LIFESTYLE

Today is a day known to Jewish people as Yom Kippur- the holiest, most religious day of the year. Today is a day where we repent our sins, and ask G-d for forgiveness. Today is also a day of fasting. (Confession here- I’m not that strong in the fasting department).

Tonight will mark my favorite synagogue service of the year. We will stand for one hour at a service called Nilah. Nilah marks the end of the 24 hour Yom Kippur fast. It is a very special hour (which I will miss because I am hosting 16 people at my house for the break fast), but what resonates for me, is the symbolism of Nilah. I think it very much parallels life. After you have fasted for 24 hours, it is custom at the Nilah service to stand the entire last hour when you are hungry, tired and dizzy. It is the ultimate test of your endurance. To be able to stand when you think you cannot.

Today we celebrate the 3rd anniversary of a blog that was born out of feeling stuck, on the fence, alone, confused, and wanting to create a space for women to get inspired, get off the fence, grow, succeed and thrive. You have made that happen. I am grateful for this community who has stood by me in my darkest hours, my greatest triumphs, and given me a safe place to be authentic myself. You have also helped each other, and inspired each other into action. Never underestimate the power of a few simple words on a page.

Last night was a big night. I made myself a warm cup of tea, and settled in to watch the election results. Yesterday marked a big day for my province of Quebec- Election Day. We elected a new Premier to lead our province. The first female ever actually, but one who feels Quebec would be best run as its own country. Yes, COUNTRY. Pauline Marois would like Quebec to separate from the rest of Canada. This is who we elected as our new Premier.

My name is Kelly. I am a mom of six, a wife, a writer and president and founder of my local chapter of Mothers & More. I am also on a first name basis with Richard Ramirez, I exchange letters with Charles Manson, and speak regularly to most of the women on America’s death row. How’s that for “on the fence?!”

If White Men Can’t Jump, then Jewish Girls Can’t Pole Dance.

I cannot reiterate the importance of encouraging young people to intern in college and high school.

My internships have been the most valuable workplace experiences I’ve ever had. The first internship I accepted was the spring semester of my freshman year in college – this was much earlier than my friends and peers. The reason I got started on my internship journey was simple – my mom. See, I have your typical Jewish mother from Brooklyn who makes sure that her voice is heard. She is strong and has guts – something I’ve been fortunate enough to inherit from her.

I’m finally back home in Montreal after traveling a little too much lately- it feels great to be settled.

I am still jet lagged and pretty tired from my trip to LA. It was, to say the least… a whirlwind. Highly productive, fast, fun, and full of living outside my comfort zone. Just the way life should be if you ever hope to accomplish your dreams.

A few memories of the week…

Well, there’s nothing ‘on the fence’ about my night in L.A. last night. I’m down here on a little business and pleasure, and well, you know how much I live for music. Shannon Tweed Simmons, wife of legendary KISS rocker Gene Simmons invited me to come along with their family to see KISS perform in Irvine, California.

I got a sneak peak into this PHENONEMON that is KISS. The fans are loyal, the music is loud, and the buzz is off the charts.

I couldn’t think of a more fitting quote, than after watching Dawn Harper take silver last night at the Olympics. One of the most “underappreciated” female hurdlers, she has candidly spoken about the extreme hard work it takes to master your craft- the sacrifice it takes to win gold. But she has also spoken of the purpose, passion and pride that comes with hard work, and overcoming hurdles.