Meghan Lazier

via the Do Lectures

Mon, 28 May 2012 04:23:41 -0400

via the Do Lectures

"Research on the attributes that we associate with ‘being feminine’ tells us that the..."

Thu, 24 May 2012 06:53:53 -0400

“Research on the attributes that we associate with ‘being feminine’ tells us that the most important qualities for women are: thin, nice, pretty. If you want to play it totally safe, you have to be willing to stay as small, quiet, and attractive as possible.”

- Brene Brown

Can’t stop thinking about this quote - so true! via The Do...

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:53:14 -0400

Can’t stop thinking about this quote - so true! via The Do Village

The Learning List

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:17:56 -0400

It’s been five years since I’ve graduated from college - it’s the turning point where I’ve now been out of college longer than I was enrolled in college. And while I love the liberal arts and the experiences that only college can provide (study abroad, inspiring professors and mentors, time to concentrate solely on academics and learning), sometimes I wonder if I’ve learned more during my five years in the post-college world. But the word “more” isn’t quite fair. It’s just that now, I learn based on my own curriculum. The subjects I choose and the assignments I give myself are based on the challenges I face personally and professionally.

In college, I learned how to apply. I was constantly filling out applications for internships (I applied to at least 50 internships before I landed my first at National Geographic), leadership positions and study abroad programs. Now, I’m learning how to pitch. I’m trying to bring in new freelance clients. I’m pitching new ideas and projects. I’m pitching the brand of me, always.

At Eureka, I learned how to go to a completely new place, all by myself and start all over again, whether it was the first day of freshman year or during my first semester studying abroad in Japan. I also learned how to begin again. Now, I’m doing the same in Kabul. New friends, new ideas, new places.

In college, I learned how to write a carefully researched thesis paper and edited the weekly student newspaper. Now, I write for clients - namely to help business owners make money and build a brand. I write to create change through public service campaigns in Afghanistan. When I write for myself, I write in the most unresearched way possible. I write from the heart.

At Eureka, I learned how to take even more initiative. I started an after school program for children residing in the local housing authority. I launched a campaign with my friends to get condoms on campus. Since then, I’ve started a business and I’m currently working on hosting a TEDxKabul event. I’m thinking bigger.

It’s not fair to say I’ve learned more since college. I’ve just used my college experiences to inform what I need to navigate my current challenges.

Here’s what on my learning list now, five years later:

- Beef up my HTML & CSS know-how because I want to be able to edit and design websites like a digital native.

- Speak conversational Dari because I want to learn as much as possible about a culture so different from the one where I was raised.

- Read and apply behavioral change communications theory to my work because I want my words to influence people, not just through creative copy, but through real, lasting change.

- Learn the principles of design thinking and integrate them into my work and life so I approach problems and obstacles with a solution oriented approach.

- Cook five new meals from memory that I can make with food available in Afghanistan so that I’m not just eating dry cereal and mac ‘n cheese. Bonus points for learning Afghan recipes.

Check out my interview with Project peaceBOMB on the Daily Muse.

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:55:26 -0400

Check out my interview with Project peaceBOMB on the Daily Muse.

I'm going to mentor a female entrepreneur from Africa, South Asia or the Middle East - and you can too! Apply by May 31st.

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:23:00 -0400

I'm going to mentor a female entrepreneur from Africa, South Asia or the Middle East - and you can too! Apply by May 31st.

"There are moments on the brink, when you can give yourself to a lover, or not; give in to..."

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:50:12 -0400

“There are moments on the brink, when you can give yourself to a lover, or not; give in to self-doubt, uncertainty, and admonishment, or not; dive into a different culture, or not; set sail for the unknown, or not; walk out onto a stage, or not….Resist then, and…there is only what might have been. - Diane Ackerman”

"I believe, however, that pitches are won — and people are willing to follow you — not because..."

Thu, 17 May 2012 03:11:20 -0400

“I believe, however, that pitches are won — and people are willing to follow you — not because you’ve twisted someone’s arm, but because people see that you understand them, that you’ve applied the time and the sensitivity to do so, and that you possess a special gift that can help them reach their heart’s desire.”

- via HBR

Another example of how taking a risk multiplies your professional opportunities!

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:08:22 -0400

Another example of how taking a risk multiplies your professional opportunities!

The Diplomat

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:57:00 -0400

Reality TV shows producers intentionally look for people who are one-dimensional when casting a show, I learned recently from my housemate/boss Lauren. That approach makes for entertaining TV. “Who will play their typecast role and not waiver?” they ask. By casting different types, producers can easily create tension between personalities. And that, in turn, helps create a plot. The approach gently guides the audience to know what to expect from each person on camera.

