November 20, 2011
At the Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia in October, social-justice activist and journalist Gloria Steinem presented her audience of 5,000 with the top 10 ways she learned to live fearlessly. In the style of David Letterman, the legendary Steinem read her list backwards.
10. Reverse the golden rule and treat yourself as kindly as you treat others. Take time to nurture yourself, so that you can feel and be your best.
9. Take yourself out of your comfort zone. Develop and share your abilities in new and helpful ways.
8. Recognize your emotions as instructive. You may have a reason to feel angry, such as dishonesty and social and economic injustice. Channel your emotions constructively. Make a positive difference.
7. Apply your abilities in new and entertaining ways. Laughter is a sign of openness. Einstein used to laugh at his ideas while shaving, and had to be careful to avoid cutting himself.
6. Drop hierarchical thinking. Pursue your real interests, rather than what society tells you is interesting. When professors at a major university picketed for tenure, they joined maintenance workers and administrative assistants already picketing for a raise. Divided, each group risked termination. United, all three groups achieved and exceeded their goals.
5. Measure by real, rather than ideal parity. What is the reality for each of us here and now?
4. Take advantage of the enormous benefits of being female. Qualities once considered feminine, such as empathy and gentleness, are inside everyone. Model and build on these qualities. Innovate rather than imitate.
3. Anyone can learn and grow. When secretarial pools consisted almost exclusively of women, some men claimed to be incapable of typing. The minute computers became popular, those same men learned how to type overnight.
2. Develop universally enriching partnerships. Surround yourself with people who value and inspire you. Partner with people who believe in you, encourage you, and help you achieve more than you think you can.
1. Demonstrate self-actualization and nonviolence every step of the way. Abuse during our developmental years can undermine our own ability to empathize. Those who suffer from humiliation and violence in the home may attempt to perpetuate humiliation and violence elsewhere. Remember that our means become our ends. Insist on democracy and nonviolence in our homes, offices, and both domestic and foreign policies. – AGGIE PERILLI
How have you learned to live fearlessly, and with unifying empathy and enthusiasm?
Aggie Perilli is president of Aggie Perilli Communications International. APCI creates empathetic communications and unifying campaigns for nonprofit and for-profit organizations and spokespeople. Consistently recognized for excellence, APCI engages your audience to exceed expectations while inspiring a world of connection.
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