RemarkAble Women Speak

Yes, We Did Speak Up

I don't want to let this day end without commenting on the conscious shift that happened last night when Barack Obama was confirmed as our 44th President.  As I watched the scores of people laughing, crying, dancing, celebrating - everywhere - I felt victoriously uplifted by the energies of hope and change. 

For a brief time last evening, the focus was not on how bad the economy is or how many foreclosures happened in the past 24 hours. No one pointed fingers at those assumed to be responsible for the financial fiascos that abound.  Statistics were reported about record numbers of voters, and not the latest numbers on Wall Street.

Eyes gazed at the light of possibility, and lungs breathed in the sweet air of opportunity.  Voices were jubilant with anticipation, as tears washed away despair, laying clean the way for what can be done.

Yes, we did, RemarkAble Women.  We, and those whose voices echo with ours, were heard.

One Voice, One Vote

We'll be looking at record-breaking numbers today as Americans show up at the polls (or through absentee ballots), to let their voices be heard.  The word of the day is VOTE, and voting booths and post offices are teeming with voters with a message.

The Latin root of the word "vote" is votum, a vow or wish.  Even though I enjoy being a purist of linguistics, I'm claiming another root I prefer, namely voce, or voice.  Today marks one of the most poignant opportunities for voices of all shapes, sizes, and colors to be heard far and wide.  Individually and collectively.

That includes yours.  I'm not here to preach the importance of exercising this right that American women have had for 88 years.  The impact is more far-reaching than the mere numbers of voters. 

It's about being heard, and I, for one, feel a conscious shift towards being listened to, and having my thoughts and opinions respected and honored.  We still have a bit of a way to go, but it's a start.

RemarkAble Woman, I'm proud of you, and your voice that speaks up.

Digging the Skin You're In

In my previous post for today (see below), I noted that today is Blog Action Day, with bloggers worldwide focusing on the issues surrounding poverty throughout our planet.   I find it a bit ironic that today is also Love Your Body Day.

That's right.  Love Your Body Day.  A day to speak up about idealized stereotypes of women. I doubt for one moment that I am alone in my concerns over the emphasis in news media, advertising campaigns, and Hollywood on the shoulds that women are expected to follow.  Should wear lots of makeup?  Should wear the trendiest clothes?  Should be model-thin?  Should spend lots of money to do all this?  Add to credit card debt?

I suggest we banish the shoulds, and accept what is, as is.  Eve had no adornments except for her natural state, and that was enough to tempt Adam.  I'm not advocating that you walk around like Eve or Lady Godiva.  Certainly, though, what are considered flaws by some are truly part of your design.  Your natural makeup.  If you make a change, do so because you want it for yourself, not because you want it for someone who thinks you should.  And not because you think you should do it for someone who thinks they know what you need or want.

Rather than repeat the core messages of Love Your Body Day, go to their website.  There's much to see.  And much to feel.

It's time to feel like a natural woman.  A woman steeped in authenticity.  A RemarkAble Woman.  You.

Speaking Up to Resolve Poverty of Spirit

Today is Blog Action Day, a day designated for bloggers worldwide to write about one subject.  For 2008, the subject is poverty. In light of the current global economic situation, it strikes me that poverty is on the minds of many, and in many ways.

Most certainly, there are millions on our planet who lack the financial means to sustain a humane existence.  Living on one or two dollars (US equivalency) a day, even significantly more in the US, does not grant vital access to food, health care, education, or housing - among the basic needs that Abraham Maslow outlined. Food banks, charitable grants, government services, non-profit agencies, and the like, feverishly work to cover the vast holes of poverty with limited resources and services.  Some are sufficient; others less so. 

On a grander scale, poverty encompasses more than a scarcity of monetary resources.  Poverty and deprivation can lead to a depletion of the spirit, a feeling of being ignored and not cared for, a sense that "I don't matter."  But poverty of spirit is not limited to those of lesser financial means.  Even those with adequate, even superior, financial resources, can lack a spirit that enables them to see their wholeness as a blessed being. 

That's what we should speak up about, in addition to our cries for more food and housing.  What resources are available to help those who feel the pull of society's back being turned on them?  Yes, writing a check helps.  There's no doubt about that.  What is of as great a benefit, though, is a smile passed on to a panhandler, whether you give or not.  Writing a letter to a soldier at war.  Volunteering to counsel, train, teach, coach, and console those for whom the future appears dim.  Staffing a crisis line for those considering their last alternative.

Poverty is a global crisis.  Whether and how this problem will ever be eased requires great thought, planning, resources, and commitment, in addition to an end to nonsensical wars and personal greed. But much can be done to end the poverty of spirit.  Words are not always enough, but they do have an impact.  Intentional, purposeful, trusting words.  Words that acknowledge, encourage, and inspire.

