“I used to be an absolute zinger on self-deprecating comments. I claimed it as self defense; if I said the bad things about myself, they were already out there before anyone else could say them. I thought I was delivering these comments with wit, and that would balance out the content. One day, mid-sentence, I stopped. Just stopped. Even commented, “I’m not going to say that about myself.” I think my physical posture changed as I said it. Every so often I feel a comment creeping in and I remember that moment.”
Sarah, a very loud librarian, is an expert at color and pattern combinations, and listening. She’s a relentless optimist and a creative, open hearted advocate. Described by others as whip smart and utterly delightful, she pursues multiple interests with relative abandon. Sarah is a sewist, adult learner of cello, and intimately involved with many local music organizations as both a philanthropist and advocate. She is regularly seen about town attending concerts from Baroque to modern music – dressed head to toe in lively and unique outfits sewn by her own hand.
For Sarah, attractiveness has always been about “the spark of intelligence, the witty banter, kindness, and eye contact.” She has worked hard to build out a community in her library domain and has earned the library a reputation as a go-to place for music – and perhaps more importantly, a welcoming environment for staff. Another major accomplishment is that her kids can recognize and state their needs (big things, like mental health or identity support) as they get closer to adulthood.
Sarah’s advice to her younger self: “Seek out people who mentor women in your areas of interest.”
Sarah Now: “You are the only person who can place a value on your time and energy.”
The moment we choose to love
we begin to move towards freedom,
to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.
– bell hooks
