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OTK Issue 02

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ISSUE 02

Her Words. Her Journey. Her Story.

TAMARA ALBURY How Diamonds Are Made


Our mission is to

support empower and

women of all ages and any race through traditional

journalism, storytelling, illustrations and photography.

supports diversity, inclusion and equality for women This magazine

.

Our hope is that the stories in the magazine illustrate this through the telling details of our everyday women’s inspiring lives.


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FROM THE EDITOR Welcome back to Issue No. 2. The first story I received for this issue was an essay about failure by writer Jade

Emerson. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I moved through each paragraph. I think it was because I could relate and knew what she had been through the last two years, which isn’t unlike what a lot of women endure — failure to meet the endless

2

demands made on us balancing work and our personal lives. My next thought was,

Women of Fort Worth Who Inspire

I can’t wait to share this with all of the women who read this. As the other stories rolled in, my elation grew, because what founder and owner Adrienne Martinez and I are doing is humbling — the timeless effort of giving a voice to all women in our community through talented writers’ essays, poems, short stories and reporting. I know people have been changing lives through pictures and words since we lived in caves, but to carry that baton for women is life-giving work. I mean, we have Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gayle Reaves contributing her heart-opening poetry to this issue. How Amber Davis’ illustrations dress up the writing throughout in the finest of clothes is awesome too. And the way our cover illustration coalesced is some sort of magical kismet just like all of the other ways this magazine has come together. Adrienne found chalk artist Jan Riggins on Instagram. Her wheels started to turn. If this second issue’s cover story is about the Young Women’s Leadership Academy principal’s life journey, and chalk is used in schools, then maybe our next cover illustration could be a chalk mural on the wall at the school, illustrating how diamonds are made through heat and pressure, just like principal Tamara Albury. Voila! While that offered a little insight into how Adrienne’s wheels turn and how she pours her heart into everything, the way it happened also reflects the beauty of this magazine — she found a female artist to support who also wanted to support other women through her passion and craft, which then tells a story about another woman through her art, whose passion as a principal helps countless young women. It then created a moment for the students at school to come together and experience women empowering other women as they chalked words of empowerment onto the mural one morning. My hope is that these ripples in the water unfurl into a surge of kindess to people everywhere as we are reminded that women like Tamara don’t wake up one morning a badass — they are made that way through a life full of experiences being tested in the fire like the coal and

With gratitude,

gems in jars on her desk. There is not enough room on this page to share everything I am over-the-moon excited about in this magazine, but I hope you feel as much joy as I did reading

JOCELYN F TATUM

Executive Editor

these pages. Or at least find inspiration to start your own journey. Let us know how we can help you along the way.


What is the best gift you have ever received?

S arah An g le WRITER

Ce le st in a B lo k WRITER

The best gift I’ve ever received is my son Bo. Having a child in my late 30s added more chaos to my already hectic life but at the same time slowed me down in the best possible way.

J ill B o ld WRITER

The best gift I’ve received in my life would be my planner — it is my lifeline. I’ve gone through several over the years, but I received my first one as a gift from my grandmother, who told me that by mastering my time and writing down my tasks I might find some freedom in chaos. Thank you, Mimi.

J e n n ife r Cass e d ay- B lair WRITER

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Amb e r Dav is I L LU ST R ATO R

When I was a kid, my grandmother began bringing me to her oil painting class on Saturday mornings. I begrudgingly attended a studio full of old Bob Ross groupies instead of slumber parties with my peers for about six years. I believe this is the greatest gift I have ever received. I found a creative outlet that is still changing my life for the better, and I am forever grateful.

Jad e E me rs o n WRITER

Sharing a story, especially the ones that are closest to us, requires so much bravery, so the best gift I’ve received is the stories that people trust and share with me.

Agustin Gonza lez PHOTOGRAPHER

The best gift I have received was a Canon film camera, and it was so meaningful to me, because with that camera, it brought me life lessons I could not get anywhere else. I have not received many gifts so I had to really think hard on that one.

M yr ia m Gonza lez WRITER

The best gift I ever received was when I was 10, and my cousin gifted me a turquoise “Lion King” diary. It was the first legitimate item I could write my thoughts in, and it came with a lock, which made it super secretive and special.

