 On this International Women's Day, let's take a moment to celebrate all women and girls who have influenced us to become who we are or whom we aspire to be. Our role models may include mothers and grandmothers, teachers and coaches, national and international figures, and even our own daughters but I hope that it can also include so many others who have somehow crossed our paths, young or old, living or not who have helped us reflect on ourselves, our purpose, and the energy or kindness that we put out into the world. It can give us new perspective to remember that our human connection is what makes us capable of resilience.
Though I'm reminded of several women who have been highlighted recently in the media because of their leadership roles advocating for gender and racial equity in education or art such as Malala Yousafzai or Jane Fonda, I'm particularly reflective today of a young woman named Courtney Yoder. I learned of her story on last night's 60 Minutes episode on the disparities of economic recovery during COVID. Courtney is 23 and has just had her first baby while navigating homelessness, hunger, and low-earning work. You can see the segment here. Had I not learned about some of her struggles, which included navigating the foster care system since she was 3 years old and thoughts of taking her own life when she couldn't find shelter, food, or income, I might have looked at her young, innocent, and sometimes smiling face and not given a deeper thought to the amount of inner strength, courage, and persistence that she had to summon just to be alive. It's very possible that if Courtney had not had to think about the welfare of her unborn baby, she may have given up all hope. I'm also reminded of Breonna Taylor and all the possibilities her life would have presented her had it not been cut short. Or the young woman who lost her fiance to COVID just before their wedding day who will never return to "normal" even at the end of this pandemic. Or the countless female doctors, nurses, grocery workers, who cannot take a day off. So, today, I hope we take time to think about not only the women who are near and dear or internationally known who have influenced us but also those whom we do not know who have somehow touched our humanity so that we may become better women in both our personal, professional, and civic lives. I hope that we can remember to be kind to each other, offer gratitude for what the day has offered us and what we have been able to offer, and always start with a kind word and thought toward our fellow human beings without negative judgement. We know not all of what each of us is carrying behind our smiles. I teach people how to uncover the wisdom they already carry to get new perspective on their parenting, health, and work with children and families. If you would like to feel less stressed, more confident, and happier in the way you parent, teach, lead, or live your life, GETnewperspective with me now. To your health! Dr. G. 
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
In these uncertain times, where fear and anxiety are as dangerous as, if not more than, the actual pandemic our globe is experiencing, I want to begin a practice of sharing and reflection with you in the hopes of making a difference to families and to those who work with them. I am not a fan of social media or anything online but I do feel the need to share research, ideas, articles, events, or reflections that inspire me to become a better professional, a better parent, a better citizen of the world. I never thought I would start a blog but here it is: the inaugural post of the GETNewPerspective blog. Yesterday, I read the Well section of The New York Times and I want to share Tara Parker-Pope's new gratitude practice. Her thoughts moved and inspired me to expand my own. I hope you will take some time during your day to reflect on all your blessings in the midst of the chaos and heed her advice to stay informed, practice self-care and be kind.
I teach people how to uncover the wisdom they already carry to get new perspective on their parenting, health, and work with children and families. If you would like to feel less stressed, more confident, and happier in the way you parent, teach, lead, or live your life, GETnewperspective with me now. To your health! Dr. G. ------------- March 18, 2020 Dear Readers, Every day brings a new question, a new worry, a new fear about the coronavirus pandemic. Its essential to pay attention to public health advice to practice social distancing and to stay home to limit contact and reduce the spread of infection. And it’s also essential to take care of yourself, particularly when it comes to stress. For me, my regular meditation and mindfulness practices do not seem sufficient for these times, so I have added something new to my routine — a hand-washing and gratitude exercise. Every time I wash my hands, I focus on my feelings of gratitude. I start with the doctors, nurses, ambulance and hospital workers on the front lines of the pandemic. I think about the countless numbers of hourly workers who are restocking grocery store shelves, working at pharmacies and staffing checkout counters. These people are coming face-to-face with hundreds of people each day, putting themselves at risk so the rest of us have food and necessities. I think about sanitation workers collecting our trash. I think about the young man who provides maintenance and cleaning to my building, while grandparents care for his 9-year-old and 1-year-old children. A gratitude practice does not sound like much, but we know from research that a daily gratitude practice is good for us, helping us reduce stress, get better sleep and stay healthier. Thinking about the sacrifice of these people gives me a boost (and I also share my thanks in person when I check out at the grocery store). We all need to mentally prepare for the fact that the pandemic — and the disruption that comes with it — is going to be with us for a long time. But my advice to you hasn’t changed: Stay informed, practice self-care and be kind. The Well team will be here for you, continuing to provide accurate virus information, tips for staying well and advice for you and your family about living well every day. Watch our video about how to wash your hands (turns out we were all doing it wrong!). Dr. Judson Brewer offers a brain hack to quell pandemic anxiety. And since most of us are stuck at home, how about some guidance on losing weight and keeping it off, from Jane Brody? Stay home if you can, and stay well. — Tara Parker-Pope |
AuthorAnastasia Galanopoulos, Ph.D. Parent, Educator, Health Activist. A note about my signature. When I first started teaching at Wheelock College, one of my first students with whom I still keep contact, started referring to me as Dr. G. In the affectionate spirit of its tone, I adopt that nickname here. Archives
March 2021
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