Spark Inspiration: on true selves, “comfort shows,” & ladies we look up to.

From the Women of 25N: Members and Team.

(Part of a Women’s History Month series — article 1 of 3)

Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash

Last week, we asked the ladies of 25N to share their perspectives on some of the questions we women ask ourselves the most.

Like…

“How do I return to a feeling of inspiration; staying connected to myself when life gets…life-y?”

“What decisions in life and work are really worth worrying about, and which can I just let go of?”

“Is “life balance” even achievable? How can I maintain supportive relationships in work and the rest of life?”

We’ll tackle all three over the next few weeks. But without more fanfare, here‘s what we asked first, and how a few of our best gals answered:

Who is a woman (real or fictional) whom you most closely resonate with?

Photo by Z Graphica on Unsplash

“I resonate SO much with Anna from Disney’s Frozen! Her warm, hospitable disposition coupled with her love for her friends and family and always seeking an adventure… I see a lot of my own personality traits in her. Plus who wouldn’t want to be a Disney princess who’s best friend is a snowman?”— Ce’Nedra

“My mother.” — Kim

“Jenna Kutcher.” — Mecca

“Jo March but also Amy March, from Little Women.” — Arianna

“My Aunt Gene.”— Meagan

“I kid you not — Kit Kittredge of American Girl Doll fame. She was the one who first unlocked my love for storytelling in written form.” — Sari

“My Jama (Dad’s Mom).” — Katie

“Ann Story (February 27, 1735/1736.[1] — April 5, 1817) was a regionally renowned heroine during the American Revolutionary War and a distant relative of mine. She was a pioneer and a Revolutionary War spy and hero. She supported the Green Mountain Boys, providing food, advice and information. She was fearless in the face of danger and reminds me we are always stronger than we know.” — Debbie

Do you have a person, historical or in your present life who inspires you to be the woman you are today? Why?

First lady Eleanor Roosevelt, assistant director of civilian defense during World War II, testifies before Congress on Jan. 14, 1942. | AP Photo

“Eleanor Roosevelt — she was a very powerful, ahead of the times woman.”— Kim

“My husband has inspired me the most to be the woman I am today. In a society where men don’t often take the time to truly encourage, champion, and cheer on women, having a man see me for who I am, what I can bring to the world, and remind me that my voice matters and is needed has profoundly changed my life.” — Mecca

“Lately it’s any mom on Instagram that is demonstrating how to take back her life and dreams alongside being a great mom, with some humor along the way.” — Kelly

“My Grandmother, Phyllis (Cocogliato) Ford. She is a free spirit and simply does not care what others think of her. She has a spunky attitude of doing things her way and will tell you how it is. She holds a space of warmth for her loved ones; she fills other peoples cups so her cup can be filled with their joy. I am grateful for my relationship I have with her, I would say she is one of the women I look up to…she has sacrificed a lot for her family and makes AMAZING homemade pasta.” — Emily

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg…. she navigated a world and industry dominated by men with confidence and grace.” — Meagan

“My mom and my best friends. We are all in different places in life but we always cheering one another on but are also the ones who will be honest with each other when we need to be.” — Katie

“My grandfather. He was one of the most kind, caring, intentional, creative, strong, and authentic people I’ve ever met. He inspires me to be a compassionate coworker, a thoughtful friend, a patient wife, an intentional mother, and to not take life too seriously!” — Ce’Nedra

“Oprah — She has achieved so much through straight up hard work, grit and intelligence, yet she’s grounded and honest, shares her wisdom gracefully and wholeheartedly, is a stellar example of what gratitude and thoughtful manifestation looks like, and is humble in the fact that she’s still learning and growing each day.” — Susan

“My mom is my inspiration. She is the one who shaped me into the woman I am today. My mom is a fearless, hardworking, passionate person dedicated to helping others, and she is very honest.” — Uggi

“My dear friend, Rebekah, is like a sister to me. She has been essential support and encouragement for me to be exactly who I am and is endless in love. She’s watched me grow and very much has played a huge part in who I am today, and to continue growing. I constantly look to her for inspiration on how to handle new situations.” — Arianna

Is there a book, movie, and/or song that brings you joy when life gets difficult? What’s your “comfort show”?

Photo by Mahrous Houses on Unsplash

“The TV show FRIENDS is my comfort show. A classic 90’s TV sitcom, I can always count on it to brighten the mood and provide a laugh. I especially love the relationship the female characters have with one another. Three totally different personalities and they still find a way to connect and support each other no matter the circumstance.” — Nicole

“Virgin River. I love the cast, but I especially love the main character Mel. She is down to earth and hardworking.” — Marisa

“The TV show “Derry Girls”. It’s so smartly scripted and makes me laugh every episode.” — Sari

“I love listening to music; it provides me with inspiration and relaxation at the same time. Additionally, I find comfort in watching ‘Friends’.” — Uggi

“The song ‘Calling All Angels’ by Train.” — Kim

“Movies: Almost Famous, Devil Wears Prada, or any documentary. Books: The Tao of Pooh, The 5 People You Meet in Heaven, The Last Lecture, Lean In, The Year of Magical Thinking, The Alchemist. TV Shows: Friends or Keep up with the Kardashians.” — Katie

“My comfort show is New Girl… always makes me giggle! And a song that brings me joy when I am down is Stay High by Brittany Howard.” — Emily

“‘Ain’t it Fun’ by Paramore.” — Mecca

“Little Women (Greta Gerwig directed); Little House on the Prairie, comfort book series; BBC’s Sherlock is my comfort show, as is The Clone Wars Star Wars animated show.”— Arianna

“When I just need a comfort read I always come back to “Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life” by Wendy Mass. It’s an easy read about a 12 year old boy searching for the meaning of life before his 13th birthday and what he finds at the end of his searching has stuck with me since the first time I read it.”— Ce’Nedra