Angie M a r tinez WRITER

The best gift I received in life was my children. They completely changed the course of my life in the absolute best way. And my husband gifted me a pair of handmade cowboy boots from M.L Leddys as my wedding gift! Boots are nearly 9 years old and still going strong.

E r ic Ra mirez PHOTOGRAPHER

The guitar my mom gave me for Christmas in seventh grade and which I still have. It ignited my passion for music.

Gayle Reaves WRITER

The best gift I think I ever received was my own (illustrated) copy of Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty when I was about in second or third grade. I loved horses, and I loved that book so much that I remember memorizing the first several pages of the children’s version so I could recite it to my parents. On my birthday, when I unwrapped my own brand-new copy, I was speechless.

Amb er Shuma ke PHOTOGRAPHER

My son. His birth mother gave us the most incredible gift when she allowed us to adopt him. When I see him, I am reminded daily of her courage and the capacity within each of us to love one another.

Shilo Ur b a n WRITER

A Crayola Caddy. Creativity + Organization = Pure Bliss

3 OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02

My mom gives me the gift of time and love every Monday when she picks up my daughter from school.

CONTRIBUTORS


F E A T U R E S

Women of Fort Worth Who Inspire

4 One to Watch

38 Hailey Hernandez Determined Profile

42 As the Crowe Flies: Profile of a Runner Short Story

46 Painting with the Dark Poetry by Gayle Reaves

48 Oyster Farming Poetry by Gayle Reaves

50 Big Blues in Cowtown Poetry by Wynn Amargein Ellis

28 TAMARA One to Know

albury

How Diamonds Are Made

Photo by Amber Shumake


u o k y n a Th

AMANDA Arizola • CYNTHIA Ayala • JULIE Baker • MARIA R Balandran • REBECCA Balcarcel • KYOKO Bass • • MARISA Bell • CHRISTINA Berger • EVA Bermejo • MELINDA Bermejo • • VALERIE Bigler • LASHAUNN Bold • EVA Bonilla • LISA Botello • • DONNA Campbell • KENYAIL Carr • AMANDA Darden • LANESHA Davis • • DIONNA Deardorff • CORRIE Donovan • DAYNA Epley • CARI Feehan • • ROBIN Fielding • ALLYSSA Garcia • ALICIA Garza • IANINE Glassman • • MARTHA Gonzales • NANCY Gonzales • MYRIAM Gonzalez • FIGEN Gundogdu • • NICOLE Hawkins • LEE Henderson • LAURA High • ANNETTE Hill • FLO Hill • • JACLYN Justice • SAMANTHA Keaton • ANNE Kline • LOREE LaChance • BLAIZE LaFleur • • KENDAL Lake • CYNTHIA M Lopez • NELLIE Martinez • CONNOR Mccourt • MORIAH Mendez • • ANAKA Mittal • DANA Moody • LIZ Nelson • ANNA Noyce • BOB Of DFW • JENNA Pinder • • JAN Riggins • CAROL Roark • BETTY Rodriguez • MARIA Rodriguez • KAREN Rogers • • MONICA Savino • ERICKA Solis • TERRIE Talbert • DEVONNE Tatum • • ESTHER Turner • ELISA Valdez • ERIN Varnon • LORENA Waits • ANDREW Walker • •

