rebeccaelia.com 
  • Home
  • Blog

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Cara Lopez Lee

9/16/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation).
Author and world traveler extraordinaire Cara Lopez Lee answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?


MAKING UP FOR LOST CHILDHOOD


By Cara Lopez Lee

When I was a little girl, though I followed my natural inclination to laugh at almost everything, my life itself became too serious too quickly. Between multiple divorces and busy careers, my family passed me from hand to hand, and sometimes it seemed as if no one was in charge of me. I became self-sufficient, self-motivated, and self-involved. I decided that I could rely on no one to look out for me, except me, and that no one else really needed me to look out for them. 

Though I often tried to play with other kids, few of them wanted to play with me. I was too precocious, too desperate to maintain control, and too determined to hold onto attention once I had it. When I was in third grade, another girl confided, “I do like you, Cara. The only reason I don’t play with you is because I don’t want the other kids to think I’m weird.”

Wow. 

As a girl, I repressed my more playful instincts. I was the kid who constantly waved her hand in the teacher’s face like Hermione from Harry Potter, who corrected all the other kids, who regurgitated political theories overheard from adult conversations. Being a grownup was exhausting. Maybe that’s why, almost the moment I turned 18, I made a u-turn and slowly found my way back to playfulness as a way of life. 

There’s still an underlying seriousness to all I’ve done as an adult: writing stories in hopes of connecting with people in meaningful ways, traveling in search of a better understanding of myself and the world, marrying a man who brings out the best in me and doing my best to return the favor, trying to be of service to my friends and to let them be of service to me. Yet, in all I do, I look for a chance to play.

How?
 

     -- As a writer, I play with words. Now that I’m writing a novel I even get to make things up.
     --  As a traveler, I’m constantly poking my nose into everything, like a little kid: What is that? Can we climb it? What are you doing? Can I watch? What’s next?
     --  As a photographer, I draw pictures of the world as I see it.
     --  As a wife, I often use these very words with my husband “Come play with me!”  From conversation, to hiking, to sex… what I like about my husband is that I spend so much time doubled over with laughter. 
     --  As a reader and a movie lover, what I’m really saying is, “Please, tell me a story.”
     --  As a dancer, well, I dance, and when I trip, I just laugh and keep dancing.
     --  As a laugher, I laugh, even at things other people find serious, and I just let them stare.

Now:

In my life today, I do something that children instinctively do: if I can help it, I only play and work with people I like. I’m not talking about isolating myself from people who are different. My point is that, if I spend more time playing with those people with whom I connect, instead of struggling to be socially acceptable, I’ll experience greater joy and growth, as well as the support that leads to true accomplishment. Everyone has a tribe, if only we’re brave enough to reveal our true selves and ignore the judgments of those who don’t share our values.

When we were kids, our teachers taught us the importance of playing well with others, and of knowing when to stop playing and get back to work. These lessons are important, but now that we’ve learned them, I think it’s safe to listen to those other childhood instincts: knowing when to stop working and get back to play, and being ourselves even when it means we won’t get along with everyone who tries to play with us.

How does the little girl in me show up now? She acts as weird as she wants, and waits for the other weird kids to find her. 


Picture
About Cara:
Cara Lopez Lee is the author of They Only Eat Their Husbands: A Memoir of Alaskan Love, World Travel, and the Power of Running Away, coming Nov. 15, 2010 from Ghost Road Press. She’s also the creator of the Girls Trek Too blog, which is dedicated to inspiring women to live life as an adventure.

http://www.TheyOnlyEatTheirHusbands.com
http://girlstrektoo.com/blog

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Amy Oscar

9/10/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation).

Story alchemist, author, magazine editor, and mom Amy Oscar answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?


"My little girl self DOESN'T show up very often - and your question reminds me of that. I'd like to see her much more - I'd like to see the little girl who played with her dollhouse for hours, just sat on the floor, deeply involved in moving mini-furniture around, in deciding where, exactly, the little red table that my mother made for me should be placed."

Right now, as I visit my mother - who is 80 now - and share memories over coffee, I am remembering more and more that little girl. I am letting her show up when my mother has a difficult night and I walk down the hall and slip into bed beside her, and hold her hand, the way she used to hold mine."

~ Amy Oscar
   http://www.amyoscar.blogspot.com

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Robbie Kaye

9/8/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation). 

Robbie Kaye, Photographer and Photojournalist, answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

"My little girl shows up lately as a "girly girl" - I notice that I am more attracted to frilly things, pink things...soft and delicate materials that make me feel cozy.  I never was the pink kind of of girl, I was more of a tom-boy, so this phase is somewhat new and sweet.  I think it's the delicate part of me that is now willing to be revealed...unlike before, when I felt like I had something to defend.  These days, my little girl is content in playing in her own space and distracted less and less by "the other kids" playing in their spaces.  I may look up for a minute, but then I am content to get back to what I was doing that was bringing me so much delight.  So, I think this winter, I will buy myself a pair of pink silky pajamas or a pink fuzzy bathrobe and enjoy the delicate aspects of who I am..."

