Wise Women Reflections

I've interviewed over 80 women on my Community TV show, MidLIFE Matters, at WPAA-TV in Wallingford, CT.  The Guests have varied backgrounds & backstories.  I've learned something from each Guest.  A favorite interview question is when I ask them to give advice to their younger selves.  One consisent theme is to trust themselves more, to believe it will all work out, and not to be in such a hurry.  These women range in age from 50-90, and perhaps the younger generation will have a different perspective. As women face tricky decisions about work, partners, and the prospect of bringing up children, they often have to take a course that is more zig-zag than linear. 

Marvelous Vera

Dr. Evelyn Hooker

I recently watched a documentary on Dr. Evelyn Hooker, an amazing example of how critical thinking and courage can change a society.  Born into poverty in 1907, her mother nevertheless encouraged her children to get an education, saying "they can't take that away from you."

Well, fortune smiled on this brilliant woman, and she worked her way up to a PhD, after initially leaving school at the end of the 3rd grade.  Her contribution to all of us was challenging a belief that homosexuality was a disease.  Through objective study, using the scientific method, she published a report that eventually removed that faulty thinking.  Not an easy task, nor a speedy one, but through steady work she produced compelling evidence.

We are in debt to Dr. Evelyn Hooker for showing us how one woman, despite the odds, can require professionals to rethink time-honored beliefs.

Keep Going!

Geting older does not mean you have to stop working - just look at the three wise women in their 90s featured in the MidLIFE Matters tab on this site ("90 is Just a Number").  However, becoming a productive elder does require taking a clear-eyed view of your surroundings.  This book offers a great mix of stories and research about women staying on their feet and moving forward, taking losses in their stride. The author measures wealth by the strength of the friendships and family members who are on this journey with us.  Highly suggested for women in their later careers.

Inspired Generations

Starting in 1930, the fictional Nancy Drew showed girls how to follow their instincts, ask good questions and bravely forge ahead.  This book traces how her image changed with the times, primarily written by two women (backdrop story also has mystery and intrigue).  There were some misfires in catering to the perceived preferences of girls in early adolescence, but in the end Nancy continued to spark a 'can-do' attitude in millions of fans.  Refreshingly, men played supporting roles.  Nancy is a successful, self-sufficient, working girl who solves problems.  Hooray for role models!