i just turned 25. that sounds old to me. like i need to start acting like an adult. but also because it means i AM an adult. and i can act however i want. i feel, as a ladyperson, it is especially important to be vigilant about how "adult" becomes "patriarchy." to remind myself of this, here is a manifesto being written by multiple tumblr peeps that i am really excited about/feel inspired by. print this out. read it every day:
- never compromise yr feelings to make people comfortable
- cry in public [cry all the time]
- nothing sober is real anyway [sobriety is a bourgeois construct]
- violence is the new “being the bigger person”
- mellow is not an interesting state of being [relaxed fit jerks wear relaxed fit jeans]
- you take up for every girl everywhere
- suffer no fools
- eat cake [eat everything]
- if yr sleeping with yr cat it is not sleeping alone
- if yr sleeping with a beer in yr bed it is not sleeping alone
- don’t internalize anything even [especially] if that means letting so much crazy out of you
- make men cry
- farting as a means of communication [farting as self-care]
- talk about everything yr not supposed to [poo with ya boo/be the grossest always]
- fuck and get fucked however you want
- be loud [and smart and mean]
- take up space
- take up space that is traditionally occupied by men
- get lipstick on everything
- punch people [get punched]
- you can/have to hate yrself but you don’t really hate yrself
- because you are perfect
-steal anything
-raise hell
-prioritize the coven
-blog about it
- skillsharing (esp. re: thieving)
- honesty even [especially] when it’s hard
- be more “gay” more of the time
- kissing on the mouth
- not sorry
- never sorry
- Come as loud as you want. Fuck the neighbours.
- Be a fucking sad woman with too many feelings on the internet.
- No making nice.
- Set fires if you gotta.
- dress like a witch
- if you bleed through let it show and tell everyone it’s menstrual chic
- refuse to assimilate into aesthetics that bore you (ie dress weird if you wanna)
- know that frivolity is not trivial
- be socially inappropriate, invite shameful disclosures, make people feel so good when they join in on your oversharing, make it a party
- shove a book in your purse and don’t be embarrassed to read it at boring parties
- overidentify with kate bush
Write a manifesto of your most girlish demands for the world. This is important because I, and I'm sure many others, need to be reminded that the reason the above makes me uncomfortable/scared sometimes is because it is ANTI-patriarchy and when you go against the grain, you get some some splinters. But that's a small price to pay for FREEDOM. Let's be FREE BITCHES. DEATH TO THE PATRIARCHY. Now and forever. On earth as it is in HEAVEN.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Call to (Open) Arms
This week we’re talking about youth, particularly because we celebrated birthdays recently. This subject has been on my mind recently, as I have been observing my young peers. Perhaps it is the location, the time, the groups, the individuals, but I’ve been noticing a lack of balance in my peer groups. I am beginning to wonder why. Why are we all so divided on the spectrum? Here’s what I’m seeing and here’s what I mean.
On One Side: Blatant ignorance. Some of my peers focus on drinking, going out, materialism, personal gain, superior complexes, lack of interest in current events/social issues. Specific examples include:
On One Side: Blatant ignorance. Some of my peers focus on drinking, going out, materialism, personal gain, superior complexes, lack of interest in current events/social issues. Specific examples include:
-A coworker asking me “What is a republican?”. Which on a side note, is really hard for me to answer without bias, as I immediately jump to my personal frustration with the current Republican party.
-General attitude of arrogance and lack of a “welcoming” in group dynamics. In groups especially I see/feel competitiveness in play- who can talk louder, who can have the most dramatic story, who can hold the most attention, etc.
-Despite our abundance of recycling bins at work, co-workers throw the recyclables away because the trash bin is closer and easier to get to!
It seems that when it comes to doing something for the betterment of society, we are lazy. BUT when it comes to getting something for ourselves (not necessarily to better ourselves)- i.e. attention, money, material items, etc we are over doing it. Why?
On the Other Side: Extreme judgement. The focus on the this side: Serious demeanor, judgmental attitude, quick to criticize, and also, unwelcoming. Even with the most noble causes, if you exclude people and make them feel stupid for not already joining in your group/cause/idea, then you discourage us to not change or to not be involved in our community. Specific examples include:
-One of my dear friends is a great and dedicated activist. However, when we have discussions this person can’t believe I don’t already believe in what they are saying. This person makes me feel stupid, guilty, and inferior. Let’s help each other. We can listen and teach each other without guilt. Love and respect will lead all to action.
