Browsing Tag

Spirit

  • New Directions

    A Woman’s Guide to Self-Reliance

    Every spring I teach a course on the American Dream. That means I have the same conversations on this topic with some regularity. For instance, I can always count on a heated discussion of…

  • The Solitary Pleasures of Living Alone

    About a week ago, I came across a link to these drawings by artist Yao Yao Ma Van As. They do such a magical job of illustrating the pleasures of living alone that I…

  • Work & Home

    3 Empowering Ways to Think About Work

    A few days ago, I mentioned to someone that I’m a professor. “That’s so cool,” she said. “I always wanted to be a teacher.” I pointed out that she already is. She teaches Sunday…

  • New Directions

    Remember Who You Were

    When I think about being a kid, three things come to mind right away: riding my bike all over Boise, Idaho; singing in various choirs; and drawing. I live in a busy city these…

  • This Is Your Life

    This is your life: You are born into a family with a history. One child has already died. As children themselves, your parents endured abject poverty. Their greatest fear, now, is loss of control.…

  • Wearing It Well

    Last week I went to my stylist for my usual haircut and color. This time, though, I told her I was done coloring my hair. I expected her to try to talk me out…