Just do the best you can…

Is it just ME, or do you, too, still get inspired by the likes of the woman you are about to hear about… (Source: Huffington Post, by Eleanor Goldberg, posted 4/22/13)

After completing the Boston Marathon, Dr. Natalie Stavas raced to aid victims who were injured in the blasts.

After running the Boston Marathon on a broken foot, Dr. Natalie Stavas raced to save as many lives as possible.

As Stavas and her radiologist dad, Joe, neared the finish line after running a grueling 26.2 miles, the pair heard the blasts and immediately dove into the carnage to help, the Boston Globe reports.

“I was running like a bat out of hell,”Stavas, who broke her foot while training, told the paper. “I wasn’t aware of my fatigue.”

The 32-year-old physician, who’s a pediatric resident at Boston Medical Center, jumped over the barricades and started tending to the most severe cases.


Stavas provided life-saving treatment to a number of seriously injured victims. She pumped oxygen into a woman whose thigh had been blown open and then worked on another woman who had a hole in her groin. She also wrapped a tourniquet on a man with a mangled foot, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The heroic doctor’s dad also joined the rescue effort, aiding people with serious injuries and hypothermia, according to the Globe.




While Stavas’ quick actions were commendable, she wasn’t the only one to speedily segue from extreme athlete to emergency medical care professional.

Dr. David King, a physician who’s worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, completed the marathon and then ran to Boston Medical to perform surgery, ABC reports. He told the news outlet that the gruesome injuries he treated were not unlike those he tended to on the battlefield.

Though still shaken from the experience, Stavas has returned to work and continues to use whatever means she has to help the wounded.

She donated the $6,000 she raised for her race to the Boston Medical Center’s pediatric emergency department, according to the LA Times.

"As a physician, I take an oath to do the best I can," she told the paper.

So, IS it just me, or do you, too, feel so proud, so grateful that people like this amazing father and daughter walk – and run - among us?

Thank you, Drs. Stavas

If it’s worth doing at all…it’s worth doing it - “The WRIGHT Way”…

Is it just ME, or were you, too, excited to learn you can safely lose up to 20 pounds in 1 month?

Weight management is important to good health.  Proper “numbers” are the equation to disease prevention, slowing down – even reversing  significant health issues such as high blood pressure,  sleep apnea, and increased risk of diabetes, even cancer.

Invitations went out to thousands from The International Women’s Leadership Association, just yesterday, to an event called “Spring Cleaning”.

Presenter, Karen Wright, CHHC, AADP, stated, “…no, this is not about scrubbing your kitchen floors…”  (YEAH!), “…it’s about cleansing your body…”  (DOUBLE YEAH!!).

The well-credentialed Health Coach, herself a member of TheIWLA, generously offered her expertise so more women can approach this age-old issue from a whole new perspective: one of health, practicality, and possibility.

If you missed the invitation, click this link , then proceed right to the CHECKOUT (it’s FREE), register and wait for Karen to send you the information.  The link will be active until May 30, 2013.

So, IS it just me, or are you, too eager to do YOUR Spring Cleaning – kitchen floors, and all!

Cleanliness, after all, is next to Godliness!

Newtown, Watertown, Yourtown, Anytown…

Is it just ME, or are you, too feeling incredibly sorry for – well, the whole world?

The Boston Marathon Bombings (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) on Monday, April 15, 2013, did more than stun those who lined Boylston Street to watch the runners cross the finish line; they stunned a nation and the global community.

The irony, if you will, is that, somewhere in the world a similar atrocity is inflicted on the citizens of Anytown, Anywhere and on every given day.

Of all the surreal images of this anticipated Patriot’s Day, the one that struck me so deeply was one of a band of Syrian nationals holding up a handwritten banner expressing their condolences to the people of Boston.  The banner profoundly stated that this single event that will forever change the lives of so many represents a way of life for too many in towns around the world.  It chilled my blood.

Miraculously, more lives were not lost in Boston; three were killed, three too many. The carnage in the aftermath among the survivors was worse than attending military medics had ever seen in battle.

But this is a battle; this is a war.

This is a war that has been waged on peaceful surburbs, towering buildings, and on the hearts of those who seem to have no choice.

