One of my long-time heroes, the renowned feminist activist, Ms. Gloria Steinem, recently celebrated her 80th birthday, and it got me thinking about something I posted last summer.
It was about the time I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Steinem at the University of Connecticut Women’s Center.
You see, I helped found the Women’s Center back in the 70’s, and when great things happen there I can’t help but smile (and often jump at the chance to be part of them).
This event was particularly exciting, though, because Ms. Steinem was appearing as their keynote speaker.
During her talk at the Women’s Center, Ms. Steinem told a story of being asked what she thought of as her biggest accomplishment.
Her answer, “I don’t know, I haven’t done it yet.”
And I thought to myself, “Wow, what an answer, especially coming from someone who has been at the forefront of the women’s movement for almost 50 years.”
Not only that, but she’s authored several best-selling books, and she’s been the one to frame the issues that have led to so much progress for women and men throughout the world.
And yet, at the age of 80, even after a lifetime of groundbreaking contributions, she still believes that her greatest accomplishment is yet to come. I find this truly inspiring because I really identify with it.
And as I reflect back on Gloria’s words, I can’t help but think of all of you, our community at NICABM.
As practitioners we have so much to offer. With our highly developed skills and expertise, each and every one of us has no doubt contributed greatly to the lives of our clients.
And with such advanced training, we have the potential to make a huge impact far beyond even that.
So today, I want to challenge us, yet again, to dream big. Our greatest accomplishment and contribution to the world may be yet to come . . . no matter what our age.
If you let yourself, what would you dream of accomplishing? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts below.
Alex is number four; so he is next since the Mogadorians (led by the Commander played by Kevin Durand) have to kill them in numerical order for some reason (which is never explained).
I sense that the more you give , you will receive overflowing GIFTS
Passion the site– really user pleasant and lots to see!
In 2014 I was accepted to do a PhD, a big accomplishment for a 61 year old. My biggest accomplishment for 2015 will be raising the funding to allow me to do the PhD. My research interest is in early influences on neurodevelopment and achievement in school. nicabm has been an imortant source of inspiration for my ideas. Thank You
Great stirrings from this….Having turned 60 this April, this notion of what I have yet to accomplish has been aroused….I would like to somehow be useful, instrumental in keeping alive the teachings and fundamental wisdom and understanding that Alice Miller has given to the world through her writings, in a practical way. i.e. creating a safer world for children to be born into. So much research on the devastating effects of childhood trauma now supports her work. We need to create some sort of network that supports, educates about the importance of providing loving, nurturing environments for infants and children. We need to fully recognize and understand the implications of how we RAISE our children today and that it is a fundamentally crucial component towards creating a more peaceful and loving world. This is a truly grassroots approach towards creating, effecting positive change in a world that is being challenged more than ever before on so many levels.
Thank you for all you do! I too have always seen Gloria as a brilliant heroine! An earth goddess in touch with her roots in a powerful, practical way. Bless her lovely soul!
V.
I would like to start teaching my work as a Biodynamic Cranio Sacral Therapist to others, so they get just as exited as I am about this beautiful work!
Thank you so much Ruth for this lovely article. I too am a huge fan of Ms Steinhems! We are our own destinies. Blessings
gloria steinhem was asked the worthy question of what her most valuable accomplishment has been? of course, she wittily answered that she hadn’t done it yet. and of course, the question can be more meaningful than any answer… life’s course is not a straightaway. lots of twists, obstacles, surprises. when really young, i saw i had an ability to understand the bottom lines of things and could therefore be helpful to others. they validated that, perhaps they gave me the idea i could. eventually, i made it my vocation. the more i helped others, it reinforced me to see this as my life’s purpose. once, i had a patient bring his mother to a session, who told me that i had been able to help her son, more than the past three therapists. at that time, i had troubles within my own family. that moment of clarity was one of “community, ” where i help someone else, as someone else outside my circle helps “my” someone. in other words, those closest are not always the best to help. but in a karmic way, all the helping ends up, well, helping. like all streams lead to the ocean! i felt relieved to have the frame of reference that by helping others, i could perhaps expect someone to do the same for me. but here’s a twist on that – years ago, a family friend had a terrible vehicular accident. that day, his mother was on call as an emt and actually was one of those that took the call. ultimately, he was alright, but it broke my heart to think that she had to see her son like that and chose to personally take care of him in those moments of crisis. so then i thought, she prepared her whole life, to be there at that moment, to do that thing. like all the others she’d helped as a emt, were practice for her, to be what she was, in that one instance. for so long i’d thought my charge was to be out in the world helping others. i still think that, that’s not outlandish. BUT, after some turns on my path, i am (temporarily?) not out there helping others, but am turned into my personal life and also am witness to my own metamorphosis in seeing the effect i can have in everyday life, intersecting with people spontaneously, still seeing into them, reflecting back sometimes, in word, deed, or a simple look of acknowledgement, ok, i’ll stop, this is a long sentence! so…how do we measure the mark we’ve made? how do we formulate a goal of what that could be? in the end, perhaps being in the moment, paying attention enough to even be able to participate is enough. to be able to say that one has had and has enough focus both outward and inward….may be enough. another perhaps, that only the edification of OTHERS could most accurately capture an answer to the question of what our best life deeds have been. thank you ruth, for asking the question, elizabeth lackus
June 3, 2011 10:10 pm by I really like this blog pstiong – how the media portrays women and girls to use their body more as sex appeal – which sends the wrong image to our girls, but hats off to SPARK and other organizations that help empower girls by showing them they can do anything they want! They don’t have a life of an anorexic model or whatever.
