This has very much been a year of inspiration. I feel more certain of my path forward in life in terms of myself, my family, and my partnership. Getting this level of clarity takes a lot of work. Work to really look at myself, decide where I want to go, what my life needs, and how I can achieve all of that without sacrificing all of the other important parts of my life. It certainly hasn’t happened overnight. As someone who has spent most of their whole life finding reasons to downplay my inherent self, it’s taken years to reach this point. Here are the women who have been guiding lights to discovery, reflection, and, ultimately, awareness.
Samin is the famous author of the fantastic cookbook, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.” This book (it’s also a Netflix series- GO WATCH IT NOW) has given me a greater appreciation for food. In turn, that’s turned into how I think about food. That has turned into how I feel about food. I don’t really hate food anymore. I appreciate the crap out of it. I appreciate how food can be simple; how cooking doesn’t need to involve a million different gadgets (but don’t get me wrong, I love me a Pampered Chef party). Samin’s passion for food is infectious. And life is too gosh darn short to not appreciate the way in which we nourish ourselves.
Jane Austen
Ms. Austen understands both the complexity and frivolity of falling in love. Sure, the days of her writing are filled with corsets, stolen glances, and epic sideburns- but the messages are still incredibly powerful and relevant. We all know an Elizabeth Bennett or Anne Elliott (my personal favorite). Well, Eleanor Dashwood may be my favorite- I can’t choose! But there are endearing and relatable things about these heroins that have stood the test of time. There are many books out there- and yet, we all know who Jane is. To be on a first name basis with most of the western world is an impressive feat.
Julie Andrews
She is the leading lady of my childhood. Her kindness wasn’t a gimmick for the stage but is actually renowned throughout Hollywood. Her eloquence, poise, timing, and feeling translate into every role she has ever had. Watching her in all the different stages of her life makes me feel like I grew up with her. She has been my babysitter, mother, and grandmother.
Michelle Obama
When I started reading her book, “Becoming” I felt a little nervous. After all, I grew up in a completely different time and way than our former First Lady. Yet, the more I read, the more I kept saying, “YAS GIRL.” Her vulnerability showed me a whole different side of an already impressive and driven woman. When former President Obama decided to run for office, I love that she didn’t mince words. The girl had doubts. GOOD ones. I RELATED. No, Issy isn’t running for office, but the drive of my husband can sometimes be all encompassing. Her questions, concerns, struggles, and, yes, demands, were things I understood.
Jean Kilbourne
Advertising and women. My two passions. I loved studying the way that ads and media impact the socialization and treatment of women. And it does- as it should. That’s what people pay for. Ms. Kilbourne calls out a lot of the systemic BS of these things and the dangers of not having a critical eye. Further, she discusses and advocates for more positive and real depictions of women in the media. I think we can all agree that this is a GOOD thing from both a social perspective but ultimately, from a financial perspective as well.
Malala Yousafzai
The right to education is a basic human right. This would be a right she was targeted for and eventually shot for. Malala has been fierce, driven, and passionate about the access of education to women and children. It’s easy to forget this here in the US. While our school systems need some major love and a lot of work, the principle of it stands that it should be free regardless of your sex, gender, race, etc. We don’t think twice about it. She almost died for it. Take a moment and thank whoever or whatever you believe for that awesome right to learn.
There are many more women out there. And the reasons are all COMPLETELY different. From standing up for herself and her legacy (Hey, Taylor Swift) to telling your political party to knock it off and get back to business (Rep. Liz Chenney, and the Honorable RBG). Women who own their past, their families, and their futures (KKW, Britney Spears, Senator Duckworth and Iliza Shlesinger to name a few) to women who have created the most amazing art that has influenced my heritage and pop culture (Frida Kahlo) to women that make you think about the world and where it is going (Naomi Wolf, Billie Jean King) to women who make you laugh so freaking hard at the realness of what they are saying (Ali Wong and Amy Schumer), I have never identified with so many women from all different times, places, AND views. Opening myself up to different views is actually really hard. I like to be stuck in my ways and convinced I am right. The truth is, I am, like, never right. Ever. How much time have I wasted from not standing in someone else’s shoes? From really living out empathy? How much time have you wasted? Explore the world. Explore the people in it! There’s a lot to learn, to see, and to be.
The Salty Exchange 