-Activist groups “teaching” youth with condescending attitude. I have seen this a lot.
-I've tried to volunteer with a few groups in the city. It is really hard to being new to a group and feeling like you have to prove yourself to them in order to be included.
1.) Lighten up! Laugh! Value laughter and fun and dance and smiles!
2.) Unconditional love- accept those who are around us and offer help. Someone showing up, us showing up is enough and is a good start.
3.) Be gentle in your words. We have much to learn from each other and we have much to teach each other.
4.) Education! Let’s know our shit and then make it better.
Let’s be serious about learning and loving. Balance.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Guideposts & Resolutions
(this idea is from a blog post by Shayna Israel)
20 things learned in 2011
1 mistakes v. failing -- i made some big mistakes this year. i spent a lot of time worrying over them, not because of the consequences of those mistakes but because i had made them. because i had done something “wrong.” the thing i want to take away from that is, i’m still here, relatively ok, somewhat more experienced. mistakes are part of living. “This is your becoming.”
2 radical vulnerability -- this year i really came face to face with the power of being raw and real, and how much that scares me. this made me understand how important it is and how it truly can radicalize.
3 being honest/true to myself -- while there is value in experimentation and openness, that value lies in coming to understand what my wants and needs really are. if i don’t know, say i don’t know. it’s ok to be contradictory or change my mind, as long as in that moment i’m being real.
4 having hard/necessary conversations -- especially around what i need or feel. especially with loved ones. it’s always better to pull it into the light. the true element of confession.
5 saying no -- also, really, standing up for myself. saying there are limits to my flexibility. saying i have a breaking point and it is here.
6 making space for/honoring my intuition -- i ignored my intuition in many small ways, but i acted on my intuition in a big way. i've done this before, but it's always good to reaffirm the strength of that deep self-knowing.
7 hearing advice without taking it -- something i learned this year is my habit of over-polling and giving too much weight to what other people had to say (stemming from my indecisiveness). sometimes the knowledge you seek will only come from you finding your way. this is lesson is related to yoga practice -- you know your body and your soul best, remember that and check in with yourself first.
8 being grateful every day -- saying thank you opens up your heart. for the sky, for good food, the smell of the salty air, an easy run. give thanks. simple/huge.
9 seeing my roots in the big picture -- respecting my parents for the trials of their past lives and understanding how these continue to affect them, how their experiences/issues talk to my own issues, and listening to that conversation more has helped me understand myself a lot better.
10 understanding my weakness - i've learned a lot of hard lessons about my insecurity with vulnerability, my need to be right, my tendency to project my own feelings on others, my seeking out approval.
11 using that to grow stronger - focusing on emotional self-care, forgiving myself when i’m wrong, asking whether the approval i seek is worthy of me. all big lessons that need to carry on into the new year.
12 being optimistically realistic - i have a pragmatic/pessimistic ability to understand what will most likely happen, to prepare and plan for the worst. i need to balance that by allowing hope.
13 sexuality - lots of unpacking was done this year. SO MUCH. i'm grateful for all those lessons and want to try to keep processing without judging myself.
14 anxiety/self-care - i have gotten better at monitoring my anxiety and doing what i need to do to manage it. i can be better about having a routine of health so that not as much of my feeling shitty is compounded by sleep deprivation or lack of exercise.
15 the importance of record - it was so helpful to be able to look back and find myself in old writings when i thought i was lost. i need to keep this up. it’s a solid rock in my foundation.
16 understanding/celebrating my strengths - part of self-awareness is celebrating what you rock at. i am always uncomfortable with this, but i think acquiring a lot of perspective this year has helped with that.
17 using all of the above to gain confidence -- knowing myself and understanding myself, celebrating and forgiving myself are all really important ways of strengthening the areas of my life where i'm super insecure.
18 forgiving the self -- over and over. i learned this over and over. it’s a lesson to keep re-learning, but hopefully after this year it will be a little easier.
19 accepting the moment - now is not forever. my striving for ideals and perfection can get in the way of being present. i need to be mindful of this.
20 letting go - so hard for an emotional hoarder to do! also linked to my tendency to want to control things. i learned a lot about allowing myself to be uncomfortable while things unfold or drift away. letting that happen, handing the reins over to the universe.