~ Robbie Kaye 
    www.robbiekaye.com


Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Marcia G. Yerman

9/6/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation). 

Marcia G. Yerman, NYC writer focusing on women's issues & culture, Huffington Post writer, and Co-founder of cultureID, answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

"
Sometimes I find it hard to take time for my inner child because in the last several years I have become so consumed with issues affecting the world. My first college boyfriend accused me of being too serious, and there's a part of me that hasn't changed. Maybe it's the result of getting older and realizing that I have a certain amount of time to try to give back in a constructive way. It could be seeing my son grow up and wanting to make sure that the planet has a healthy future. There are numerous things that I do for enjoyment. However, if I think inner child, no holds barred, the one thing that comes to mind is dancing. Dancing to music that speaks purely to my body, makes me jump around, bump and grind with abandon, with no other thoughts in my head."

~ Marcia G. Yerman
   http://www.mgyerman.com  


Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Lisa Sawyer

9/2/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation).

Lisa Sawyer, Entrepreneur and
President of Guardian Financial Services Group, answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now? 

"The greatest pleasure my three-year-old self is enjoying is no longer sweating the small stuff. When I now encounter people who freak out at every little thing (like the older version of me used to), I am often amused. I have found myself giggling in someone's face before. Oops, didn't mean to. It's not that I am uncaring, but it makes me realize just how ridiculous I must have looked at times. I am sure to give my young self a little nod whenever I have this awareness. With this energy that I am no longer wasting on being so anxious, I am able to enjoy long walks in the country with 80-90's music blasting, so I can sing every word, and I have a newfound appreciation for the simple, natural things in life." 

Blessings in your new endeavor!
~ Lisa Sawyer

   www.guardian-fsg.com 

 

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Marjory Mejia

8/31/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation). 

Sacred Flow writer Lotus Flow artist Marjory Mejia answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

"She loves sunshine, moonlight and anything that sparkles. Her energy is like sweet fresh spring water bubbling to the surface to quench your thirst. She walks with the radiance, joy and unbridled curiosity that are her gifts and medicine. She loves to play with the earth and giggle and also sit quietly and gaze deeply into your eyes, gently touching your heart and soul. If you let her, she will lavish you with her treasures and awaken yours!"

                                                    A poem rises
Picture

Uncoiling


The uncoiling of my deepest desires

fluttering wings

ready to fly

spreading dreams

sparkling

with sunlight.

 

 

http://marjorymejia.com
http://www.lotusflow.com
http://www.lotusflowart.com

All artwork and content © 2010 Marjory Mejia

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Patricia Volonakis Davis

8/25/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation). 

Patricia Volonakis Davis, author of Harlot's Sauce, philanthropist, teacher, and more, answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

"The little girl inside me is alive and well, and comes out to play regularly. You will see her exchanging corny jokes with her friends and family on Facebook, who know that 'knock-knocks' and puns are a sure way to send her into giggles.
She likes to dance while brushing her teeth, swiveling her hips to the beat and sound of the brushing. She sings while she cooks and while she runs on the treadmill, much to the dismay of everyone who hears her. Not that she cares one whit how she sounds, because it's too much fun to worry about the musical sensibilities of others. (Some little girls are naughty that way.)

She sneaks chocolate when her big girl self is not looking. And sometimes, licorice flavored jelly beans. She likes big hugs and big hats. She exclaims in elation at flowers growing by the roadside, and at especially pretty birds. She loves to hold babies because they smell so good and feel so soft. She loves to bake peanut butter cookies for her sons and chocolate cake for her husband, but her own personal favorite is Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix, because nothing else ---homemade or otherwise smells as delicious while it's baking. (She licks the batter-covered spoon too, because little girls never worry about
salmonella.)

She has just relearned how to skip rope. (That is, now that her big girl self has surgery to remove a tumor which was pressing on her -whatchamacallit? ----sciatic nerve ----- something else little girls never worry about.)

But most of all, the little girl inside me is tickled pink to be on Rebecca's blog. She feels SOOOO honored to be Rebecca's friend, helping her launch this wonderful new site!"


~ Patricia Volonakis Davis
   http://www.patriciavdavis.com 
Picture

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Helayne Katsaros Damianos

8/23/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation).

Today, we're opening up one from our behind-the-scenes Oscars representative Helayne. She answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

"This fun little girl self shows up in life now.....at all fun places!.....have always LOVED a party and I guess that's what led me to my passion of work as an Event Planner.....there's nothing like a good party"

...especially a Hollywood party!!!