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Gloria Steinem did more for turning women into men than anyone in history. Give me a role model who does not get their backing by Play Boy and allows women to be women while in the workplace OR the home. The individual chooses, not the pocketbook or the political agenda. Equality and respect is not based on “being treated the same”. For all the Gloria tried to do, she is great at making women think they need to act like men. It has created a confusion as to roles and helps make family life almost non existent as to expected priorities for our society. Bad Choice Of A Role Model.
Yes! George Gilder predicted this years ago, Sexual Suicide and Men and Marriage.
Thank you Ruth,
Keep reaching for the impossible dream!
Only those who can see the invisible,
can do the impossible!
I feel the same way! Everyday we have a choice to be who and what we truely are or not! Simple! Give love and help to my family is a big deal these days when life gives us so much to do think and be! I’m so grateful for my life regardless of what others think about it I love my life! From that all exciting new challenges come up every day! I have a choice! Blessings to you both Nancy Adams
I am all I chose to be!!!
I have two events coming up this month My 65th anniversary and my 48th Anniversary at Nova southeastern Univ. Both are milestones since when started no one thought I could succeed. The marriage is still moving along but a bit more slowly and the University is celebrating its 50th anniversity this year. What I learned is the key to longevity is to stay busy and keep having to continue making a difference. I am now 86 years young.
Abe
What a wonderful way to feel at 80! I’m 71 & I feel that I’m just getting started! Thank you so much for all your work. See you along the road to making this world a loving place to live in for everyone! Loving you, Sandy
Well done arictle that. I’ll make sure to use it wisely.
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It’s difficult to come up with ONE book that does a good reratsentpeion of feminism as a whole! I had to take an introductory class a few years ago in order to get a good feel for feminism as a whole. There are so many components, so many facets which is what makes it beautiful and interesting and hard to encapsulate in one read! But all the things you suggested are great! It’s frusterating when men reply with something like how feminism is anti-men, or for crazy radicals, but I think it’s a good sign when they want to learn about it and when you can change their view.
I believe Gloria Steinem has publically shared her wisdom, courage and inspiration for the betterment of societies collective whole. Gloria Steinem could have taken another path in journalism with her individual talents. Instead she choose to stand up for all people to be aware of their values & in a graceful manner seeking justice for all. All genders, ages and races benefit from her work and raised consciousness. This is one person who sets the bar for many of us, myself included. Thank you, Ruth.
Although feminism grew in response to some grievous trends between the sexes, I believe the pendulum has swung way too far and our boys and young men are now the ones suffering from what seems to be a pervasive bias against any form of traditional masculinity. Forgetting that boys must differentiate from their primary attachment to mother, we have left no area – except perhaps the more rugged sports – in which they can stand out as males. With no expectation of a young man to be the protector or provider, why would they feel they have anything special to bring to a girl…who has been taught to make sure she can do just about anything he can do? So he plays video games till he’s 32. And young women are left to cast about looking for a man who is actually not a boy.
I dream of a world where the unborn, the elderly, and people who have a mental illness would be valued and respected and cared for. Gloria Steinem wants people to dream big, but to only dream her non-inclusive dream. We need to to think and act beyond ourselves if, in fact, we REALLY do care.
