Monday, September 1, 2008

It's Not One or The Other

It's great that even at my age I can make discoveries about myself.

I find it interesting that the two books that I'm reading (actually re-reading) right now were written by two women who you would think at first glance, probably don't have much in common.


Cathie Black is the president of Hearst Magazines and has been referred to as the First Lady of American Magazines. Her book, Basic Black chronicles her many years as a corporate executive. She is the brains behind Cosmopolitan, Esquire and The Oprah Magazine just to name a few. Her book talks about living a 360-degree life. Not necessarily having it all but embracing the things that you do have and learning how to enjoy them. She gives great tips for the female executive on many topics such as: charting your professional course, interviewing, hiring, firing, and how to conduct a successful meeting. The book is inspiring and is perfect for young and older women who are maneuvering their way through the mine field that is Corporate America. I woke up early this morning on my day off and began studying negotiation tactics with a renewed sense of excitement. Which is actually saying a lot because this material is dry as hell. But I know that once I accomplish this course I'll be in a pretty good career position.



The second book that I'm re-reading was written by Elizabeth Gilbert. After reading her book Eat, Pray, Love all I wanted to do was walk away from everything and get closer to God. I wanted to meditate, I wanted to go to more yoga classes, I wanted to rest. I wanted to ... just be.
This book documents Elizabeth's spirtual journey through Italy, India and Indonesia. Her life was in a shambles and she needed to get away and figure some things out. Haven't you ever felt like that? I have.

But what I find so interesting is that I absolutely love both of these books. I learn so much from both of these seemingly different women. There are days when I want to throw on a suit and my pumps and go into my office and kick some ass. Then there are other days when I want to put on a sundress and some sandals and just chill on the chaise. What is even more interesting is that I struggled for a while because I thought I had to choose between one life or the other. For some reason, today I discovered that I don't have to make a choice. I am just as comfortable in a suit as I am a sundress. I can make decisions at a conference room table or I can decide to do nothing on my patio.


I can do both.

If I'm smart I can be the corporate hot shot for the next few years and create a lifestyle that will afford me more opportunities to be the beach bum.

4 comments:

LadyLee said...

Those both sound like good reads, Chele... Really good reads.

I recognized a few years ago that I need to do what I got to do, but I need to be cognizant about enjoying life and exploring my dreams... Very important...

princessdominique said...

I've been wanting to read Eat Pray Love and I running over to add it to the wish list. If I don't add it I forget!

Bballmom said...

I will be picking up both these books Friday. We are headed to Tempe for a college visit with my son. Sounds like good reading on the plane.

Believer said...

On of the many blessings of being a woman—we can be assertive or chill depending on the situation or better yet, our mood.