But life isn’t like that. No one is truly one-dimensional. At times we all play the party animal, the intellectual, the hero, the romantic, the loner, the instigator, the mentor, the politician, the survivor.

So mayby it’s not a surprise that the biggest challenge living in Afghanistan hasn’t been security or safety. It hasn’t been wearing a headscarf or not understanding the local languages. The biggest challenge has been adjusting to living with thirteen other people.

But don’t misunderstand. There are so many wonderful people in our house.

And our guesthouse is lovely, too. There are three separate buildings, and one even houses a gym. I live in the main house with seven other people. It’s where the kitchen and living room are located. It’s also home to a beautiful backyard that’s lined with rose bushes in bloom in the summer and even a swimming pool for lazy afternoons (!!).

The challenge hasn’t been the accommodations or even finding people to connect with, but overall knowing where I fit in to the house dynamic.

If I was forced to label myself, though, I’d say I’m the diplomat. Living in a place that feels public, I have a much stronger desire to avoid conflict than ever before. I’ve learned it takes a certain skill set to navigate thirteen other people’s personalities, to talk your way out of talking about work at 10pm, to routinely think about the consequences of your actions on other people, to know when to let things slide and to know when to speak up. I talk less and listen more. I strive to be tactful and polite. I feel much more guarded. I’m slower to trust and slower to speak my mind.

I never would have predicted this. At home, I had a bad habit of thinking of what I was going to say next instead of really being present in a conversation because I always had something to say. I instantly trusted anyone and everyone. I could find common ground to talk about with practically anyone. I was a little more Pollyanna.

And some of these things haven’t changed. I still wear my heart on my sleeve and I tend to make friends quickly. But my desire to remain more private has come as a surprise, even to me. I’m feeling more fragile, more sensitive.

I’m learning that this is how I’m transitioning. This is how I’m dealing with change. I’m dipping my toes in slowly instead of doing a cannonball off the diving board. I’m realizing that Afghanistan is bringing out sides of my personality that I’m not as well acquainted with. And for that, I definitely cannot be accused of being one-dimensional.

*This photo is proof that I was actually a participant on a reality TV show in Hong Kong. Don’t worry, Mom. It was similar to The Amazing Race.

"The guesthouse has an invisible banner that says “Welcome to the Expat World. Buckle Up."

Thu, 10 May 2012 01:20:00 -0400

“The guesthouse has an invisible banner that says “Welcome to the Expat World. Buckle Up.””

- via my housemate’s blog http://natashalatiff.com/

Just How Powerful Are You?

Wed, 09 May 2012 02:14:00 -0400

Just How Powerful Are You?

Photo

Sat, 05 May 2012 13:51:00 -0400

Me, Lauren and Irina

Vehicles at Green Village

Naw Ruz Brunch

Why the world needs a more feminine version of success...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:45 -0400

Why the world needs a more feminine version of success...

Assignmint is going to change freelance writing.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:24:31 -0400

Assignmint is going to change freelance writing.

FAB-U-LOUS! or Something Like It

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:48:00 -0400

I give great advice. At least, that’s what my friends tell me (or what they’ve led me to believe). The secret to my self-proclaimed success is that I usually don’t prescribe any course of action that I can’t follow myself, and I sandwich my opinions between a rousing pep talk of how awesome my friend is (which is easy since I have awesome friends).

I don’t know what advice I’ve given most recently, but I do remember my most memorable bit of wisdom I’ve ever imparted. It was on stage in front of my classmates and their families at my college graduation. From behind the podium, I told a brief antidote that happened during the fall semester of my senior year. I was with my mom and some of her friends when the inevitable, dreaded question arose. “So what are you going to do after graduation?” Every soon-to-be-alum hates this question, especially six months ahead of time. But apparently, I was feeling quite bold, so I replied, “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but it’s going to be something fabulous.” My mom just beamed. We still quote this line to each other. (Although writing it now, I’m picturing myself mouthing this in slow motion, but hearing Oprah’s voice bellowing it out. It sort of sounds like I stole it from her “What I Know for Sure” column, no?).

So being fabulous at all times and encouraging others to embrace ambiguity were my key takeaways. That and to not worry about what was next because it was time for the class of 2007 to par-tay!

When I embraced ambiguity at 22, I felt like I was on the verge of something wonderful. And indeed, I was. After I graduated, I moved to Hong Kong, and in between my three-hour a week teaching gig, I was able to travel throughout Southeast Asia with some of the best friends I’ll ever have. I barely made any money, but I was truly, truly happy. But as the year, and my contract, wound down, I began to worry about what was next. Should I stay in Hong Kong? Move back to Chicago? Try to get a job in media? Go for something totally different? But even with the unknowns, the possibilities thrilled me. My life decisions seemed like an adventure waiting to happen.