But, there is  always a choice; the choice is this…

Thomas Jefferson said that, ‘the price of freedom is eternal vigilance’.

Be ever vigilant, watchful, caring of your fellow man. Begin in your home; know what your children are, and what they aren’t doing.  Speak up.  Stand for something bigger than yourself.

I  have been humbled by woman after woman, members of TheIWLA who work tirelessly to do something to leave this world a better place for the very fact that they lived; each of us can have that impact, one woman at a time.

To the women, the mothers of Syria and all venues around the world where you wait for the next bombing, the next casualties, do not lose hope, do not lose faith.  Remain stalwart in your desire to leave the world a better place. 

That, like all dreams, begins with your strength to believe it is possible.  In that belief, it is.

So, IS it just me, or do you, too, realize that only where there is hope and unity in spirit can these battles be won; be eliminated.

Say it; believe it…

“Not in my town”

More than just a pretty face!

Is it just Me, or are you, too, bored by the “pretty face statements” made about women suggesting we get a pretty face

OR a brain?

Well, for anyone still holding on to this belief (and he’s probably not reading this blog), TheIWLA put the “debate” to rest on Thursday, April 18, 2013, visa vie a live event presented by Terri Amos-Britt.

Let me back up (beep, beep, beep) Terri is a former Miss USA, so you already know she has way above the average beautiful face.  But for this beauty, that face is a reflection of what’s going on inside this Energetic Healer, this Spiritual Coach.

It’s deep; but, at the same time, it’s very apparent.

More than 100 women registered to hear Terri tell them how to ‘get out of their own way’ by releasing the energy that is subconsciously blocking them.

Terri  teaches a compelling exercise that summons up the past so that a better future becomes possible – in all aspects of life.

I attended.  I participated.  I listened.  I learned.  I am grateful.

My experience was, well, my experience; it was personal, it was emotional.  I

Want you to have the same experience, as I did, in the privacy of your home and on your time.

Terri recorded the event and TheIWLA is bringing an “oncore presentation” to you.   You owe it to yourself to take the time (just about 1 hour) to  get to know Terri – her story is so multi-dimensional, so moving, so real.  You may get a sense of yourself in her story, as I did, and see, understand, or accept – it’s always your choice – and move forward in a different “light”.

Thank you, Terri Amos-Britt.  You are truly a beautiful women, through and through. 

  

So, IS it just me, or are you too, willing to meet Terri – and possibly meet yourself for the first time in a way you never knew before.

ONCORE PRESENTATION

It’s “HELL ON WHEELS”

I mean.. "HELL ON WHEELS”

Is it just ME, or do you, too, recognize that high-heels do have their place – and their limits.

Let me get it right out there – I am a shoe girl! 

BUT, I don’t wear them on the beach, I don’t exercise in them, I don’t garden in them and I don’t walk my puppies in them! 

Let’s get this right out there, as well.  Kudos to all women serving in the military; all branches, every countries.  You are the epitome of so many things and I have the utmost respect for you.

SO, you are wondering…why are we talking “high-heels” and “women in the military” in the same piece?

Well, believe it or not, women serving in the North Korean army WEAR HIGH-HEELS – ON THE JOB; THAT’S MARCHING –HAVE YOU EVER SEEN HOW THEY MARCH?

 

A recent news piece showed a trio of North Korean women in full military uniform, on patrol, in their high heels…

First of all, it looks so bazaar.  Jimmy Choo, himself, cannot make up for the downside of a military uniform!

Secondly, how many consecutive hours can ANY woman do the high-heel thing -  while marching?  I wouldn’t even ENTER that contest and I’m  pretty much a pro!

To be honest, I was surprised that North Korea even have women in the military.  Maybe they really don’t. The propaganda coming from and about North Korea has certainly escalated in the last couple of months.  Is this just more of the same?

When a country acknowledges the contribution women can make in its military service, as Israel has done for generations, it suggests to me they have established more equality between the genders – good news, wherever you are.

I am certainly no expert on North Korean military policy – let alone North Korean fashion, but shall I expect to see their military men donning high-heels any time soon?

If their military strategy is to distract the enemy, well, BRAVA.

