dare to dream

Living the dream. Life's a breeze. Not.

2008-08-17T20:09:20-04:00

During a particularly challenging week at work, I happened upon an article by Robert S. Kaplan titled 'Reaching your Potential' which offered up the teaser, "maybe you feel frustrated with your career--convinced you should be achieving more. You may even wish you had chosen a different career altogether." I was definitely frustrated, and even discouraged, but did I wish I had chosen a different path? Not really. As I reflected on Kaplan's article, I realized that I'm right where I want to be. In sharing this insight with one of my friends, she pointedly asked, "Did you really think that living your dream isn't challenging/discouraging/difficult?" To which I sheepishly replied, "No." The truth is there's a pretty large shred of me which believes that if I'm living my dream, life will breezy.

Artist My 'I' Likes: Jane Maxwell

2008-08-13T09:29:07-04:00

My friend Liz and I discovered the artist Jane Maxwell at an art gallery in Boston a few summers ago. Because some of you are going to love her work as much as I do, when I'm ready to buy a piece the price will be even higher than it is today, but I just couldn't resist.

Spoiler alert

2008-08-09T09:16:49-04:00

I woke up this morning happy, rolled over, slept some more, and an hour later, woke up again. Giddy. My husband took our children down to visit with family for the day. So I'm home alone without a list of a million things that I expect myself to get done because my perfectionist self is away as well -- I kindly asked her to go on holiday -- and proceeded to give myself permission. Permission to watch two episodes of 'What not to Wear'. To get up when I want to. To think what I want to. To do what I want to -- when I want to.

When dreams collide: advice welcome

2008-07-26T16:33:12-04:00

It's now on my calendar to blog every Saturday. I planned to last Saturday, but it didn't happen. I'm blogging today -- but it's tough. Don't get me wrong. It's been a great week.

Rightsizing our dream: Rebecca Nielsen

2008-07-12T21:19:05-04:00

When I spoke at Fusion, a women's group here in Boston, Rebecca Nielsen asked the question, "What happens when you have a dream (career), but then make room for another dream (motherhood), making the career aspiration an impossibility? Good question, I thought, and asked her to guest blog. Rebecca is the mother of eight-month-old twin girls, and was previously a Senior Director with UnitedHealth Group. She obtained her MBA from Harvard Business School in 2002, and an AB in History and Literature from Harvard College in 1998. Below she shares her experience, and gamely answers my tough questions. She begins, "Years ago I set a goal to run the Red Cross..."

'I'dea-licious: June 2008

2008-07-06T11:17:36-04:00

Dear friends - You are so very 'I'-dea-licious! In June, there were insights related to current posts, including 'dare to dreamgirl: Maria Carr' and 'The allure of the pom-pom' as well as older posts, 'An A or an F on the Galadriel Test?' and 'Rachel and Leah: Reclaiming our power to dream'. Will you join the conversation this next month? What insights do you have that we need to hear?

When a dream dies

2008-06-29T21:04:00-04:00

My first pregnancy had been SO easy. First try. Pregnant. Not a day of morning sickness. And notwithstanding the fact that I'd had my son the old-fashioned way because no anesthesiologists were on hand when I arrived at the hospital, his birth was also easy. Two years later, I was ready to have another baby. I'd get pregnant in late August; an early summer baby wouldn't interfere with my busy time at work, and allow me to enjoy a summer off. Baby number two -- coming right up.

dare to dreamgirl: Maria Carr

2008-06-21T10:50:18-04:00

Say hello to dare to dreamgirl Maria Carr. There are so many things I could say, but probably best if I introduce you to her briefly, and then let Maria tell you her story in her own words. Maria came to the U.S. as a very young girl - she and her family were refugees from Castro's Cuba. She has been an actress all of her adult life, and long held the dream of having her own television show. And now she does.

The allure of the pom-pom

2008-06-07T22:56:30-04:00

I sort of deserved it, but it stung nonetheless. One of our vendors (I'm purposely being vague) recently invited me and several other clients to sit in their box at a Celtics game -- nope, not a championship game. In making small talk, one of the fellows asked me if I were a hoops fan. I could have given several different answers. Like, Yes, I really enjoyed going to games when I was younger. Or, No, not so much, but I've enjoyed seeing the Celtics' have a winning season. Both answers would have been true. Instead, I said, "Well, I WAS a cheerleader in high school". To which he responded, "And, now you're a cheerleader over at Rose Park." Weeks later, I'm still stung.

'I'dea-licious: May 2008

2008-06-01T21:01:05-04:00

Thank you once again for all of your insightful comments - you were absolutely 'I'-dea-licious in May! Blog I Like: Portabellopixie Oh, I love her fabrics as well. They're so cheerful! I don't know about what's out there made from her fabric, but I'd love to sew something for you--maybe we could make a deal! Janika Love this idea Janika. LOVE. What a 'farmer's market-y', systergistic proposal. Can't wait to do some bartering.