12 resolutions moving forward in 2012
1 self-care -- diet & exercise habits
2 challenge -- work harder, rise to the occasion (especially at work)
3 confidence and quiet -- when i find myself shouting for attention (in my head/in reality) take a beat and say, you’re already heard and seen. you hear and see yourself.
4 being a good sister/daughter/friend - phone calls, emails, be generous with the love
5 continue to build a foundation -- get strong in spirit/heart, be my best me
6 valuing discomfort - riese’s 3 month rule (you can handle anything for 3 months)
7 not indulging my wallowy tendencies -- instead of wallowing, a small action to feel better (walk, read a poem, paint my nails, do the dishes, play with cats, call family) also being mindful of google-stalking/information gathering as a form of wallowing. getting better at shutting that part of my brain off when it’s a hindrance.
8 sharing v taking over/listening -- be a better listener, share with care
9 getting better at waiting -- learning patience is a huge goal for me this year. i'm using a quote from a letter Steinbeck wrote his son for motivation "nothing good gets away."
10 read more books -- especially before bed/instead of the internet
11 write a poem every day (or try!)
12 greet happiness and welcome it in -- call it by its name, say hello, shake its hand. choose being positive.
20 things learned in 2011
1 mistakes v. failing -- i made some big mistakes this year. i spent a lot of time worrying over them, not because of the consequences of those mistakes but because i had made them. because i had done something “wrong.” the thing i want to take away from that is, i’m still here, relatively ok, somewhat more experienced. mistakes are part of living. “This is your becoming.”
2 radical vulnerability -- this year i really came face to face with the power of being raw and real, and how much that scares me. this made me understand how important it is and how it truly can radicalize.
3 being honest/true to myself -- while there is value in experimentation and openness, that value lies in coming to understand what my wants and needs really are. if i don’t know, say i don’t know. it’s ok to be contradictory or change my mind, as long as in that moment i’m being real.
4 having hard/necessary conversations -- especially around what i need or feel. especially with loved ones. it’s always better to pull it into the light. the true element of confession.
5 saying no -- also, really, standing up for myself. saying there are limits to my flexibility. saying i have a breaking point and it is here.
6 making space for/honoring my intuition -- i ignored my intuition in many small ways, but i acted on my intuition in a big way. i've done this before, but it's always good to reaffirm the strength of that deep self-knowing.
7 hearing advice without taking it -- something i learned this year is my habit of over-polling and giving too much weight to what other people had to say (stemming from my indecisiveness). sometimes the knowledge you seek will only come from you finding your way. this is lesson is related to yoga practice -- you know your body and your soul best, remember that and check in with yourself first.
8 being grateful every day -- saying thank you opens up your heart. for the sky, for good food, the smell of the salty air, an easy run. give thanks. simple/huge.
9 seeing my roots in the big picture -- respecting my parents for the trials of their past lives and understanding how these continue to affect them, how their experiences/issues talk to my own issues, and listening to that conversation more has helped me understand myself a lot better.
10 understanding my weakness - i've learned a lot of hard lessons about my insecurity with vulnerability, my need to be right, my tendency to project my own feelings on others, my seeking out approval.
11 using that to grow stronger - focusing on emotional self-care, forgiving myself when i’m wrong, asking whether the approval i seek is worthy of me. all big lessons that need to carry on into the new year.
12 being optimistically realistic - i have a pragmatic/pessimistic ability to understand what will most likely happen, to prepare and plan for the worst. i need to balance that by allowing hope.
13 sexuality - lots of unpacking was done this year. SO MUCH. i'm grateful for all those lessons and want to try to keep processing without judging myself.
14 anxiety/self-care - i have gotten better at monitoring my anxiety and doing what i need to do to manage it. i can be better about having a routine of health so that not as much of my feeling shitty is compounded by sleep deprivation or lack of exercise.
15 the importance of record - it was so helpful to be able to look back and find myself in old writings when i thought i was lost. i need to keep this up. it’s a solid rock in my foundation.
16 understanding/celebrating my strengths - part of self-awareness is celebrating what you rock at. i am always uncomfortable with this, but i think acquiring a lot of perspective this year has helped with that.
17 using all of the above to gain confidence -- knowing myself and understanding myself, celebrating and forgiving myself are all really important ways of strengthening the areas of my life where i'm super insecure.
18 forgiving the self -- over and over. i learned this over and over. it’s a lesson to keep re-learning, but hopefully after this year it will be a little easier.