•

PLANTS CAN REDUCE STRESS

• AURELIA Albers • JULIE Alvarez • CALLIE Anderson • AMY Arriaga • ANELIA Banda • ANDREA Bell • JUANITA Bermejo • VALERIE Bigler • OLGA Buster • • ALEX Cambora • ELVIRA Casarez • TANISIA Castillo-Queppet • LAUREN Castleberry • CONNIE Cervantez • BRIANNA Cervantez • • SARAH Cohen • TONI Contreras • ALEJANDRA Contreras • LEILA Daniels • FRANCES De Leon • PATRICIA DeLeon • DORA DeLeon • VIRGINIA DiPierro • • MICHAEL Edwards • MARY HELEN Enriquez • STEPHANIE Fenyes • ROBIN Fielding • LAUREN Findley • LAUREN Foster • ROSANNA Frias • • REBECCA Galindo Castro • EDDYE Gallagher • STACEY Garcia • JUANITA Garcia • AMY Garland • MARÍA ISABEL Garza • ALICIA Garza • • EDWARD Guerra • LAUREN Guerrero • CAMILLE Guerrero • DENNISSE Guerrero • LINDA Hailey • JENNIFER Hamrick • JADE Hebbert • • LAUREN Heimburger • VANESSA Hernandez • VICTORIA Herrera • SARA Herrera • LAURA High • MARIA Huizar • HEATHER Kauffman • • LINDSAY Kinzie • ELVA Lopez • EMMA Lopez • LINDA Lopez • ANGELA Martinez • DONNA Martinez • ERIN Martinez • • VERONICA Martinez • LANETTE Martinez-Vidaurri • MAGGIE Mercado • PEGGY Miller • VALERIE Ochoa • RACHELLE Ohlhaber • • DIANA Oliveros • LUCINDA Ortega • ROSEMARY Ortez • ELSA Pais • EMMA Patino • CARLA Prieto • BEATRICE Ramirez • • PAULINE Ramos • SKY Ramos • THERESA Ramos • ROSIE Rios • KARINA Rodriguez • DIANA Rodriquez • • DANIEL Rosales • BARBARA Herrera Rosales • SUSAN Russell • LATOYA Savala • ALICIA Servin • SANDRA Sharp • • DEBRA Sherman • COLLEEN Shutt • NICOLE Sinclair • ERICKA Solis • LINDA Soto • CHRISTINE Stivers •

We are Romy and Abby of Urban Plantology, a Mother-daughter owned plant shop in

• RUTH Tijerina • HERLINDA Tijerina • BECKY Tobin • TRISH Torres • SHILO Urban •

Fort Worth, Texas. We are beyond grateful to share our passion forUrquidez plants• with allValdez plant• ELISA lovers.Valdez • Urban • SHARON • ANGELIQUE LAURA Walker • CAROLYN Watson • VANESSA We have something for everyone, even if you •don’t haveVillasenor a green• NAYA thumb (yet).

• SUSAN White • HAILEE Wood •

URBAN PLANTOLOGY | 817.879.3341 308 N Main St. | Fort Worth, TX 76102 @urbanplantology1

F O R

@urban_plantology

Y O U R

S U P P O R T


CONTENTS ISSUE 02

14

22

60

Women of Fort Worth Who Inspire

6

SPOTLIGHT 8 SINGER ‘I Get in Where I Fit In’

WORTH 12 STAYING Fresh Airbnbs

14 MAKING

Holiday Gifts for Loved Ones

18 TRYING

Taking the Reins

SUPPORT 20 WINTON + WAITS

BE WELL 60 MINDFULNESS

22 ART ROOM

64 MENTAL HEALTH

Impact Maker

Make a Little Room for the Art Room

READER’S REVEAL 24 WHAT IF If you had an hour of free time right now, how would you spend it?

LIFE 52 AT HOME

Home Design Tips on a Budget

56 PROFESSIONAL

Work Too Much? Blame the Pilgrims

Failing Her Way Toward Success

ESSAY

Better Box

68 HEALING

When East Meets West

FOOD 72 MATRIARCHS

Why Can’t I Cook Like My Mother?

PHILANTHROPY 76 STONE’S THROW FARM CO.

Stories with QR codes

2 Editor’s Letter 3 Contributors 26 Craft 80 Ponder GET YOUR SMART PHONES READY. Scan the QR code or Spotify code at the end of the article for more video and audio content.


“More specific to my identity as a Black woman [...] we don’t get heard or seen in the fullness of our identity very often in a general sense. It is really important to create space to do that. When we create

space, other people see space that they, too, can take up, and they feel like they are freer to speak out when they see other people actually doing that thing [...] It really

helps draw others out who might share the same marginalization or sexualization or racial issues.” - ‘I Get in Where I Fit In’, by Jocelyn Tatum, P 8

horses gave me a place of acceptance and love that I didn’t 7 often find amongst my peers. Now as an adult, I feel I am “As a child and preteen, riding and being close to