I am not sure what my biggest accomplishment would be, but I’d love the opportunity to try and build an internet website that offers classes for those interested in learning about herbs, especially those with chronic conditions (one of my long-term interests). I also dream of having the opportunity to teach disadvantaged, “at-risk” students ceramics for personal growth. I have long believed that the world is our classroom, and many different opportunities are available through hands on activities that are nothing like pen and paper “core curriculum.” 🙂 I also want to continue to do my part to teach those of other languages the puzzles and wherefores of E-N-G-L-I-S-H, which for many of them is like climbing Mt. Everest! I recently had the opportunity to see one of my former English students graduate from an accounting program that will place her in the workforce after her graduation! While it may not be my biggest accomplishments, it certainly was one of my happiest moments in a 22 year odyssey as an educator!
Like Ms. Steinem,I think the best is yet to come. I am still working as a consultant in the mental health/addictions field and am looking forward to more of the same. I continue to work directly with addicts and to derive joy from their successes. I am 75 and consider myself semi-retired but know that I benefit by being of service. Freud nailed it: To Love and To Work.
At this stage of my life, nearly 66 – I am aiming to get my brain functioning properly.!! I have recently been to the Amen Clinic in Atlanta and I have begun working on it and will stick with it. If I can do this it will be my greatest accomplishment!!
I am close to my husband, children and grandchildren and that makes me happy and will continue to do all I can to support them always.
My greatest accomplishment is daily, with everyone of my patients, if I have been able to empower them to have any amount of comfort and ease, then this is great. They get all I have in the moment. For me there is no other greater work. If I live thinking about my accomplishments in the past or FUTURE, then I have not given my all right now…to the wonderful human being,in need, in front of me right now.
My dream is to one day change the Ontario school system. I’m still pretty young (28),with many hopefully healthy years ahead of me. And I see how rampant is the mindlessness which infects our societies. Something must be done to change the “programming” which influences people behaviors. This can only happen through the school systems.
In a world where reflecting on the self and exploring ways of relating, ways of attending, ways of thinking, and experiencing, become a common feature of education, we can be sure that mindless and unethical behavior will be minimized, compassion will become more common, and people will relate to one another with greater kindness, humility and play.
No matter how horrible your childhood was, you can have a happy and productive life. See the good in all and love what is. She how your childhood molded you into the wonderful person you are today.
Many words, no content. Celebrity posturing at best.
I know several females who advance the cause better than this.
Sorry, Ruth. This is not inspiring.
I do appreciate your other efforts. Keep it going!
Kenneth
Well in my 88th year, I believe I am now entitled to say that my biggest accomplishment is to have raised a large family with many grandchildren & greats as well. The fact that they all love & enjoy each other, with no jealousy or resentments or quarreling with each other, when I hear & see of other families! Also the many clients who released a lot , & left happier. Now I am taking food to my sick friends in my building here, so am continuing to feel useful and needed, &appreciated.
It’s never too late to make an impact! It’s what keeps you “young” and makes life worth living!
For those of you who worry a little about being 60 or 70 and is it too late, I was 91 Saturday. I started voice dialogue training and Spiritual Counseling training when I was 75. I have 2 or three clients a week and have energy to do several more a week. I cannot imagine doing anything as satisfying and sacred.
Namaste
Mike Kotar
Perfect timing for me to read this! Thanks for the inspiration!
I would want to lower the divorce rate, eliminate suicide as an option and raise the self-esteem of our youth for all to see their greatness and express their one in four hundred trillion chance of being alive-in this body in this time.I would love to do this by having “Whole Living Centers” that dedicate themselves to WHOLENESS in the family–and from there expand into the world in all things-diet, lifestyle and environment. To un-mute the muted and give voice to those things we as a culture have tried to avoid. Time for a Soulful Truth Revolution and call things as they are, by their true name.
seems like Hubris to me
Gloria was an amazing leader for women world wide.
I worked on affirmative action and women in development as a young professional in the Canadian Public Service.
Another hero of women’s rights was the United Nations who sponsored the Mexico, Beijing and Narobi Decade for Women international conferences. These conferences were huge catalysts for change because for the first time federal or central government cabinets had to make decisions on their country’s stance on women’s status and they had to state their positions internationally! . We could not have accomplished what we did in Canadian federal jurisdiction in our domestic health and employment programs and through the Canadian International Development Agency without the platform set by the UN.
Hero my ass. The U.N. is the most corrupt org in the world.
Dear Ruth, I share your admiration for Gloria. She is a gem. My dream, which I am plunging into at 62, is to grow and feed people healthier food. I believe poor food could be a major reason for some mental problems as well as the obvious physical poor conditions. It’s a big undertaking, but one that I’m extremely excited about. The incoming comments add conviction and inspiration that our dreams matter.
Thank you.