People have told us they're using our sisterly banter to start conversations with others (family, friends, and even in classrooms), so Black created "Conversation Starters".
| What's so heartbreaking about this situation, besides the photos of the thousands of
people trying to flee the country, is that the people, especially women, who've had a taste of
the freedoms they've historically been denied, have no idea what the future now
holds. I've always loved history and believe that you can't understand current situations and challenges without understanding the past. And Afghanistan is no exception. And while I'm definitely not an expert on that part of the world, I believe that it's critical to recognize that the country has always been a "tribal society" with allegiance to those tribes stronger than to any centralized government. That may explain why the British left after their "unsuccessful" war, as did the Soviets, and now us. In addition, although it's human nature to believe how you do things is the "right way" and everyone else is doing it "wrong" (that's how my Mom treats me about everything!), when it comes to countries and types of government, that doesn't mean you'll be able to force people to see it your way, or even if you do, that they're prepared to do it. |
| I know that the politics and accusations about our
involvement in the war, and now our exit, are another example of how divided
our elected officials have become, and the media feeds on it. But, I am guessing, prior to the U.S.
announcing we were leaving, our
presence in Afghanistan wasn't something most people even thought about,
let alone discussed. (I feel it is important that we acknowledge the brave men
and women of the U. S. Armed Forces who displayed courage and commitment in
fighting this war and sacrificed so much – and, for some, they made the
ultimate sacrifice.)
And, I cannot help but wonder what the "backward plan" was for this war, if there even was one. The U.S. government was clear on why we started and what they wanted to accomplish, but did they ever really plan for how to exit? People know how to plan to accomplish something but rarely think about the "then what" … and it seems every President realized there was no clean way out, and seemed to just "kick the can down the road" and leave it for the next guy. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- What can you learn from history? Do you believe history repeats itself?
- Do you think all countries should be democracies? Explain your answer. And what challenges might a country transitioning to a democracy face?
- Should we honor our military regardless of what we think of any given situation? Why or why not?
Design by Sawyer Pennington
Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| | In some ways, it seems like decades ago that my husband got fired. In other ways, it seems like yesterday. I had never felt so scared. So confused.So out of control. I thought he’d work for the company where he had been for years until he retired, and by then we’d have a second home and would live happily ever after. It never occurred to me that anything could change that plan. Everything seemed perfect. Then, seemingly in an instant, the future I had counted on disappeared. And my life became a living nightmare. |
| Yes, and as I told you at the time … you needed to calm down. I said that a lot. Still do. Anyway, I remember telling you to take a deep breath … and that you would get through it. And, you did, although you constantly questioned whether you could. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- Your life can change in an instant. Can you be prepared? How can you plan for the unknown?
- What are other unplanned life events?
- What's one thing you can control when life feels out of control?
Design by Sawyer Pennington
Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| I need to vent! Between work and family, I'm constantly busy. And I feel like I'm always needed by someone for something! Which normally is ok, as that's my life. But sometimes all the everyday things keep piling up to the point it’s overwhelming, and I feel totally stressed. I just need some time alone! |
| | No, you need time away. |
| Same thing. |
| No. Not really. “Time alone” means without anyone with you. So, running errands without the girls or working alone in your office would be time alone. But, what you need is … “time away”. In other words, time with no other objective than doing something for yourself. Even if that is doing nothing. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- When was the last time you did something by yourself that was just for yourself?
- Is taking "time away" selfish?
- Can knowing you have blocked off "time away" help with managing stress today?