Walking The Talk

Today something very exciting happened to me: I was accepted into my first CSA. No, it’s not some sort of graduate program, spy ring or Mensa group. It’s Community Sponsored Agriculture. For those unfamiliar with CSAs, basically you are investing upfront in a farmer’s growing season by buying shares of their crop. Each Tuesday starting in June, I’ll go to an appointed spot and pick my veggies and fruit for the week.  I’ve wanted to do this since last fall when I first read about them. As a city girl, I didn’t understand why I had to wait until spring.  Anyway…I knew there were only 65 slots available and lots of competition for the Tribeca CSA. So when I found out I could buy my share today I was nearly as excited as the day I was accepted to Colgate University.

Very Exciting!!!!

Coming down off the CSA high, I began to wonder why I was that thrilled – after all, it’s just vegetables, not a four-year education.  First, I thought that as someone who will always view herself (in part) as a misfit toy, I just love being accepted anywhere by any group.  Seriously, if I was brought up in the wrong neighborhood I would have been an easy recruit for the Bloods or Crips.  So knowing that I could be part of not just a CSA, but the Tribeca CSA, well…it meant that I was part of the community – my community -- and that felt pretty great.

But soon I realized that acceptance wasn’t the whole story.  Those of you devoted friends and readers following my story over the last few years know that I have become devoted to healthier eating and living. This passion is why I became a health coach and launched my own practice. By joining the CSA, I was “walking the talk.” I was making a commitment, not only to including fresh, local, organic produce into my life on a weekly basis, but I am actually helping to support the farmers that make it possible. To me this is truly exhilarating.  And that is perhaps why I am a bit of a geek, too.

But looking back, this is nothing new. Even as a small child, my integrity – or walking the talk -- was vastly important to me.  Living in a single parent household, nearly on the brink of poverty, my integrity was often the one thing I could hold onto in what felt like a sea of chaos.  My mother loves to tell the tale of me terrorizing the neighborhood on my big wheel when I was five. She overheard the seven and eight-year old boys whisper, “watch out for that one!”  I don’t remember the details as clearly today, but I know I was defending the honor of my girl friends who had been picked on by these budding hoodlums (honestly, in Mill Basin it’s doubtful they would grow up to be anything but accountants and dentists.) I wanted those boys to know they couldn’t mess with me or my friends – and I needed to do something about it. And so I circled them like a hungry vulture on my big wheel until twilight.

That’s why, at my amazing birthday celebration last week, one of the most touching things said about me (by my dear friend Rita) was that I “walk the talk.”  I may not be easy going (as was also remarked) or patient; I can be shy and fearful at times.  And, I know that I am often highly opinionated and arrogant. But I do back up those opinions with actions.  

In this blog, I’ve written about my commitment to voting. I’m out there every election day: primaries, run-offs, whatever rain or shine, long line or ghost town. I recycle and always find good homes for cast-off furniture or clothes. I clean with homemade natural products.   I have participated in countless boycotts and protests.  I support the causes I believe in with money, time and by spreading the word.

But lest you think that my integrity is spotless, think again.  I know my walking the talk is not 100% -- no one’s perfect. For example, I just can’t quite bring myself to compost. I know there are ways to do so in Manhattan but they are a bit too daunting for a space-challenged germaphobe.

And then there’s leather. For years, as a non-meat eater, I convinced myself that buying leather products was ok because they were just by-products of the meat industry and would go to waste anyway. But recently after learning the horrors of factory farming, I decided I couldn’t reconcile my participation in any part of it. (CAVEAT: we are talking about my beliefs – I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything…really.) That being said, last week I did buy myself a gorgeous new leather handbag with a generous birthday gift card that came my way. I literally forgot my pledge. It was as if my love of fashion completely obliterated my memory like that wand in the movie “Men in Black.”

evidence of my imperfection

Well it just reminds me that I’m a work in progress. Maybe next time, I'll have the strength and determination to opt for a canvas bag or "vegan leather" sandals. And maybe I'll get over my qualms and figure out the composting conundrum. But maybe not. And that's ok too. Integrity is attractive, but perfectionism is not so pretty. 