But let’s face it. Ambiguity feels a little scarier at age 27. Some 27 year-olds have little ambiguity – they are already settled down and married, responsible homeowners with beautiful children in tow. But it’s probably not my age that is determining the levels of ambiguity in my life, it’s the choices I’ve made. And no doubt, I’m still choosing the adventurous route.

Living in Kabul is not for the faint of heart. In the last week, I’ve embraced plenty of ambiguity. The U.S. Embassy is no longer funding the project that I came here to work on. The largest attack on Kabul in the last 11 years occurred, and due to the security situation, I had to wait out the attacks at my office, where we stayed for 26 hours. Yesterday, a rainstorm caused our office to flood to the point of knee-deep water in the very basement where I hid out last week. And don’t let me forget, my credit card info was hacked. It’s been quite a week.

I guess it should be obvious, but I’m not feeling super ambitious or motivated right now. And for those that know me best, this is wayyyyy out of character. With all the reeling, I don’t want to give ambiguity a hug, I want to b*tch slap it across the face until it gives me some answers. Seriously, what am I doing? Did I make the right decision coming here? Am I a masochist? Do I even want a career in media?

So, I’m taking my own advice. I’m learning that ambiguity is not always easy. Sometimes it’s scary and downright annoying. But I’m going to keep making my decisions by choosing the option that excites me most, and even though I’m not sure where that will take me…it’s going to be FAB-U-LOUSS!! (Right, Oprah?) Excuse me while I give myself a pep talk…or maybe a bubble bath (Oprah knows what’s up).

It's the Little Things...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:59:29 -0400

Maybe I’m still in my honeymoon phase in Kabul, but everything seems to be falling into place perfectly. I’ve been feeling totally happy for no particular reason. It’s not that there aren’t difficulties or frustrations, but I’m still delighted by how Kabul surprises and delights me. Unexpected bliss in the form of:

- Waking up to the sound of an ice cream truck (in reality, it’s more like a cart, but still)

- Knowing I have a package arriving next week from my Mom! FILLED WITH MY CLOTHES :)

- The way the houses in Kabul are built into the mountains. It’s so surreal. Especially at night when the lights twinkle.

- Smiling at complete strangers.

- Raising a glass with new friends. Cheers!

- Bonfires at night. Under the stars!

- Listening more and talking less. So much to learn. So many fascinating people.

- Playing with our maid’s baby, Sophia, every morning. Love seeing her face light up when she sees me.

- Getting ready to go out with the music turned up and friends’ closets to borrow from.

- Every car ride feels like an adventure about to happen. Day or night.

- Trying new things from new foods to new dance moves (hello, salsa class!)

- Sitting on the porch after work with my best friend here, Irina.

- Feeling completely at home where I am and with who I am. Not wanting to be anywhere or anyone else.

"It may be risky to live your truth. It may not mean the best job or the safer career. But if one has..."

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:45:35 -0400

“It may be risky to live your truth. It may not mean the best job or the safer career. But if one has to take risks, it’s better to do it at the starting points of your life rather than the middle or the end. And when we are passionate about what we do, we will bring success to it simply because we are living our truth and our passion. So I would say, create the perfect job you want for yourself. Money and safety will come eventually with it but when it comes, it will be long lasting and with emotional satisfaction. Jump off the cliff and live your truth now. - Zainab Salbi”

- via http://www.claudiachan.com/interviews/zainab-salbi/

Photo of a photo at the French Cultural Center in Kabul

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:58:09 -0400

Photo of a photo at the French Cultural Center in Kabul

laracasey: Note to self and everyone ever: You know all of...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:23:11 -0400

laracasey:

Note to self and everyone ever: You know all of those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go do them. Because life is NOW. We spend virtually our entire lives “planning for the future” and setting things up for what’s ahead. We are programmed to think about what’s to come instead of what is right now. Now is the only reality. The past is gone and the future hasn’t happened yet. So, 1. Don’t worry. Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want in the future which isn’t even reality yet. 2. If there is something on your heart and it just won’t leave you and it’s a good thing, just do it already! The potential for you igniting greatness in your life and so many others is worth the risk! The alternative is to do nothing and that does… well… nothing. When you do the good things on your heart - no matter how hard they are - life happens! You find joy and the world opens up! You feel light and free and more doors open. So, don’t wait until the timing is perfect or until that magical day you have no fear. That’s not going to happen. The time is now. Goodness is waiting for you right. this. second. Go and do.