19 accepting the moment - now is not forever. my striving for ideals and perfection can get in the way of being present. i need to be mindful of this.
20 letting go - so hard for an emotional hoarder to do! also linked to my tendency to want to control things. i learned a lot about allowing myself to be uncomfortable while things unfold or drift away. letting that happen, handing the reins over to the universe.
12 resolutions moving forward in 2012
1 self-care -- diet & exercise habits
2 challenge -- work harder, rise to the occasion (especially at work)
3 confidence and quiet -- when i find myself shouting for attention (in my head/in reality) take a beat and say, you’re already heard and seen. you hear and see yourself.
4 being a good sister/daughter/friend - phone calls, emails, be generous with the love
5 continue to build a foundation -- get strong in spirit/heart, be my best me
6 valuing discomfort - riese’s 3 month rule (you can handle anything for 3 months)
7 not indulging my wallowy tendencies -- instead of wallowing, a small action to feel better (walk, read a poem, paint my nails, do the dishes, play with cats, call family) also being mindful of google-stalking/information gathering as a form of wallowing. getting better at shutting that part of my brain off when it’s a hindrance.
8 sharing v taking over/listening -- be a better listener, share with care
9 getting better at waiting -- learning patience is a huge goal for me this year. i'm using a quote from a letter Steinbeck wrote his son for motivation "nothing good gets away."
10 read more books -- especially before bed/instead of the internet
11 write a poem every day (or try!)
12 greet happiness and welcome it in -- call it by its name, say hello, shake its hand. choose being positive.
My 20-12, 20 Lessons Learned in 2011 and 12 Guideposts for 2012
20 Lessons Learned
1.) I have a sense of humor! I had forgotten and thanks to good friends and amazing people at work I was able to reunite with it this year, and yes, it feels so good.
2.) Hierarchy is still hierarchy. Trust your gut about the misuse and abuse of power in our current corporate white male-dominated hierarchical structures. Smiles and laughs can be deceiving.
3.) Now, I’m “that” person. Gluten-free. Thank heavens I can still eat the shit out of Mexican food (and did on a regular basis). Oh, and I feel much better- thanks to my GF diet.
4.) If you’re open you can learn so much from EVERYONE around you. Shame on me for only sifting through self-help books for advice and inspiration. I think our society dismisses a lot of our youth (ageism) but wow- I am blown away by the thoughtfulness, intellect, optimism, and confidence that some of the younger people around me have shown this year. I came to this realization after listening to the young girls in a discussion group I am in and after listening to the middle school episode of This American Life, both had extremely articulate young people expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas that were eye-opening for me.
5.) I have the right to say “no” without an explanation. Long story short, I had the non-pleasure of having a horribly manipulative and abusive (emotionally and verbally) boss. Finally, I was able to leave, quickly and did not feel bad about not giving an explanation.
6.) Trying to protect others from hurt by hiding things that might harm them is not a good idea. One of my bosses explained to me (after eavesdropping on a conversation I was having with a co-worker): “You cannot be responsible for how someone else deals with their emotions”.Trust that honesty is best.
7.) Take your vitamins! Started doing this and noticed a big difference. (This should also be in the bottom/guidepost list!)
8.) I have good friends. One of my best friends flew me to Arizona just so I could hike the grand canyon with them this year. Wow. I’m thankful.
9.) Meeting people that used to annoy you and drive you crazy, after time and in a new light can be... nice. I met an old co-worker a couple of times with a different perspective and after much time had passed... well, I really enjoyed this person. I am glad I was open to meeting up again and look forward to seeing them in the future.
10.) I am ready for grad school. FINALLY, this year the thought of writing massive papers (and pulling all-nighters to do so) does not make me nauseous.
11.) Semi- regular exercise is healthy, especially mentally. (Duh.)
12.) I’m still Catholic. I have kind of gotten away from going to mass on a regular basis since it’s not just across the street (that was SO nice!) but I still really enjoy the rituals and the taize meditation.
13.) Sometimes you have to stop being nice and say “HEY BOSS I DESERVE A RAISE!” As a non-confrontational person this is hard for me. I had never done this before and with the encouragement of friends I was able to walk into the big boss’ office and say “Hey, I’m putting up with a lot of crap and putting up with it really well. So, I would like more responsibility to help deal with some of these issues.” And here’s what he said: “OK”. A few months later (ugh) I was given more responsibility, higher pay when given such, and a load of more respect.