Here’s what I really think…and this is not a new military strategy by any means, in fact, it’s very, very old…

Centuries ago, many armies opposed the enemy with their strongest, tallest forces in the front.  They wanted their enemies to be “impressed” with their show of force, to be frightened and to be left wondering who or what was to come from behind the front line.  Many armies were so doubtful of their own strength by comparison, they simply turned and retreated!

Well, I’m all for staving off the battle, but this is 2013.  Intelligence today is a bit more – well, intelligent.  Donning high-heels is hardly acceptable military strategy for any country claiming such powerful nuclear capability.  We accept North Korea has one of the world’s largest armies; they should accept they will never be the tallest, with, or without high-heels!

So, IS it just me, or have your feet suddenly started to hurt just thinking about this? 

       

IMPRESSED?

His name was Martin Richard.

His name was Martin Richard.

He was 8 years old,

He went to the Boston marathon with his

family to see his Daddy cross the finish line.

He did. 

He gave his Daddy a kiss…a last kiss.

A the bomb went off.

He was killed, a sister lost a leg, his Mom is in critical condition.

They say another sibling and his Dad were not hurt….THEIR wounds will never heal.

To all victims of war, senseless killing and crimes of

hate,  jealousy,  and inhumanity,

please keep  the innocent children of the world in your care.

You’re not broken!

Is it just ME, or do you, too, feel many women are just too hard on themselves?

A recent conversation with a well experienced Life Coach confirms this feeling. She is New York Times best-selling author, former news anchor, and frequent television guest, and has personally walked her talk.

Women are wired to be pleasers, to too often put ourselves last – and for all the wrong reasons…we do until it hurts and then we do some more.  We trust more readily.

If any of this resonates with you (be honest, now!) you owe it to yourself to share some time with Terri Amos-Britt. (You can link to Terri at www.theiwla.com)  Her honesty, her authenticity, her personal experiences will open your mind and your heart to your own realities, your own possibilities. Better yet, how to move forward more positively for yourself – even learning how and why women need to give greater priority to ourselves and to love ourselves more so we can sincerely continue to love others more completely. AHHHHH!

I am bearing witness to women around me entering new phases of life.  OK, I know – we all enter a new phase of life every day – if we are open to it!  As a woman not blessed to have my own children, I am seeing what seems an abyss other women see themselves sinking into.

There is a sense of brokenness; I promise you, you are not broken.  Change is inevitable.  It’s a sign of natural progression.

Children are raised so as to give them wings so they can soar on their own; roots, so that they have a solid foundation from which they continue to grow and strengthen.  Getting to that point in a woman’s life is a magnificent sign of just one of her “jobs” well done.  Now, is a chance for her to move forward for herself and to continue to blossom, not to wither on the vine or stay silently perched in an empty nest.  It is a time of triumph; not tribulation.

I read a quote recently and I want to share it with you:

There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.

                                                                                      ~Leonard Cohen 

What a wonderful visual that line creates; it says it all.

 

Give yourself permission to let your own light shine, for in doing so you continue to mother the world.  You are the best example of what is yet to come for those you have given birth to, those you have nurtured, those you have loved.

So, IS it just me, or do you, too, see that purposefulness, beauty and growth never need fade – as long as you let the light – your light – in.

SHINE!

WHY? – Because We LIKE You!

Is it just ME, or do your memories take you make to The Mickey Mouse Club and afternoon movies such as Beach Blanket Bingo?

Whether your answer is yes, or no, it really doesn’t matter.  I just want to take a moment and remember Annette Funicello, who died on April 8, 2013 at the age of 70 after a 20+ year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Here’s why…While Annette was undeniably the “Queen of the Mickey Mouse Club” (and we use the phrase “Mickey Mouse” with the highest reference to innovation, creativity…genius), she was also an accomplished pop-singer and big-screen movie actress (when they still used the female version of actor).

 

Touted to be bigger than Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake AND Ryan Gossling – COMBINED!,  (and this was before Social Media – heck – it was before the internet!), Annette gave us so much more than entertainment.

Though well-respected on TV, stage, and movies, I never respected  her more than when she spoke from the wheelchair she became confined to as her MS progressed, leaving her unable to walk since 2004.