RemarkAble Woman, you have a voice.  I encourage you to use it in support of those who are silenced, ignored, or discounted.  If that is you, seek help.  Everyone deserves to experience the warmth and joy and grace of self-awareness and consciousness; to know that they are special regardless of their circumstances.

What will you do today?

 

Somebody's Gotta Say It

When you read the name of someone you know in your daily newspaper, do you think as I do?  "Whoa!  I know her!"  It's as if they are an instant celebrity.  That was my reaction yesterday when I saw mention made of a friend who is a morning transit commuter.  Apparently, the bus she rides has been SRO (standing room only) as of late, and she wanted to know why the city didn't provide a bigger bus.

Yay, Tracy!  Another RemarkAble Woman. Sometimes we don't speak up because we think our concern is too trivial to merit any attention, or that we shouldn't be wasting any one's time.  Undoubtedly, there are many others who feel as you do, but who have chosen to silence their voices.  When the numbers are determined, you might be surprised at how many people share your sentiments, but have not whispered a word.  They are grateful when someone speaks up on their behalf.

Why wait for someone else?  Use the power of the press, as Tracy did.  The city's response explained that the use of shorter buses was temporary, and that longer ones are on the way.  Now anyone who has the same concern as Tracy knows the issue has been resolved.

One of the attributes of a RemarkAble Woman is that she doesn't mind being the voice for others.  By doing so, she encourages other women to say what is so for them.  Her intention is not to pitch a fit or to haphazardly complain for no reason.  A RemarkAble Woman has purpose behind her words, and speaks for the greater good.

My hat's off to Tracy!  What have you heard a RemarkAble Woman say lately?

Do the Clothes Make the Woman?

First, pictures of each of the two potential First Ladies.  Then, a comment about their clothing.  Stay tuned for more after the commercial break.

What?  I'm more interested in what their husbands are saying than what is draped on the bodies of their wives.  Unfortunately, we are at that juncture in the election season when attention is heightened on the women behind the men.  Which naturally leads to their wardrobes.  Why does the media feel the need to take us there every four years?

I am speaking up on their behalf, as I have yet to hear what Michelle or Cindy have to say about the matter.  Perhaps they are wise to withhold their comments, and save their energy for topics of substance.  These are two very bright women, independent and masterful at what they do.  Businesswomen, philanthropist, lawyer, mothers.  That's what I would like to hear about these RemarkAble Women.  Yes, they are attractive and well-dressed.  They are also positive examples of how a woman can remain in her own right as her husband's glow in the public light enlarges.

The Presidential campaigns are not yet in as full a swing as they will be once the nominations are confirmed.  At that point, I will listen to the male candidates wax on about strategies and proposals.

And I will admire the women who helped them reach this pinnacle in their lives; women who helped more by sharing their counsel and sage advice and less by donning a Dolce & Gabbana creation.  Don't get me wrong; Cindy and Michelle dress well.  They really do look good.  But there is more to them than a ruffled hemline or a cinched waist.   

What are your thoughts?

Gray Matter That Counts

To dye or not to dye. That is the question.  Whether 'tis nobler in the hearts of silver-haired ladies to banish their aged tresses to color from a bottle, or to speak out and step boldly into the sunlight, heads aglow in shades ranging from white to ash to charcoal gray.

Once again, I've read a newspaper article extolling the pros and cons of gray hair.  While seen as sexy and distinguished on men, the graying of women is traditionally met with, "She sure looks old."  So off she, and others like her, goes, to her recurring appointment at the salon.

The women I know who proudly sport gray hair are thankful for the money they save, and for their pronouncement to the world that, "This is me."  No more fading roots.  No more pulling of errant strands.  Like being naked in a crosswalk, it's a look that says, "Take it or leave it."  OK, forget the naked part, though I wonder what Lady Godiva would do if she were still alive today? 

For some women, exposing the gray is more disconcerting than a root canal. It's an admission that their youthful days have passed, a wonder if they are less attractive.  As we all know, it's not what's on the outside that counts.  Years of accumulated wisdom and nurturing and sacrifice pale in comparison to the whitened follicles atop one's head.  The rainbow of a woman's soul speaks volumes over frosts and highlights.

Kudos to Jamie Curtis for bearing it all on the cover of a recent AARP magazine.  We know her as a brilliant actress and active supporter of several charities.  With her closely cropped haircut, her photo was a testament to the gray hair fever that is sweeping across the country.  Women young (as in prematurely gray) and old are choosing to grow into their changing tint, putting perfection aside.

Lest I sound like I'm standing in judgment, I do respect those who prefer to color their hair.  They stand by their choice. And while I have a tinge of salt-and-pepper that peeks from behind my bangs and my sides, I still chemically straighten my air.  That's a discussion for another post.  The point is, we all make our own choices.