14.) Self-Love. I am feeling like this may be a life goal for me. I’m nowhere near really understanding and practicing self-love but I’ve really started to look at the meaning and importance of this.
15.) Good with the bad. When discussing public and historical figures, I realized I need to not be de-humanizing them (in a good way)- I am so disappointed if I hear any mistakes about people I think of as role models- but truly, we are all human- even them! “And people are just people...” says Regina Spektor. But honestly, I think it is because I am unable to accept my own faults that I have so much trouble with others. When will I fully understand that we are all human? To make mistakes is human. To hurt is human. To hurt others (unintentionally) is human. To love and to fail is human.
16.) Along the same lines as the last one... Even if someone is in the business of justice, it does not make them a just person. Males in social service have surprised me with their sexism and harassment. Shame on them and on me for being naive.
17.) Holy shit, I fear commitment. This kind of comes as a shock to me because I feel like I am someone who seeks nothing but. I feel uncomfortable dating/flirting if it is going to lead to a relationship. But holy shit, when it came I quaked in my boots a little.
18.) Some things really are worth fighting for. I tend to be the laid back, “yeah, whatever” type. However, I met someone this year and we really hit it off- with talk about books and tons of sarcasm. BUT it was really tough in the beginning, when things started to seem even a tiny bit serious all of the sudden I had to wade through currents of fear, insecurity, doubt, independence to fight for what I thought might could be real. (Theses feelings were not just from the other person but also myself (even though I think I hid it better... :) ).) We are happily together- hanging out, laughing hysterically, playing constantly, and enjoying each other, comfortably in love.
19.) Doing something before a deadline feels AWESOME. Something that after years I thought was impossible.. I submitted my application to grad school early! Which then means my wait is longer... Which brings up my impatience issue...
20.) One lesson I learn every year: I still have much to learn!
12 Guideposts
1.) Honesty. Period. With myself especially.
2.) LIVE the Four Agreements (by Don Miguel Ruiz):
a.)Be Impeccable With Your Word.
b.)Don’t Take Anything Personally. (THE HARDEST ONE FOR ME)
c.)Don’t Make Assumptions.
d.)Always Do Your Best.
3.) DON’T BE LAZY.
4.) Be more present- stop worrying about the past and the future. Benjamin Franklin wisely said “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” (HardER to do in Seattle.... :) )
5.) Forgiveness.
6.) Acceptance of myself and others. The very first time I ever heard This American Life I heard Ira Glass saying “We don’t get what we deserve. We get what we get- and we have to be OK with that.”
7.) Unconditional love.
8.) Embrace Diabetes and learn to love it as part of who I am.
9.) Listen to Kathleen Hanna who says: “Recognize vulnerability and empathy are strengths”. Stop trying to hole yourself up or withhold thoughts and feelings in seeking protection. We are all one- like drops of saltwater in the ocean.
10.) Cook more- new stuff- get out of your cooking comfort zone!
11.) Write more.
12.) Be positive and gracious for all the good that has happened, is happening, and will happen!
1.) I have a sense of humor! I had forgotten and thanks to good friends and amazing people at work I was able to reunite with it this year, and yes, it feels so good.
2.) Hierarchy is still hierarchy. Trust your gut about the misuse and abuse of power in our current corporate white male-dominated hierarchical structures. Smiles and laughs can be deceiving.
3.) Now, I’m “that” person. Gluten-free. Thank heavens I can still eat the shit out of Mexican food (and did on a regular basis). Oh, and I feel much better- thanks to my GF diet.
4.) If you’re open you can learn so much from EVERYONE around you. Shame on me for only sifting through self-help books for advice and inspiration. I think our society dismisses a lot of our youth (ageism) but wow- I am blown away by the thoughtfulness, intellect, optimism, and confidence that some of the younger people around me have shown this year. I came to this realization after listening to the young girls in a discussion group I am in and after listening to the middle school episode of This American Life, both had extremely articulate young people expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas that were eye-opening for me.
5.) I have the right to say “no” without an explanation. Long story short, I had the non-pleasure of having a horribly manipulative and abusive (emotionally and verbally) boss. Finally, I was able to leave, quickly and did not feel bad about not giving an explanation.
6.) Trying to protect others from hurt by hiding things that might harm them is not a good idea. One of my bosses explained to me (after eavesdropping on a conversation I was having with a co-worker): “You cannot be responsible for how someone else deals with their emotions”.Trust that honesty is best.