If I was perfect, I’d doubt I’d have any friends at all. And, more importantly, it reminds me to love all my friends and family not despite their flaws but because of them – and that’s perhaps the best way I can walk the talk.

I would love it if you would share ways that you walk the talk or ways you’d like to begin doing so. And, if  you're interested in joining a CSA visit Just Food: http://www.justfood.org/csaloc

50 Reasons to Celebrate Turning 50

In a scant week from now I will be 50 years old, one half century, five decades – no matter how I say it, it sounds pretty terrifying. But there are definitely dozens of reasons to be happy where I am. And so to convince myself and my many, many friends joining me in this milestone here goes: 50 Reasons to Celebrate Turning 50

1. I don’t ever have to live through my difficult childhood years again
2. I don’t ever have to live though my traumatic and awkward teen years again
3. I don’t ever have to live through the confusion and drama of my 20s again
4. I don’t ever have to live though the challenging transformative/redemptive years of my 30s again
5. I already know algebra and geometry and never have to sit through a math class again
6. I can study whatever I want
7. I know what I want to be when I grow up
8. I understand what true friendship is and have many amazing, loyal and loving friends to show for it
9. I know how to set boundaries with emotional vampires
10. I was born before calculators so I can add, divide, multiply and subtract in my head
11. I was born before the internet so I can look things up in books or ask experts for answers
12. I was born before Yelp so I can ask human beings for real recommendations
13. I can read a map – a real map
14. I was born before cell phones so I know how to show up on time and keep appointments
15. I was born before cell phones so I know how to read or sit in quiet contemplation while waiting in airport terminals, doctor’s offices and movie theaters.
16. I was born before email so I know how to handwrite a proper thank-you or condolence note
17. After years of experimentations, I know what clothes look good and me and don’t feel the need to try a Bolero jacket
18. I can dress for comfort and appropriateness instead of trying to be cute or sexy all the time (and still be fashionable, of course.)
19. I have a wardrobe full of beautiful, fine quality items that suit all occassions
20. I am happy with my body (finally) and I don’t feel the need to compete with 20-year olds
21.  I have 50 years-worth of knowledge in music, politics, TV and movies
22. I have read War and Peace and been to the Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Ontario
23. I had to take Home Ec so I know how to sew and cook
24. I had to take Phys Ed so I know how to climb a rope and square dance
25. I grew up in the Watergate era so I learned how to question authority
26. I grew up during the Viet Nam War so I know that protests work and that our voice matters
27. I grew up during the second wave of feminism so I know that I matter and not to believe media portrayals of women etc.
28. I am a baby boomer: the most influential demographic
29. I have a long and distinguished resume and have made a difference in my community through my work
30. I know what I’m talking about…and when I don’t, I ask questions
31. I have experienced loss and can now help someone with their grief
32. I have been through a kitchen reno and can help someone avoid pitfalls
33. I sold a house and can offer my experience
34. I have hosted a wedding and am always willing to help brides (and grooms!)
35. I had “a procedure” and can now help someone who is afraid of having surgery (no, it wasn’t plastic surgery!)
36. I have started and ended and started new businesses
37. I survived 9/11, the crash of 2008 and Hurricane Sandy – and I’m more resilient and more grateful for it.
38. I can paint my own apartment and unclog a toilet or shower drain
39. I know that everything passes and to not fear bad phases or hold on to good ones too dearly
40. I know that I am not God and I’m happy about it
41. I have learned how to forgive and feel lighter every day that I do
42. I know the importance of daily sunlight, water and movement
43. I know that I am part of the universe
44. I am not afraid to share my views on nutrition, politics, feminism, animal rights, Downton Abbey or anything else that matters to me, but I can allow you your opinion too (finally!)
45. I have seen babies grow into wonderful adult human beings
46. I have watched my city transform itself again and again
47. I have been to 16 countries and hiked the Grand Canyon and I’m ready for more
48. I kick ass in Words with Friends, Scrabble and Quiz Up
49. I am still flexible enough to do the Camel Pose
50. Most importantly, I have many more years ahead to learn, make mistakes, love, forgive, eat great food and laugh with my dog

Have birthday to all my buddies born in 1964!!!

P.S. And speaking of new businesses...don't forget to visit my new health coaching website: www.karenazeezwellbeings.com 

Have a great Saturday