Ever the optimist, Ms. Funicello energetically spoke to reporters telling of her hope to get better because, ‘I’m not always blind; sometimes my sight comes back for a while’.  Even just writing those words brings tears to my eyes.  Really, Ms. Funicello, where did your strength come from? Where can we get some of it?

I don’t know if anyone knows the answer to the source of Annette’s strength and courage; she was unable to speak since 2009.  I dare to imagine – and I will exercise a poetic license of sorts – that Ms. Funicello was a grateful  woman and recognized that she did have a blessed life and lived what was the fantasy of most (at least American) young girls and women of  her time.

I imagine Ms. Funicello must have been a woman of faith – at least in herself – and that she relied on that to move her forward even more than she came to rely on her wheelchair.

I imagine that Ms. Funicello’s spirit spoke louder than any verbal expression she was denied in the last years of her life.

I imagine that Ms. Funicello accepted – not surrendered – to the fate that was hers and that she used her celebrity to encourage others to stay strong and not grow bitter over the hand she was dealt.

And I believe that Ms. Funicello  inspired, influenced, and ignited a spark in many women who raised the next generation of daughters to ‘wish upon their own star’, to constantly set new goals, and to reach heights that create legacies that, like the “Queen of the Mickey Mouse Club”, will live forever.

So, IS it just me, or is THAT “the club” YOU want to belong to? 

Why? -  Because we LOVE what you stood for.

Annette Funicello

1942 - 2013

The Lady among The Gents

Is it just ME – I don’t believe it could be –  or were you, too,  saddened  hearing of the passing of Margaret Thatcher ?

The debate over Mrs. Thatcher’s political contributions and legacy will long be argued; that is not my purpose here.

Rather, it is to pay homage to the wife,  mother, and public servant that was Margaret Thatcher.  In a word, incredible.

Coming of political age in the post WW II era, a soft-spoken homemaker found her voice – and the political machine of a war-ravaged Great Britain became interested in hearing what it was she had to say.    For the next thirty-plus years, she spoke with passion, sincerity, and calm resolve – and the world became interested in hearing what it was she had to say.

The political accomplishments of she who became known as “the Iron lady” are written into history.  The first women to be elected to the office of Prime Minister of Great Britain, the fist victor of three successive elections to the office, a believer in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, Margaret Thatcher’s impact on the role of women in world affairs  will forever contribute to the ever-progressing role we are all called upon to play.

 A woman ahead of the times, Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has surely been a role-model to many, an inspiration, an example of all that is possible when we dare to take a step, then another, and another, and another…

Quoted as saying she never believed she would live to see a female Prime Minister in Great Britain,  Mrs. Thatcher kept her focus, served with passion, and stood fast to her beliefs.

Not always popular among the masses, she continued to move forward, as planned, despite an assassination attempt on her life.  She remained a leader and a lady at all times and won the respect of many world leaders, quite notably, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States, whose paths in office crossed, thus sparking the “tag-team” of Thatcherism and Reagonomics; both policies helped restore financial stability for individuals, business persons, and entrepreneurs as they pushed back socialism in favor of capitalism.

Regardless of your yeah or nay perspective of her platform, may we agree that the role Margaret Thatcher played in advancing the place of women in the world is undeniable. 

I am moved by her simple, yet profound, words as she embarked upon her last and most difficult tenure as prime Minister:

Where there is discord, let us bring harmony,

Where there is error, truth.

Where there is doubt, let us bring faith,

Where there is despair, hope.

I am blessed to come to know women from around the world quite regularly; never have I met nor spoken with one who wouldn’t aspire to fulfill the dreams, the goal declared by Mrs. Thatcher.

So, IS it just me, or are you, too inclined to whisper a “thank you to “The Iron Lady” who maintained her ability to speak so tenderly?

Margaret Thatcher

1925 - 2013

Oh, No; Another Gap?

Is it just ME, or do you, too, feel women contribute tremendously to politics?

As an American women, I am more than proud of the role women play in politics. Let us not confuse the difference between holding an elected office and influencing politics; they are as different as the right and left wings!

A total of 39 countries have been, or are, headed by women.  In the United States, there are 4 Federal Agencies currently headed by women and a fifth is under review to replace General Petreus as head of the C.I.A.

