Renaissance Women...More than Multi-taskers

Although I haven't yet committed to a particular Democratic presidential candidate, I have to admit I was excited when Hillary Clinton won in New Hampshire this week. I was proud to witness the first American woman to win a presidential primary.



It was thrilling to see her at the victor's podium declaring, "In the last week I listened to you, and I found my own voice." I know that Hillary probably didn't write those words. In fact, I'm 99% sure they were the work of a calculating political speech writer. But I still love hearing about a woman finding her "voice," and Hillary's contagious sense of accomplishment radiated from the television on Tuesday night. That part was genuine, I'm sure.

I'm always searching for my "voice." I think I find a little bit more of it in each adventure, each risk, each year. In the past few years, I've literally been searching for my voice, or rather Emelia's, as I tackle the challenge of writing my first novel for middle grade readers. It's been a long process but an enriching one. I've learned a lot about writing, met a lot of wonderful and inspiring people and have managed to write part of a book. That's a genuine accomplishment, too. This year I'm hoping my voice will come in fast-forward mode so I can finish telling the story of Emelia.

I know lots of women who seem to have found their voices already. They are successful in their chosen careers and also thrive as artists, athletes, jewelry-makers, writers, readers, thinkers, cooks, crafters and seamstresses. They are daughters, wives, mothers, aunts and grandmothers. Full lives divided into many different roles.

Women are often described as multi-taskers. According to some studies they are much better at it than men because they have more connections between the two sides of their brains. I don't like the term. It makes me dizzy. I envision countless women spinning through life trying to do everything and not stopping long enough to enjoy the process. I much prefer the term "renaissance women."

The dictionary defines a renaissance man/woman as a person of many parts. I think that describes every woman I know. I like the word renaissance, too. Not for it's 14th century connection, but for it's secondary definition of awakening, invigoration, rejuvenation, and revitalization. We need the renaissance part of our lives to add balance to the rest of it.

Don't know if I completely qualify as a Renaissance Woman, but thank God I know how to become one. Amazon.com has thoughtfully provided the opportunity to all of us. The Instant Renaissance Person Kit. Go ahead. Click on it. Rejuvenation awaits.