For Editorial Inquiries editorial@OneToKnowMagazine.com Advertising sales@OneToKnowMagazine.com Design Adrienne Martinez, art director Editorial Jocelyn F. Tatum, executive editor Contributors Editorial Sarah Angle , Celestina Blok, Jill Bold, Jennifer Casseday-Blair, Wynn Amargein Ellis, Jade Emerson, Myriam Gonzalez, Angie Martinez, Gayle Reaves, Jessica Strange, Shilo Urban Photography Agustin Gonzalez, Eric Ramirez, Amber Shumake Illustrator Amber Davis Have an idea or see a mistake? Tell us about it: editorial@OneToKnowMagazine.com One To Know Magazine is a bimonthly, subscription-based publication. All rights reserved. Views and comments expressed by individuals do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, and no legal responsibility can be accepted for the result of the use by readers of information or advice of whatever kind given in this publication, either in editorial or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reprinted or duplicated without the prior permission of One To Know Magazine LLC. FOLLOW AND LIKE US

@onetoknowmagazine VISIT US ONLINE OneToKnowMagazine.com

“These radical English Calvinists [aka Pilgrims] have long hogged the spotlight in our country’s founding myth, their flaws overlooked, their big black hats obscuring the central contributions of Native Americans, African slaves and the Spanish (to name a few).” - Work Too Much? Blame the Pilgrims, by Shilo Urban, P 56 “And so the question becomes no longer if we will fail, but rather what things do we care so deeply about that they are worth failing for — love, work, art, family, school, dreams? I want a full existence, even if that means it is full of failure. Because when it comes down to it, a life without failure is no life at all.” - Failing Her Way Toward Success, by Jade Emerson, P 60 “What we inherit from our mothers, whether it comes in the

form of a recipe or a memory, is something that we carry with us throughout our lives, whether or not we

can recreate it. So maybe we aren’t meant to reproduce it but rather carry that memory with us and help it evolve into new experiences with our families and friends.” -Why Can’t I Cook Like My Mother?, food essay by Angie Martinez, P 72 “Here, we’re about sisterhood, we’re about empowerment, we’re about being kind. In a world that really is not set up for girls to be successful, we create a bubble where they are.” - How Diamonds Are Made, the cover story by Jade Emerson, P 28

OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02

Publisher & Owner Adrienne Martinez

returning home. I started riding again six months ago after losing my mother unexpectedly. I have rediscovered that love and acceptance, and something deeper.” - Taking the Reins, by Jennifer Casseday-Blair and Jocelyn Tatum, P 18


[WORTH] M A K I N G

Holiday Gifts with Meaning

14

Holiday Gifts for Loved Ones By Celestina Blok

S

pread holiday cheer with gifts that have meaning in more ways than one. These local shops and studios offer classes for creating artisan goods, from candles and crystal necklaces to ceramics and glassware. Recipients will swoon over the love poured into each project, and local businesses benefit from the purchase. It’s a giving season win-win.

GOLD WIRE-WRAPPED CRYSTAL NECKLACES Creatively Beaut Goods Bronx native Cecilia Navarro opened her boho accessories boutique in March 2020 before being forced to shutter shortly thereafter, thanks to the pandemic. But thanks to support from loyal customers, Navarro was able to reopen four months later in a larger location in the River East District. The new space was expansive enough to comfortably display not only her own handmade jewelry and products, but goods from her favorite local vendors. Popular items include vintage clothing, macramé earrings, and gold wire-wrapped crystal necklaces, the latter of which may be custom-made by customers in Navarro’s jewelry-making classes. Participants get to select their own crystal for a completely unique piece. The class is $68 per person and runs about two hours, typically held in the evening.

2900 RACE ST., SUITE 164, FORT WORTH

682.707.9985 creativelybeautgoods.shop


CERAMICS 1725 SIXTH AVE., FORT WORTH

Kendall Davis Clay

214.395.1653

From sake sipping sets to her popular speckled coffee mugs, Kendall Davis’ clay creations are in high demand. At her Near Southside shop and studio, customers can create their own ceramic masterpieces under Davis’ expert guidance during her once-a-month workshops. The $65 class features a different theme each month, and beginners to experts are welcome. After students hone the technique, Davis will fire and glaze their ready-to-gift creations. Note that classes are BYOB and are typically held on a Sunday afternoon.

kendalldavisclay.com

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HAND-POURED CANDLES The Worthy Co. Create a candle and help empower survivors of sex trafficking. This Near Southside nonprofit invests 100% of its profits into fulfilling its mission of employing trafficking victims, who may be recovering from trauma or struggling with addiction while looking to rebuild their lives. Survivors handcraft all jewelry and candles available for sale in Worthy Co.’s beautiful brickand-mortar boutique, located just off Magnolia Avenue. The space also features a candle studio, where custom candle-making classes are offered for small groups. The $45 class includes all tools needed plus private shopping time with a 20% discount. (Note that candles take a couple of days to set, so they’ll need to be picked up later or shipped for an additional $8.) Classes are BYOB (there’s a $5 outside beverage fee per party), and participants are also welcome to bring their own bites (don’t forget plates and napkins). Book a class time online or contact hello@worthy-co.com to ask about private parties.

