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Independence Day

barbarahw — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:17:26 -0500

This year, Independence Day has a different meaning and feel for me. Yes, I proudly stand as an American and celebrate the birth of our great country, a country born out of transition and division. I stand too as a woman on the brink of a new adventure, a new life perhaps, born too out of transition and division.

Its time for me to decide what this new independence will mean ... and how I will be in this world - separating both from my life partner of 29 years and the work in which I have been engaged for the past 13+ years. Who am I, how do I fit in the world now, how will I make my next mark? These are all questions raging in my head on this July 4.

And yet, I think too of my grandfather Sam, born this day in 1888 or so, who gave up everything to come to this country and begin a new life for himself and his family. he must have been asking himself these same questions and others, as he embarked on his new adventure. Perhaps Independence Day is a day of spiritual questioning and awakening ... a day for us to take stock of our place in the world, just as our forefathers did -- in 1776, and for Sam, in 1911.

Announcing Got No Use for Stress Day!

barbarahw — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:02:25 -0500

I am proclaiming July 1, 2009 the first annual "Got No Use for Stress" Day! I invite you to join me, figuratively, on July 1, as I
let go of stress! My plan is to leave really unhealthy stress behind
forever, or for as long as I possibly can -- and try to deal with
whatever comes my way in a much more healthy way. Want to join me?

I know that I'm no good to anyone, including myself, when I'm in the midst of high-degree stress. And, if I don't let go of it, I won't be around long enough to be of any good, period.

So, I'm going to start breathing ... meditating ... getting enough sleep ... all those things that will help my body ward off bad stress.

Yeah, I know there will always be stressers -- so its not that I don't think I'll ever face stress, its just that I'm deciding here and now (well actually tomorrow) how I will deal with it! And I'll mark my progress on the annual GNUFS Day -- every July1!

Here's some ideas others have shared -- feel free to post yours on the comments below or RSVP to the event on Facebook:

* Write it out. Losing your job keeping you up at night? Write a list
of the worst that could happen if your fear came true — try to be
logical and as specific as possible. (e.g., “If I’m laid off and have
to fall back on savings, I will have to cut back weekly spending by 30%
and find a new apartment that costs no more than $X. I can live like
that for three months while I look for another job. After that…”)
Realizing the specifics of the worst case scenario is way better than
imagining an abstract (and anxiety-inducing) catastrophic situation.

* Work it out. These days, we could all use some extra endorphins. To
stay positive and get rid of nervous energy, exercise at least three
times per week.

* Zone out. Sometimes we just need to slow
down and relax — this is where restorative yoga comes in. This form of
yoga triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood
pressure and your heart rate and gives the body time to heal itself.
Best of all, it only takes 20 minutes and you don’t have to do anything
but lie there quietly!

See you on the other side!

Green, important issues

melaniej99 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:51:50 -0500

Green, is an important issue, since the world facing global heat and others critical environment problem :)

http://ohiowriters.net Learning

http://ezinementors.com Business

Consider the Thistle

LaurelH — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:43:08 -0500

Thank you for giving this book and this community of women a wide audience. I work in fundraising for a nonprofit, and these are very difficult times with donations severely impacted by the recession. Fortunately, violence against women is one of the areas that will receive funding under the Obama Stimulus bill, through the Department of Justice. I love the metaphor of the thistle and will buy this book!

Laurel

www.laurelhuntbooks.com

Just received...

nelle2nelle — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:13:03 -0500

my shipment, and it is perfectly lovely. :-)

*dual purpose of bumping this up!*

Well worth ordering, folks... and for a very good cause.

llhaesa

Yes, I thought the writer at

Nordette — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:19:54 -0500

Yes, I thought the writer at WDBD did a wonderful job reviewing the book. Thank you for your comment, Wilma.

Nordette: BlogHer CE. Blogs @ WSATA & UMBOP. @Twitter

That's great, Nelle!

Nordette — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:18:40 -0500

You're an action taker. :-) I hope many other will follow your lead. We all need to put our money where our mouth is whenver possible.

Nordette: BlogHer CE. Blogs @ WSATA & UMBOP. @Twitter

Thank you, Denise

Nordette — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:16:40 -0500

I'm glad I had the opportunity to review the book.

Nordette: BlogHer CE. Blogs @ WSATA & UMBOP. @Twitter

Women like me

Wilma Ham — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:33:11 -0500

I love the line, all women aim for peace, self esteem and a successful path.
We all do, albeit that the starting point from where we are coming from is different.
But going for the same things unite us and makes us understand and recognize each other, no matter our circumstances.
That is what I love about these projects, they allow dignity and make us unite rather than talking about them and us.
Good move to ask for comments, this really deserves attention.

Wilma Ham

www.wilmasblog.com

Just ordered...

nelle2nelle — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:49:40 -0500

the book and handsoap. :-)

llhaesa

Quite inspirational

nelle2nelle — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:30:12 -0500

There are quiet and not so quiet little victories, and itis nice some publicity is flowing there way.

Someone I know in London has helped bring change there with DV, and we've talked on occasion about those brought into the country specifically to serve as prostitutes. It is estimated that in London alone, there are around 750 such establishments.

When one sees a number like that...

yay for all those involved in this programme, and I do believe this is a bood I'd like to read.

llhaesa

Love the opening of this post

Denise — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:23:27 -0500

I've actually read the post three times, and each time I find myself wishing I'd have thought to open a post that way. It's just excellent. It also makes me want to read the book and I did put it on my wish list the first time I read the post.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

love is all pleasure

drparkash1 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:47:21 -0600

our all pleasures live in love,we must learn to enjoy,no one can give you as these live in our inner beauty of heart,head,soul nd mind,body reacts only.

Inauguration Day

Lily Hydrangea — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:42:50 -0600

I am so happy to hear of your joy! My heart is full too!

The lives of each of us matter

rebellious thinker — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:26:22 -0600

Obama's presidency must surely validate the actions of each individual committed to a positive ideal. How wonderful for your mother to experience this day!

I am so looking forward to reading some of the reflections that my students write tomorrow. Especially the boy who on the day after Election Day said "Now I can be anything!"

Laura, www.RebelliousThoughtsofaWoman.com