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Wisdom from Gloria Steinem

I am a big fan of Super Soul conversations. This morning I listened to Oprah's conversation with Gloria and there were so many little gems that resonated with me that I need to capture them here for my future self (or you, my audience, if you're out there reading this).

"You don't ask small questions."
I can't begin to explain how deeply I relate to this. I am not interested in small talk, I am not good at it, and it leaves me feeling empty. I will ask you something big that we could potentially connect over, or you will slowly disappear from my life, because if we can't do that, you bring no added value.

"I'm a hopeaholic... with skepticism, because that helps inform where to spend your energies."
If this isn't the biggest truth discovery of my 30s, I don't know what is. I see the world as a friendly place. I see possibilities and I have hope for the future. But I am not an idiot, and I am not blind to the defects. I just choose to have hope and get creative about how to overcome them. I am not so skeptical that I cannot find joy. I am not so hopeful that I have no agency.

"Religion is politics in the sky. I am a paga, pagans believe there is godliness in every living thing." Well that pretty much sums it up. I see and feel the presence of spirit in every day, every person, every moment. This does not mean I need a regimented church service, a restricted life, or a set of "dos and don'ts" in order to love, and live a spiritual life.

"Everyone needs a home to settle down in, and a road to lead them out into the world." My hopeful romantic soul truly believes this. When you find someone who is both home and adventure, that is the magic we are looking for. In the same way a career must do the same. A friendship must be both a secure base and a playground. Every element of our life must retain this balance. Love and desire, passion and peace, inspiration and rest.

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