A Keen Perspective

 In a world where submission is often seen as the ultimate virtue for women, Queen Vashti dared to be different. This ancient Persian queen refused to be paraded in front of her husband's drunken friends, and in doing so, became an unlikely hero for modern women everywhere. Let's set the scene: King Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes) was throwing a lavish party, and he wanted to show off his queen's beauty to impress his guests with his own prestige and masculinity. But Vashti was like, "Uh, no thanks. I'm good." And with that, she became the first recorded queen to give her husband the old "talk to the hand." You know, that classic move where you dismiss someone with a flick of the wrist and a whole lot of sass. Funny thing is, my soon-to-be ex used to tell me to "talk to the hand" all the time. I guess he didn't realize he was actually training me in the ancient art of Vashti-style assertiveness!  Now, some might say Vashti was disobedient or reb...

As I drove down the rustic backroads, I stumbled upon a sight that left me in awe. A woman was walking her enormous Roly Poly black and white pig, just as one would walk their dog. What struck me wasn't just the unusual pet, but the woman's confidence and comfort in being different. Meta AI generated a photo based on my description of what I saw. In a world where conformity is often encouraged, it's refreshing to see someone embracing their individuality. The woman didn't seem embarrassed or apologetic about her unconventional pet; instead, she exuded a sense of freedom and joy. As I passed by, I couldn't help but reflect on my own life. How often do I hold back from being my true self, afraid of judgment or rejection? Yet, in that moment, I saw the beauty of unapologetic self-expression. The woman and her pig reminded me that being different is what makes us unique and beautiful. By embracing our quirks and individuality, we can live more authentic, fulfilling live...

As I sat at my husband's desk on that first Monday after our traumatic separation, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The business he ran, our finances, online banking, bills – everything was a mystery to me. I had never been involved in the day-to-day operations, and now I was faced with the daunting task of figuring it all out on my own. But it was the post-it notes that really overwhelmed me. Thousands of them, stuck everywhere, covering every inch of the desk, walls, and even the computer monitor. 19 years' worth of reminders, notes, and to-do lists. It was like being swallowed alive by a colorful, sticky tidal wave. In that moment, I felt like I was losing myself in the chaos. But then I realized that I had a choice. I could let the post-it notes consume me, or I could take control. So, I took a deep breath and started removing them, one by one. It was a small act of defiance, but it was my first victory as a single woman. I shoved the post-it notes in...

As I step into my garden, I'm surrounded by a tapestry of colors, textures, and life. It's a space where I embrace the beauty of imperfection, let go of control, and allow nature to take its course. My garden reflects my soul - wild, free, and unapologetic. I delight in the volunteers that sprout up, unexpected and uninvited. They're the rebels of the plant world, refusing to be confined to neat rows and tidy beds. I let them grow, spread, and flourish, because they remind me that life is full of surprises, and sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. And in years when money has been tight, these volunteers have been a lifeline. I've had seasons where tomato and tomatillo plants sprouted up in abundance, providing enough fresh produce to keep us well-fed.  And then there are the mini-pumpkins that sprout up, allowing me to decorate for my favorite season without spending a dime. It's a reminder that abundance can be wild and free and that sometimes the...

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking any of the links,  if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Today, I watched the movie " Enough " starring Jennifer Lopez, and it struck a chord deep within me. The film's themes of resilience, self-reliance, and empowerment resonated strongly, reminding me of another favorite, " Where the Crawdads Sing " by Delia Owens. Both stories feature strong female protagonists who have faced trauma and adversity, and their journeys toward healing and triumph are a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation. As Evy Poumpouras notes in her book " Becoming Bulletproof ," "Research shows that watching a movie can set complex processes in your brain to work toward shifting your psychological mindset. This is what allows us to get swept up in a movie, to internalize the struggles of a protagonist we relate to and rejoice in their victories." This is precisely what happ...