I admire the RemarkAble Women I know, regardless of hair color, because it's what's inside their heads that matters most, not what's on top.  They are my mentors and teachers, my sisters and cherished friends. They are voices I am grateful to have in my life.   

Note: I planned to include a photo of a gray (or white)-haired woman in this post, but a search of the clip art in the MSN gallery only came up with photos of men. I rest my case.

What's your story?

Have Hope, Will Travel

For the first time ever, I experienced a Presidential caucus on Saturday.  I understand that caucuses and primary voting are conducted differently from state to state.  In Washington, the caucus is held before the primary election, hence the caucuses on February 9.  The primary is scheduled for February 19. 

What I finally understood, as did many others, is that the primary election for the Democrats is a moot exercise in filling in an oval with dark ink.  The Democratic votes don't aid the candidate in gaining popular votes that garner headlines in the daily press.  The caucuses, do however, earn them the valuable delegates who will speak up on behalf of their constituents at state and national conventions.

Apparently the Republican votes do count in some fashion, and the elephants caucus as well, but since our state requires its citizens to declare a party, and I've sided with the donkey since I was 18, that's who I holed up with this weekend.  Don't ask me to explain the caucus/voting process anymore than that.  It's much easier to explain the theory of relativity.

What was thrilling about the caucus experience was seeing and hearing so many of my precinct neighbors speak up with passion about the future of our country, and the leader they feel is best qualified and prepared to take us into tomorrow, with its possibilities and its challenges.

If you're a staunch supporter of our current President, you might want to change the blog channel right now..... OK, for those of you still tuned in, and who feel the good ole US of A is hurting a bit by unkept promises and misguided decisions, take heart.  Keep the faith.  It can get better.  It will get better.

The more we all stay the course, our collective resiliency will allow us to move forward in a spirit of synergy, releasing the holds of apathy and upset, breathing in life-sustaining hope and renewal.  While it's easy or comforting to poke fun at, or blame, or throw one's hands up in disgust, those gestures lack the freshness to get us on the road we want to travel on - the road to Zing! 

I declare that we Zing! our way into the future with spirited insight as to what can be, with uplifted voice about who we are as a nation of steadfast optimists, and with boundless energy for embracing the globe with outstretched consciousness.

Did I say it would be easy?  Heavens no.  And yet, a resilient soul welcomes the opportunity to beat the odds, to upset what is there to improve upon, and to provide new guards for their future security. (OK, I borrowed that last bit from the Declaration of Independence.)

Hold on tight. I feel a change a-comin'.

Student or Teacher?

The Internet headlines last weekend shocked me.  An earthquake had struck Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.  My first thought was, "Oh no!  I wonder if my sisters are OK."  If you've read previous posts, you know that I am sponsoring two women in DRC through the Women for Women International program.  I was scheduled to write my sisters my monthly letter that day, and got caught up in a project.  Now my writing seemed more urgent.

Haven't they been through enough?  I've heard it said that God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  But why are they getting a disproportionate amount of the nasties and the yucks and the ickiness that partially comprises what we know as "life?"  War, poverty, rape, malnourishment, political upheaval, disease, death.  Monumental reasons to just fall apart and give up.

Excuse me?  Give up?  Are you kidding?  Yes, this is the absolute pits, but giving up is not in the picture.  Literally.  I stumbled across a video called "Rape of a Nation," by photojournalist Marcus Bleasdale.  Parts of it are disturbing, and yet is serves as a reminder of how resilient the human spirit can remain under the worst of circumstances.  In one scene, as displaced villagers are walking in search of a safe refuge, the sound of laughing children penetrates the morose atmosphere.  In the midst of settling in at a camp, the harmony of singing voices breaks the uncertainty with the sound of hope and possibility.

As I write this post, I wonder what you will gain by reading my words.  However, I am the student here.  I am the coached one. This is my lesson to be learned. I share it with you as I observe my desire for a reality check of a world unknown to me, and yet, of me.   

I just wish it wasn't at someone else's expense. 

Putting Reality Before the Show

I know my goal to drink more water in 2008 pales in comparison to that of Hillary Clinton.  Somehow, living in the White House looms a bit larger than chugging from a neoprene container.  Suffice it to say, I do have loftier goals, and I will let you in on them in upcoming posts.

But running for President?  That ranks high on the list of audacious, bodacious, zingalicious goals!  I'm not here to take a stand on any particular candidate, though, especially since my mind's not yet made up.  There's a lot of time left to get clearer on the issues and to understand the goals of our next leader.

Speaking of goals, did you see the cover story of this week's issue of Newsweek?  Beside the cover girl photo of Hillary is the quote, "I found my own voice."  Aw shucks, I was hoping I'd be able to coach her on how to be a RemarkAble Woman.  Obviously, she doesn't need my help.