In which I talk about power books

No, not the computer. A few years ago, when I was feeling rather desperately overwhelmed by various and sundry pressures, I created a power book for myself. I'm not sure how I came up with the idea; I think it was one of those organic little projects that just happened. I took a small blank book and a shipment from Artella and went to work. I selected the pictures that best represented women with power, who radiated confidence and strength. Then I went quote-hunting, finding the best quotes to prop up my flagging spirits. I mined the words of Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill and Marianne Williamson, but I also collected inspiration from less expected sources, like children's books.

Once I had assembled my quotes and images, I put everything together in my blank book and labeled it a power book. It exists for no other reason than to remind me of what is possible, what is do-able, what is within reach if I remember to ask for it. One of my favorite quotes was a line of dialogue from Christopher Robin in A.A. Milne's beloved Pooh books: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. It has a wonderful rhythm when you say it aloud--it might make a very good mantra, come to think of it.