The claim that women lack political ambition must be qualified.  The so called political gender gap is predicted to continue due to what makes women sound disinterested, disconnected, or just down-right unqualified.   I don’t believe any of these tags can be substantiated.

Let’s look at it from this woman’s point of view, shall we?

Women are, by and large, the head-of-the-household in regard to decision-making on healthcare, spending, education, and parenting.

SO, HOW DO YOU SPELL POLITICS?

Are these not the very facets of daily life on which we vote?  Are these not the day-to-day concerns about which presidential candidates debate and pander for votes?  Is not the vote of the American woman sought by candidates at all levels of government?

I would hazard to guess that similar statements can be made in small towns and countries around the world.  By the way, there are only 6 places in the entire world in which women cannot vote and in 2 of them, men cannot voter either!

So, why do more women not seek elected office?  Interesting  question.

Here’s my hunch:

Women are too focused on getting things done in local communities where results can be seen and felt. 

Women are efficient decision-makers and wouldn’t stand for lengthy meetings that produce no evidence of having mattered.

Women are too busy attending to the details that matter in the  moment. 

Politics was built by boys for boys and continues to be an “olde boys’ club” and women just might have neither the patience nor the need to belong.

Don’t kid yourself, though.  Women play a very contributing role in  politics and what women think matters; it matters very, very much.

Perhaps, the most significant way for every woman to continue to strive to steer the political machine is to find her voice and to use it for what matters to her.  If that means running for an elected office, do it.  

So, IS it just me, or are you, too proud of all women who hold elected offices, who support their partners who hold elected offices, and who show up first and go home last?

Be the change; make a difference

Princetown?

Is it just ME, or do you, too, feel women have been pushed back a few decades this week…

Fox News:  Susan Patton defends "Op Ed" urging female
Princeton students to find a husband before graduating.

Susan A. Patton was among the first of 200 women to attend Princeton; way to go Susan!  The Ivy-Leaguer, a mid 1970s graduate of the prestigious university, recently came out with an op-ed regarding what she seems to feel is an important reason for a woman to aspire to attend Princeton in the first place.

I know; I know!  Of course, we non Ivy grads might assume it were for the purpose of the educational experience and post-grad opportunities that would come one’s way thanks to the logo on the sheepskin.  That seems a fair enough assumption.

Alas, I, not smart enough to attend Princeton (but smart enough to not even apply!) am wrong!

Ms. Patton has outed at least one the reasons to be to find a (“…the best of the best) husband, an intellectual counterpart, a mate worthy of a female Princess-tonian. 

 

What year is this?  Did Ms. Patton sleep through the change of the century and enter a time machine – going backwards?  Was she actually part of a secret experiment in the 70s the results of which are just coming to fruition?

I am not sure what the reason is.  I am sure Ms. Patton is a lovely woman. I am equally sure her elitist, sexist opining has gone far beyond any reasonable loyalty to one’s alma mater.

At a point in history when more opportunity is available to women of diverse educational, cultural, social, and financial backgrounds, Ms. Patton seems to want to limit an intelligent (let’s not even venture to try to define that!) woman’s “desirableness” to her college years. 

Do we really have an expiration date of 21-22 years??  Oh, Susan, say it ‘aint so!!!  During what course at Princeton was this empirical knowledge imparted?  (Note to Princeton: never offer that course again!!)

Many of my high school classmates went off to cities far and wide to attend college.  Many did meet their husbands on campus; that’s been a fact-of-life forever.  I don’t imagine their tuition-paying parents would be happy knowing they made lifelong sacrifices just for better odds in the mate-finding pool.  I am confident they wanted their daughters to be strong, independent, capable, and confident to stand on their own without the need to lean on a male counterpart of equal or greater intelligence. 

Susan’s words give me pause to think she has a whole new version of the big bang theory!!! (Couldn’t resist!)

