonderful women this evening who were eager to pull me into their circle. Some of the best vibes I've had in a San Francisco arts experience, ever.
March 22, 2009
Year of Research and Development
Over the past few weeks I've been checking in with my core peeps. These are my women friends who are eager to hear what I'm doing and how I'm feeling. Each offers honest feedback and helps me reflect on my past, present and future - without judging my various twists and turns.
The big revelation: I've accomplished the Year of Amy I am now in the Year of Research and Development. Through these various conversations with the Core Peeps (notice, this is now a title) I've recognized that I am on the road to something quite fantastic both personally and professionally.
The big revelation: I've accomplished the Year of Amy I am now in the Year of Research and Development. Through these various conversations with the Core Peeps (notice, this is now a title) I've recognized that I am on the road to something quite fantastic both personally and professionally.
September 18, 2008
Women Rock
I had a huge realization last night. Women rock my world. Guys rock too but it is my women friends who have been anchors during this tempestuous time of my life. My women friends and relatives have picked me up, brushed me off and re-fueled my engine.
It hit home when I was in DC last week for my brother's wedding. My cousin Liz, who I hadn't seen in 5 years (so unacceptable and my doing) told me that I could do anything I want. She's pursuing a PhD, which I've flirted with for a few years now. She said Amy, go for it. Liz is making it happen as a single mom and here I am with basically zero responsibilities hemming and hawing.
My girlfriends are inspirations. Not to sound sexist but they are strong with and without men. Gosh, I am free to live my dreams too.
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September 16, 2008
Art as Health Insurance
Last night Nicole and I attended a Kathak Dance www.kathak.org rehearsal at the 0brava Theatre Center in San Francisco's Mission District. The dance is a combination of yoga, singing and meditation. More accurately the yoga and chanting become the meditation.
The combination of movement and voice are built on layers of mathematics calculations. As the dancers become proficient in each new level they add another layer. Proficiency is realized when you have reached the capacity for your mind to wonder. This moves the dancers out of their meditative presence requiring new layers of complication which they describe as splitting the mind. One woman was able to sing, dance and play an instrument with 16 beats of movement. I'm confused just trying to explain it.
Watching the dancers, who are all women, you can see the joy and intensity they are experiencing by their facial expressions. It was awe inspiring to see their transformation into the meditative state.
Their guru, who taught them the methodology and inspired their self-created choreography introduced two of the youngest group members who have been studying with him since they were little girls. He asked them to share what it iis they do for their profession. One is a film maker and the other prices health insurance. The guru said, "this is your life insurance. It keeps you healthy. If only these women could make a living from their art."
It was an interesting concept to thin of art as being so vital to life that it was considered health insurance. Today I was struck again by this realization when I received an email from a friend in Houston. I had written her asking if she was okay after the storm. Her response was that they had no electricity and their house gate was broken but they still had enough sunshine to paint. Art as health and life insurance.
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The combination of movement and voice are built on layers of mathematics calculations. As the dancers become proficient in each new level they add another layer. Proficiency is realized when you have reached the capacity for your mind to wonder. This moves the dancers out of their meditative presence requiring new layers of complication which they describe as splitting the mind. One woman was able to sing, dance and play an instrument with 16 beats of movement. I'm confused just trying to explain it.
Watching the dancers, who are all women, you can see the joy and intensity they are experiencing by their facial expressions. It was awe inspiring to see their transformation into the meditative state.
Their guru, who taught them the methodology and inspired their self-created choreography introduced two of the youngest group members who have been studying with him since they were little girls. He asked them to share what it iis they do for their profession. One is a film maker and the other prices health insurance. The guru said, "this is your life insurance. It keeps you healthy. If only these women could make a living from their art."
It was an interesting concept to thin of art as being so vital to life that it was considered health insurance. Today I was struck again by this realization when I received an email from a friend in Houston. I had written her asking if she was okay after the storm. Her response was that they had no electricity and their house gate was broken but they still had enough sunshine to paint. Art as health and life insurance.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
June 9, 2008
Inspirational Strong Women
Reconnecting with your friends face to face is always a treat. I had the fantastic opportunity to spend the weekend in Maine with my friends Sharon and Dee-Dee. We've been friends for years now and no matter how long it is between visits we reconnect so easily. It is wonderful to be around people who know you so well and have your best interest at heart.
I was blown away by how strong they both are in their lives. They know what works for them and what doesn't, have wonderful senses of humor and always time to listen. It reminded me of how important my long-term friendships are for my state of well-being. The same can be said for my friends Karen and Lori in Connecticut. I'm inspired by how all of these women strive for a life-work balance.
I was blown away by how strong they both are in their lives. They know what works for them and what doesn't, have wonderful senses of humor and always time to listen. It reminded me of how important my long-term friendships are for my state of well-being. The same can be said for my friends Karen and Lori in Connecticut. I'm inspired by how all of these women strive for a life-work balance.
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