Karen Uhlenbeck, a University of Texas at Austin professor emeritus, recently was named the first woman to win the highest prize in mathematics—the Abel Prize. Who was her role model? “Looking back now, I realize that I was very lucky. I was in the forefront of a generation of women who actually could get real […]
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Recognize your rights
by resolutewoman on March 14, 2019 in confidence, resolute-women, sexism, Uncategorized
“Women, wake up; the tocsin of reason sounds throughout the universe; recognize your rights,” wrote Olympe de Gouges in her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen, which was published in 1791 in France. Two years after she wrote her declaration, de Gouges was arrested, condemned to death for her views and sent to […]
Something particular and real
by resolutewoman on February 2, 2019 in advice, confidence, courage, resolute-women
Mary Oliver, who died last month, wrote “often of mortality, but with a spirit of gratitude and completion,” her obituary stressed. The poet once wrote: When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder If I have made of my life something particular and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened, or full […]
Legions of half-truths
by resolutewoman on January 29, 2019 in confidence, Uncategorized
“Our minds are constantly being invaded by legions of half-truths, prejudices and false facts,” Martin Luther King Jr. said. “One of the great needs of mankind (and womankind) is to be lifted above the morass of false propaganda.” We need to think, King emphasized. We need “a tough mind and a tender heart.” We found […]
Wear pink–bright pink
by resolutewoman on January 8, 2019 in confidence
Rep. Nancy Pelosi wore fuchsia when she was sworn in as speaker of the House, writes Robin Givhan, fashion writer for The Washington Post. “Pelosi was dress to take on the leadership role in the boldest, brightest, I-am-here shade of pink. In a November CNN interview, Pelosi noted that no one is indispensable, but ‘some […]
Look fear in the face
by resolutewoman on November 27, 2018 in confidence, courage
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face,” Eleanor Roosevelt once said. “You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’” We found this quote in Adam Hamilton’s book Unafraid.
Our state of bafflement
by resolutewoman on October 9, 2018 in confidence, courage
Author Elizabeth Strout says, “We live in a state of bafflement—without even knowing it. For a lot of us, there is a sense of what are we doing here. A story can help to stabilize us and help us become more coherent.” I’ve decided that Strout is one of my favorite authors, and I just […]
Nothing more interesting
by resolutewoman on October 6, 2018 in confidence, wisdom
Author Elizabeth Strout loves watching people, and she loves crowded New York. “For me—there is nothing more interesting than life,” she says. I’ve decided that Strout is one of my favorite authors, and I just read, both for the second time, her books My Name Is Lucy Barton and Anything Is Possible. –Joy
Assertive women
by resolutewoman on September 27, 2018 in change, confidence, resolute-women
“Studies show that people don’t like assertive women. How can women get past that?” Time magazine asks Mika Brzezinski in its October 1, 2018, issue. “Well, I think the question is problematic,” Brzezinski answers. “Does it matter that you’re liked? We need to worry about being effective, being someone who gets the job done.”
Be someone
by resolutewoman on July 12, 2018 in confidence, resolute-women
“A woman should be someone, not something,” Marry Cassatt once said.
What’s this site about?
We wrote our book and we’re writing our blog because we were frustrated. We were frustrated with experts who try to tell people how to lose weight, raise their children and improve their marriages—and be a success—in 10 easy steps. In three weeks. In one book.
Our self-help book and blog are for grownups—for women who know that there are no easy answers to life’s complex problems—that finding solutions requires some self-knowledge and self-searching and hard work.
We want to help women discover their own answers and live with them as their guide. We want to help you and other women Help Yourself!
We write about making changes and also about many other issues important to women, including families, friends, work and food.