Maybe it was just one of those moments…Ms. Patton was reminiscing about her days at Princeton – where she did not find her husband, BTW - and suddenly she was speaking in her outside voice!  OOPS.  As always, the cover-up explanation trumps (now, where did HE go to school?) the “I really didn’t mean to suggest that…” moment.  Yet, she went on…

Oh, Susan.  I am happy for you that you have two wonderful Princtoneian sons; happier you do not have daughters.  Should one day you be blessed to have granddaughters, I hope you will be willing to tilt your head in more directions than Princeton, N.J. (US)!  Love can be found anywhere and it doesn’t require an exceptional IQ; just two individuals wanting to love each other in an exceptional way. Consider that, will you, Susan, as perhaps you may be looking for your next husband (?); sorry to hear about your divorce!

 

So, IS it just me, or do you feel Susan has proven that intellectuals can say really stupid things?

Go Tigers!

“To Do”, or NOT “To Do”; that is the question

Is It Just ME, or do you, too, have that a “to do” list for when you’re done with your “to do” list?

Not a true procrastinator by nature, I must admit, I may be on “that list”.

I guess its human nature: we plan, we rethink, we analyze, and we forget what it was we were planning.  REPEAT.

Don’t get me wrong; I love lists.  I love making lists and crossing things off them I’ve even made lists of things I’ve already done that day just to cross them off!  Please don’t tell anyone!  There’s a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, fulfillment, a goal having been met when you can cross something off your list.

Here’s the danger:  writing the list isn’t getting it done.  Writing the list may be step one in actually organizing what it is you need to do – it’s not accomplishing anything – unless, of course, the first thing on your list is “write a list”!

I love the pretty little notepads sets for writing lists (they make wonderful gifts, by the way).  Companies make fortunes selling these stationery items – they even personalize them so you don’t end of mistakenly doing something on someone else’s list!!  WHAT A NOTION.

I write lists for the grocery store but I always forget to write “take the grocery list with you when you go to the grocery store” on that list.  BUT, having written that list, somehow, makes it easier for me to actually remember what it is I need.  It’s the visual, mind-to-hand back to the eye thing that makes that possible.  (Excuse me a moment, I have to add “look up the ‘visual, mind-to-hand back to the eye thing’ to my list to see if there really is such a thing!)

The truth is that writing things down works.

 I sometimes feel lists are kept as a way of releasing the very task we’ve listed. It’s now “documented; it’s “official”.

 If asked, “Did you do _______, yet?” we can respond, “No, but it’s on my list!”   Does that men to imply it’s as good as done?  Don’t fool yourself; it’s not.

Plan your work, and then work your plan, the saying goes…Here’s my 3-Step program for successful list-writing:

1.)  Write the list

  

2.)  Prioritize it.

3.)  Start at the top and work your way down.

Next, you begin to enjoy the pleasure of getting things done, crossing items off your list, and actually feeling as though you have more time – FOR YOU.

SO, IS it just me, or does becoming more efficient and creating time for yourself sound like a plan?

Write a Blog for Wednesday, April 3, 2013

  

No Foolin!

Is It Just ME, or do you, too, ponder ho certain “things” have become part of the social mainstream?

Well, as today is April 1st, I started wondering how this day became known as April Fools Day… Here’s what I found…

Blame Pope Gregory XIII and a calendar if you find yourself the target of an April fools joke. Until the 1500s, the Julian calendar was used to mark the days.  The first day of the year began around March 25th on the Julian calendar. This date coincided with beginnings of spring and annual spring celebrations of light returning to the earth. France adopted the new Gregorian calendar in 1582, which made the first day of the new year January first.

The story goes that peasants in the outlying rural areas had no knowledge of the change. Others refused to accept the new fangled calendar.  New Year’s week, March 25th to April first continued to be celebrated. The sophisticated Frenchmen dubbed their ignorant compatriots, “fools.”

The “fools” were sent bogus invitations to non-existent New Year’s celebrations on April first. The “fools” became known as “poisson d’Avril” translated to April fish. Why fish? Young fish lack the experience to escape the hook. 

A favorite hoax was to attach a paper fish to the back of someone without his or her knowledge.  The practice of playing jokes on others on April 1st spread to the rest of Europe.

And, here we are today. The goal is to play a joke on someone before they play a joke on you; have fun.

So, IS it Just Me, or are you, too, feeling just a bit less foolish now that this information has been shared? Ah, the power of sharing information!

 Women of leadership are nobody’s fools!