Last night I had the pleasure of attending a small gathering in Greenwich CT hosted by LadiesWhoLaunch,not to be confused with Ladies Who Lunch, which is why I didn’t eat dinner before I went. It was held in a rather posh private women’s boutique on Greenwich Avenue, Carlilse Collection. If you were trying to find it you would walk by like I did 3 times, because apparently when you get that swanky you don’t use a sign. Kristin Van Ogtrop, the Editor at Real Simple magazine, was the guest speaker. The theme for the speech was “Life Balance.” That had my name all over it. I was looking to be inspired and needed balance beyond my new yoga handstand.
Kristin did a 9 point presentation that was very funny and wrote with much of the same humor that I share on my site.
#1) Sometimes Too Much Is Just Never Enough
Hey maybe some of us like to be busy.
#2) Train Yourself to Delegate Instead of Regulate
Apparently 55% of all women that were happy delegated at least 1x week to their spouse. NOW YOU ARE TALKING. I think I might be able to delegate garbage duty to get it rolling.
#3) If You Don’t Have A Thick Skin Learn To Heal Quickly
You can’t just dish it out, you need to learn not to be a baby and accept criticism.
#4) Don’t Exceed Your Personal Speed Limit
What speed limit?
#5) Know When to Kill The Messenger
I don’t remember this one but it sounds good.
#6) Memorize the 3 Phrases That Will Save Your LIfe
- “Is There A Shortcut For This?”
- “No”
- Too engrossed, didn’t write down 3.
#7) Don’t Let The Perfect Be The Enemy of The Good
- Are you at peace with your life choices?
- Are you a good mother?
- Are you a supportive friend?
Sometimes good at more is better than perfect at less. (Does that make sense?)
#8) Remember That The Road To Happiness Is Paved With Three Things
- Dry Skin Cream
- Black Pants That Fit
- 10 Recipes For Boneless Chicken Breasts
#9) Never Forget Your Own Zuzu Petals
If you have seen It’s A Wonderful Life” George Baily finds the Zuzu petals his daughter had given him from his daughter in his pocket. She wanted him to fix the flower for him. I think it is about knowing your own value.
Kristin shared humorous excerpts from her book Just Let Me Lie Down, about having a career and raising children- all in the same life, which were relatable and entertaining. She was also very humble and genuinely connected to her family of readers.
After writing for 9 years, I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I looked up to Kristin and her accomplishments realizing what an effect her magazine as well as her own writing, has had on women all around the world. Looking back at being a columnist myself, I think about the voice of my readers.
“You make me laugh with stories like men and useless information, you make me cry with stories about parting with your kids baby clothes.”
What I realized is that reaching out to women, touching on a myriad of emotions, allowing others to understand that we are all one in the same , is what compels me to write. My dream at this point is to be able to take that to a larger audience. Could Real Simple be my audience?
Thank you Kristin. You have inspired me and I am going to move forward knowing that it is possible for a woman to have it all.
For more with Kristin visit her website at http://simplystated.realsimple.com/author/kristinvanogtrop/.
