Let’s conduct a totally unscientific, informal poll: What does the word “brave” mean to you? There are all sorts of levels of bravery. Here are some examples that come to mind: hosting a sleepover for your daughter and a dozen of her squealing girlfriends; a co-worker who remains steadfastly optimistic during bad health; your bestie quitting her job to travel the world. What about those small moments when you feel brave? Like when you chop off your long hair, go to a movie alone, tell an offbeat joke to a barista you just met. Today, let’s celebrate the acts of bravery we achieve and notice every day.

The post Margie Warrell: She’s Not Playing It Safe appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

One of my favorite reality shows is Southern Charm, based in Charleston, South Carolina. One of the featured women, Cameran, is known for telling it like it is. During her first pregnancy, she made a hilarious post on Instagram, PSA-style, addressing her many followers who kept prodding her about her stance on breastfeeding. She started by saying it’s no one’s dang business whether she planned to breastfeed, and concluded with a little tongue-in-cheek statement that if none of the traditional methods worked, she’d happily feed the baby the fast food the little booger had been craving for nine months. Why is it women are often each other’s worst critics? Come on, ladies, don’t we have the patriarchy for that?

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When I first learned exactly what beer was, I’ll admit, I was slightly disgusted. People willingly guzzle yeast that’s been fermented? Yuck! OK, so I eventually learned the error of my ways and am now a happy camper when it comes to swigging down a tasty beer. And as it turns out, plenty of the most scrumptious foods we regularly consume are fermented, from bread to sauerkraut, yogurt and every hipster’s favorite beverage, kombucha. Thanks to alchemy, the act of fermentation works some straight-up magic on food and drinks, and people are nuts for it. The New York Times even published an essay entitled “Fermentation, a Love Story.” Fermented foods are often touted for their immune-system-boosting effects. Does your internal gut need a healthy makeover? Then what are you waiting for? Jump on the train to fermentation station!

The post Mara King and Willow King: She’s Going With Her Gut appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

I don’t think I’m alone when I say I have a complicated relationship with the color pink. We’ve featured some extraordinary women who want nothing to do with the color and it’s female-centric characteristics. But let’s also share a perspective from the other side of the pink aisle. When it comes to the psychology of colors, pink is considered a hopeful hue, representing caring, compassion and love. That’s something I can definitely get behind. To celebrate all the wonderful things this shade stands for, pucker up with some pink lipstick or pour yourself a well-deserved glass of rosé. Today, everything’s coming up rosy!

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While cruising in the car with my dad, a familiar song from days past came on the radio. It reminded him of a time years ago, when the radio blasted the very same song as he was cruising down the highway late at night while everyone else in the car was asleep. Then it started to snow, creating a peaceful landscape he’ll always remember. It got me thinking how truly special music can be. It slips into our minds and hearts, and lives forever in that sweet spot. Oftentimes, it’s something we don’t realize resides in us until the magical moment when we hear a certain song and are flooded with memories and emotions. If there’s a song from your past that still gives you goosebumps, today, dig out that old record, crank it up and let the good times roll!

The post Anna Bulbrook: She’s Rockin’ to a Feminist Beat appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

In every boxing video game I’ve ever played, I get totally pummeled. Maybe it’s because I jump right in, using the controller to punch and kick with little to no plan. In the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby, Hilary Swank’s character learns one of the best punches you can deliver involves stepping back. It’s about patience and control. I can’t help but think that’s a great lesson to apply to life too. Maybe saying yes immediately isn’t the right call. Maybe snapping back at someone won’t help you get your point across. Today, whatever battle you’re up against, approach it as if you’re in the ring. Take a breath. Step back. Anticipate. Then pointedly make your move.

The post Alicia Napoleon: She’s Packing a Punch appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Have you ever been stuck in a really long line that seems like it’s never going to move? For me, that’s usually when I’m hit with some serious hunger. In such an instance, the most heroic person near me is the woman who notices my blood-sugar-dropping swoon and offers me a granola bar from her purse, which I unapologetically devour like a mad woman! It reminds me of that Snickers commercial in which a guy transforms into a sassy, weary Betty White on the football field when he’s hungry. We’ve all had those moments. Today, be prepared to tackle your “hangry” inclinations with a tasty snack. Your friends and co-workers will definitely thank you for it.

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When I lose something, I get completely frustrated, make that exasperated “ugh” sound multiple times and pretty much assume the world is ending. It most often happens when I’m being specifically purposeful about the placement of my belongings. I think, “I’ll put this spare button right here where I’ll never lose it,” or, “I’ll definitely remember I put my keys by the bathroom sink,” but then, of course, when it’s time to find those items, I can’t locate them for the life of me. Maybe it’s time to institute my very own household lost-and-found system!

The post Michele Welsh: She’s Stickin’ It to Kids appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Lately, I’ve been discouraged by all the negativity on the internet. It feels like every social-media post comes with a barrage of cruel responses. Why do we feel so comfortable being combative online? It can be simple to write a nasty comment on a post, but it’s often difficult for some folks to remember that there are real people with real feelings behind that post. Today, if you come across an online tidbit you disagree with, simply move on without fanfare. And when you do encounter something you like, comment positively with a thumbs-up.

The post Alaina Shearer: She’s Connecting Digital Divas appeared first on On The Dot Woman.

Oftentimes, people think of success in terms of a salary of six or seven figures. Earning a hefty paycheck has some serious benefits, and those women who are raking it in get major props from me. But it’s also crucial to tell the stories of women who have found their own versions of success. That’s what On The Dot is all about. When we ladyfolk follow our passions—whether it’s as a paleontologist, as a harpist or as a wicked-good snowmobile maestro—we are defining what it means to be successful, on our own terms.

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