7.) Take your vitamins! Started doing this and noticed a big difference. (This should also be in the bottom/guidepost list!)
8.) I have good friends. One of my best friends flew me to Arizona just so I could hike the grand canyon with them this year. Wow. I’m thankful.
9.) Meeting people that used to annoy you and drive you crazy, after time and in a new light can be... nice. I met an old co-worker a couple of times with a different perspective and after much time had passed... well, I really enjoyed this person. I am glad I was open to meeting up again and look forward to seeing them in the future.
10.) I am ready for grad school. FINALLY, this year the thought of writing massive papers (and pulling all-nighters to do so) does not make me nauseous.
11.) Semi- regular exercise is healthy, especially mentally. (Duh.)
12.) I’m still Catholic. I have kind of gotten away from going to mass on a regular basis since it’s not just across the street (that was SO nice!) but I still really enjoy the rituals and the taize meditation.
13.) Sometimes you have to stop being nice and say “HEY BOSS I DESERVE A RAISE!” As a non-confrontational person this is hard for me. I had never done this before and with the encouragement of friends I was able to walk into the big boss’ office and say “Hey, I’m putting up with a lot of crap and putting up with it really well. So, I would like more responsibility to help deal with some of these issues.” And here’s what he said: “OK”. A few months later (ugh) I was given more responsibility, higher pay when given such, and a load of more respect.
14.) Self-Love. I am feeling like this may be a life goal for me. I’m nowhere near really understanding and practicing self-love but I’ve really started to look at the meaning and importance of this.
15.) Good with the bad. When discussing public and historical figures, I realized I need to not be de-humanizing them (in a good way)- I am so disappointed if I hear any mistakes about people I think of as role models- but truly, we are all human- even them! “And people are just people...” says Regina Spektor. But honestly, I think it is because I am unable to accept my own faults that I have so much trouble with others. When will I fully understand that we are all human? To make mistakes is human. To hurt is human. To hurt others (unintentionally) is human. To love and to fail is human.
16.) Along the same lines as the last one... Even if someone is in the business of justice, it does not make them a just person. Males in social service have surprised me with their sexism and harassment. Shame on them and on me for being naive.
17.) Holy shit, I fear commitment. This kind of comes as a shock to me because I feel like I am someone who seeks nothing but. I feel uncomfortable dating/flirting if it is going to lead to a relationship. But holy shit, when it came I quaked in my boots a little.
18.) Some things really are worth fighting for. I tend to be the laid back, “yeah, whatever” type. However, I met someone this year and we really hit it off- with talk about books and tons of sarcasm. BUT it was really tough in the beginning, when things started to seem even a tiny bit serious all of the sudden I had to wade through currents of fear, insecurity, doubt, independence to fight for what I thought might could be real. (Theses feelings were not just from the other person but also myself (even though I think I hid it better... :) ).) We are happily together- hanging out, laughing hysterically, playing constantly, and enjoying each other, comfortably in love.
19.) Doing something before a deadline feels AWESOME. Something that after years I thought was impossible.. I submitted my application to grad school early! Which then means my wait is longer... Which brings up my impatience issue...
20.) One lesson I learn every year: I still have much to learn!
12 Guideposts
1.) Honesty. Period. With myself especially.
2.) LIVE the Four Agreements (by Don Miguel Ruiz):
a.)Be Impeccable With Your Word.
b.)Don’t Take Anything Personally. (THE HARDEST ONE FOR ME)
c.)Don’t Make Assumptions.
d.)Always Do Your Best.
3.) DON’T BE LAZY.
4.) Be more present- stop worrying about the past and the future. Benjamin Franklin wisely said “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” (HardER to do in Seattle.... :) )
5.) Forgiveness.
6.) Acceptance of myself and others. The very first time I ever heard This American Life I heard Ira Glass saying “We don’t get what we deserve. We get what we get- and we have to be OK with that.”
7.) Unconditional love.
8.) Embrace Diabetes and learn to love it as part of who I am.
9.) Listen to Kathleen Hanna who says: “Recognize vulnerability and empathy are strengths”. Stop trying to hole yourself up or withhold thoughts and feelings in seeking protection. We are all one- like drops of saltwater in the ocean.
10.) Cook more- new stuff- get out of your cooking comfort zone!
11.) Write more.
12.) Be positive and gracious for all the good that has happened, is happening, and will happen!
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