Picture
Helayne's Red Carpet Debut

Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Mary Shomon

8/20/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation). 

Patient Advocate New York Times Best-selling Author Mary Shomon answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

“My little girl, at almost 49 years of age, has just recently discovered the pure joy of having a dog. Belle, 6 year old Bichon who came from a rescue group -- she was no longer of use to the puppy mill where she had been having litter after litter -- has been a light of my life, and has truly awakened the child in me. It's pure delight to see her sparkling little face and bright eyes light up when I come home, or when it's time to go out for a walk, or when it's time for a treat! We take walks, and explore things I would never have noticed -- a fascinating tree, a patch of clover, a nice little patch of shade. At night, she hops up into the bed, settles in cozily, sighs with utter contentment, and I sigh too, tucked in and snuggled up safe and sound with my dear new friend. Before Belle, I'd forgotten that naps are good, treats are worth dancing for, and that it's a great idea to roll around in the grass regularly! And, as you can see from her picture, she reminds me to smile...”

~ Mary Shomon
   http://thyroid.about.com

Picture
Belle's smile

"Eat Play Love" Business Baby Shower - Special Guest: Dr. Sara Gottfried

8/19/2010

 
Our business baby shower gifts continue (see post on 8/16/2010 for explanation).
 
Today, my dear friend and sister holistic gynecologist Dr. Sara Gottfried answers the question:
How does your fun little girl self show up in your life now?

Eat Play Love


This guest post is in honor of my dear and brilliant friend, Rebecca Elia, MD, in honor of the launch of her fantastic new wellness coaching service. My fun little girl became blissfully besotted with your fun little girl, Dr. Becca, when I first set eyes on you while we were both in the conventional medical realm back in 2002.


Eight years later, here we both are, recovering overachievers, more vibrantly alive than ever and taking advice from our much younger girl selves.

My fun little girl self loves to fly down the water slide of life, rather than be a spectator on the sidelines, developing new models of how women can be more this or that. Let’s live it, Girl, rather than plan and refine it!

My fun little girl self favors the glittery now over predictable schedules and plans. She gives and receives cartwheels of unconditional love, which she learned is our birthright and what heals. Love heals. Women heal.

My fun little girl has to agree with the Chief of Psychiatry at Stanford’s latest advice (paraphrase): women make us happy. Men don’t. Women make men happy but men don’t make women happy. Women make women happy. Becca makes me happy. Conventional, patriarchal systems of thought do not.


Retirement is important but not a reason to stay the predictable course. Our fun little girl selves didn’t relish working at an HMO, racing from one patient to the next. They want more, a more genuine and intuitive connection than can be owned in an HMO.

My fun little girl self hums with authentic joy. Her energy has become my 43-year-old kavannah.

All love to you, Dr. Becca!

~ Sara Gottfried, MD
    http://gottfriedcenter.com
<<Previous

    Authors

    Authors of these stories are all of you who have experienced healing and balance through reclaiming the Feminine in your lives.
    Congratulations, and       thank you for sharing your stories with us!    

    For more information,  please see the first post on March 13, 2009.

    E-mail your stories to:
    rebecca(at)rebeccaelia.com.   Remember to give your permission to post your stories. 


    Are you looking for
    Rebecca's stories?
    Please follow this link
    :

    Rebecca's Blog

    Archives

    September 2010
    August 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    August 2009
    June 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009

    Categories

    All
    A Doe\'s Lesson In Surrender
    Adoption
    Aging
    Amy Oscar
    Athena
    Balance
    Barbara
    Beauty Of Wisdom
    Body Distortion
    Body Image
    Brenda Ropoulos
    Business Baby Shower
    Cara
    Cara Lopez Lee
    Cellulite
    Chauvinism
    Christina
    Creating Feminine Health
    Dr. Sara Gottfried
    Elder Wisdom
    Elissa Stein
    Feminine
    Feminine Qualities
    Flow
    Foster Care
    Fun
    Gratitude
    Greece
    Greek Men
    Harlot\'s Sauce
    Helayne Katsaros Damianos
    Infertility
    Inner Child
    Inner Wisdom
    Joy
    Laurie
    Letting Go
    Life Coaching
    Lisa Sawyer
    Marcia G. Yerman
    Marjory Mejia
    Mary Shomon
    Masculine
    Masculine Dominant
    Meaningfulness
    Nia Vardalos
    Patricia Volonakis Davis
    Play
    Reconnecting With Her Feminine In Greece
    Recovering Honorary Man
    Robbie Kaye
    Sample Story
    Sarahs Story700776301c
    They Only Eat Their Husbands
    Timeless Beauty
    Welcome To Feminine Revelations
    Wellness Coaching
    Wrinkles

    RSS Feed

     

    Join our Facebook Group:
    Creating Feminine Health

    Follow me on twitter

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.