What do you do for a living, and what are the things that make you feel more alive?
I’m a freelance editor, writer, and stylist. I especially love: championing local brands (whether it’s through commissioned work or on a personal level), shining a spotlight on introverted girls for Hinhin’s blog The Trove, and writing poetry.
What makes me feel more alive: a beautiful book, dipping my feet into the sea, a cathartic cry at really good movies, the energy at live concerts, and…coffee!
How old are you?
49. But forever a teen magazine editor at heart.
What do you think is the biggest challenge, and the best thing, about being your age?
The biggest challenge is … I have less energy, physically and mentally—but maybe that’s not such a bad thing; I am forced to be more intentional about what I spend my energy on. The best thing? I’m done feeling like I have something to prove, I care much less about what people might think, and I finally, honestly, like the girl in the mirror. Also: I’m past the age where people (thankfully with me it’s just strangers, mostly) ask when you’re going to have kids.
How have you grown wiser in the past two years?
Not sure if it’s wiser… maybe there’s more clarity? I’m sure we’ve all felt like the things that matter have come sharply into focus, and the work now is to keep at it.
What are the best pieces of life advice you have ever received?
From my parents: Always be kind and put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand where they’re coming from. True enough, we’re all just trying our best.
Paraphrasing my (healer) sister: You have power over what you allow into your life.
And I like this quote from physicist Richard Feynman, which the Eames couple lived by: “Choose your corner, pick away at it carefully, intensely, and to the best of your ability, and that way you might change the world.“
What are the different, creative ways women can empower other women?
Be present for each other. Be cheerleaders, collaborators, a safe space, devil’s advocate, diving board, bungee cord. That being said, remember we can’t be everything to everyone, all the time. Sometimes, all we have energy for is to send a cat meme, and that’s ok. A really seemingly random cat meme means: I thought of you today.
She Talks Generations celebrates wisdom-sharing among women; and highlights the different perspectives and unique strengths that we bring to the table at every life stage.
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