Visualizing the Future

Before applying for the Voices of Our Future training program, I knew that I wanted to make a positive impact by helping women and girls with eating disorders and self-esteem issues. However, I had no idea how I would begin to accomplish my mission. With each assignment I completed, my vision for the future became clearer and more vivid in my mind. My desired impact also expanded from a local focus to a global one.

The Voices of Our Future training program would provide me with guidance, knowledge, tools, and resources to help me accomplish my goals, and would strengthen my leadership skills. I already use the Empowerment Methodology in my life and bring those principles to my website Words Are Food. The purpose of my site is to share, inspire, and teach, and I encourage people to take responsibility for their life, health, and happiness. I envision women, who are suffering from eating disorders and self-esteem issues, taking responsibility for their recovery; healing themselves and nourishing their bodies and souls on a daily basis so that they may live full, joyful lives.

I see myself using my experience and background in writing and acting to help others in Taking Back the Wisdom of the Feminine, uncovering their innate female wisdom and opening themselves up to their full potential and life experience. Taking the time and effort to explore ourselves through creative tools is not common for most women, but when we find the method that works for us, we innately recognize the powerfully positive effects and healing qualities.

Next year, I will apply for a PhD in Food Studies, with a concentration on women and their relationship with food and their sense of self. As a starting point, I would use data from previous studies on how relationship with food and body image differs among teens and women across cultures and around the world. My research for my dissertation would focus on whether gaining a deep understanding and integration of real food (what it is, where it comes from, how it heals or hurts us) affects our perception of food, our bodies, and our sense of self. Initially, I would gather data for my research from local women. New York City has a wide cultural cross-section to study, although these women are influenced by a Westernized society. I want my study to eventually include women from all over the globe.

I ultimately see myself traveling the world as a keynote speaker, bringing attention to the issues women have with food, their bodies, and self-esteem, and how we can each make an impact in helping ourselves and others become Whole Women. Whole Women love, nourish, and protect themselves, and in doing so are able to reach their full potential in this life and help others do the same. I envision individuals, by reaching their full potential, creating positive, global change for women as a result. Positive action will radiate out from each women, creating a ripple effect that will spread farther and farther. We can’t create such a self-empowering effect all at once, but individually, we can learn to love and respect ourselves and pass on that knowledge and support in a glorious chain reaction that will one day result in powerful advancement in our global efforts for female empowerment.

I desire to become a Voices of Our Future Correspondent because I know what I learn and experience from the program will make me a better leader, a better activist, a better woman.