1216 SOUTH LAKE ST., FORT WORTH

682.708.3414 worthy-co.com Left Page Photo: Photo Courtesy of TK Right Page Top Photo: Photo Courtesy of Kendall Davis Right Page Bottom Photo: Photo Courtesy of Worthy Co.


[WORTH] T R Y I N G

Finding Therapy on Horseback

18

Taking the Reins With a stampede of adults seeking out new therapeutic hobbies, many rode the wave of a global pandemic on the back of a horse By Jennifer Casseday-Blair and Jocelyn Tatum Illustration by Amber Davis

She got back into horseback riding

when her mother died in December 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic made the already shrinking four walls around her seem smaller. She rode when she was young several times a week, but a torn ACL and then college pulled her away. Like so many people battling the tidal waves of anxiety being thrown off by political unrest, social injustice and a smoldering pandemic, Cari Freehan needed to get back outside again, finding therapy on horseback again some 35 years later. “As a child and preteen, riding and being close to horses gave me a place of acceptance and love that I didn’t often find amongst my peers. Now as an adult, I feel I am returning home. I started

riding again six months ago after losing my mother unexpectedly. I have rediscovered that love and acceptance, and something deeper,” she says. Horses are mirrors. They show riders where they are in life in a way a therapist can’t — spiritually, physically and mentally. “They mimic you and what you feel. They mimic insecurities and fears,” she says. This gives Cari an awareness she’s never experienced anywhere else, and through that mirroring awareness, healing. The horse points to her wounds and then carries her in the most majestic and gentle way to the other side of that pain, she reflects. Molly Thomson, owner of Benbrook Stables, says she saw a dramatic rise in the number of adults wanting to take riding lessons during the


Where to Saddle Up Benbrook Stables

$65 for 45-minute group lesson, $85 private lesson STYLES OFFERED:

Currently only accepting riders who bring their own horse STYLES OFFERED:

Western 395 Roseburg, Azle 817.475.7010 robbinsarena.com

Silver Creek Ranch

19

STYLES OFFERED:

10001 Benbrook Blvd., Fort Worth 817.249.1001 benbrookstables.com

$45 for 45-minute lesson

Curragh Equestrian Center

9400 Silver Creek Road, Fort Worth 940.366.6315 johnwiley3254.wixsite.com/ silvercreekranch

$50 for 55-minute group lesson, $80 for 45-minute private lesson STYLES OFFERED:

pandemic. “We heard stories about how they once rode as a kid and always wanted to get back into it … We also hear from our younger and older adults that taking riding lessons has helped with the depression associated with staying at home from work or school due to COVID-19. Other adults are just so happy to have found a new way to get outside and enjoy learning a new skill,” Molly says. For Cari, the sensitivity of a horse creates a connection to a world that is deeply spiritual. “It has given me a way to heal and so much more,” Cari says.

$55 for one-hour group lesson, $65 for one-hour private lesson

OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02

Western, English, Bareback

Robbins Arena

Western, English

Dressage, English

Starline Stables

5595 Ben Day Murrin Road, Fort Worth 817.443.3777 curragh.com

STYLES OFFERED:

Fort Worth Stockyards Stables and Horseback Riding $45 for 30-minute trail ride, $75 for one-hour trail ride STYLES OFFERED:

Western 157 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth 817.239.8830 fortworthstockyardsstables.com

Freedom Equestrian Center STYLES OFFERED:

Dressage, Show Jumping, Western, Natural Horsemanship 1005 Hood Court, Granbury 817.403.6291 freedomequestriancenter.com

Little K Acres

Dressage, Hunter/Jumper 1212 Dove Hill Road, Justin 940.368.6698 starlinestables.com

Star T Ranch

$55 for one-hour lesson STYLES OFFERED:

Dressage, English, Western, Cross-Country 4225 Kelly Road, Aledo 817.247.9257 startranchtx.net

Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center

$55 for one-hour semiprivate lesson, $70 for one-hour private lesson STYLES OFFERED:

Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing 8375 Randol Mill Road, Fort Worth 817.683.5610 trinityriverfarmtx.com

$60 private lesson, $40 semiprivate lesson (small group of 2 – 4 riders)

Triple Cross Ranch

STYLES OFFERED:

Western

Western 414 Cagle Crow, Mansfield 817.946.2180 littlekacres.com

$40 for one-hour lesson STYLES OFFERED:

5617 County Road 913, Godley 817.319.3915 3crossranch.com


[R E A DER ’S R EVEAL] W H A T I F

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READER’S REVEAL

is a section within our magazine dedicated to our readers. For each issue we want you to voice your opinions and share your thoughts with us.

SCAN THE QR CODE to answer our issue 03 question.

ONETOKNOWMAGAZINE.COM @onetoknowmagazine.com

25 OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02

A place to be heard


[ O N E

T O

K N O W ]

Her Journey to Now

28

H O W

A R E

M A D E By Jade Emerson


[ O N E

T O

K N O W ]

29 OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02 Photo by Amber Shumake


[ S H O R T

Poetry

48

S T O R Y ]


[ S H O R T

S T O R Y ]

By Gayle Reaves Illustration by Amber Davis

Is it winter on your side of town? Has the sea risen? Due perhaps to shifting lunar orbits or suitcases packing and unpacking in unison. Denial and acceptance move up and down my thighs like tides, and I learn a different breathing. My eyestalks grow longer but see less. Lips of shell open and close with cloudy currents, straining nourishment from the passing parade. I have begun to layer you with shiny excrescence, so as not to feel the small jabs. They cannot make me bleed. They cannot enter the tender parts. They increase my worth. I am full of pearls. I will put them on a watch to sell on eBay.

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Oyster Farming


[L I F E] P R O F E S S I O N A L

Work Too Much? Blame the Pilgrims How Christmas-banning zealots from 400 years ago are burning you out. Photos and Story by Shilo Urban

Work - Work - Work

56

The U.S. is notorious for mastering the art of busyness and feeling guilty when relaxing. We simultaneously scoff at and envy the one-month-long holiday Europeans enjoy in August. Well, you can thank our Puritan forebears, at least for part of it. It’s estimated that 35 million Americans today are descendants of the Mayflower’s 102 passengers. But we are all heirs to their ethos of incessant striving, which continues to shape America’s work-work-work culture. Regarded by many as strict, stodgy, fun-hating grumps—the Puritans are profoundly untrendy. A recent trip to Barnes & Noble revealed zero books on the Pilgrims in the entire store. These radical English Calvinists have long hogged the spotlight in our country’s founding myth, their flaws overlooked, their big black hats obscuring the central contributions of Native Americans, African slaves, and the Spanish (to name a few). They have a complex and checkered legacy; they were humans, after all. Separation of church and state? That’s the Pilgrims. Janet Jackson’s nipplegate pandemonium? You guessed it. But love them or hate them, the Puritans’ philosophy still affects the daily lives of millions of Americans, whether we are faithful Christians or hardened atheists — and whether we know it or not. The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving in the autumn of 1621, and more than 20,000 Puritans joined them in Massachusetts over the next 20 years. The two groups of Calvinists merged over time, drawn together by distinct values that they planted in the soil next to the pumpkins and corn: diligence, discipline and development (of the self and society). They shared a deep-seated conviction that it was possible to make the world a better place, and they labored with incredible intensity to close the gap between their ideals and reality. Where did this obsessive drive come from? For the Puritans, hard work wasn’t just good — it was sacred. They didn’t invent this idea; sloth had long been one of Catholicism’s seven deadly sins, and Martin Luther had spawned the Protestant work ethic a century earlier. Idleness, he proclaimed, was “the greatest plague on earth.” Photo Opposite Page: A Pilgrim’s work is never done. Women sewed and mended clothes whenever they sat down between gardening, cleaning, cooking, and caring for children. Only six women survived the first winter and were on hand to help prepare the first Thanksgiving meal—a three-day feast for an estimated 140 people.


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[BE W EL L] M P HI N OD TF OUGLRNAEPSHSE R

Failing Her Way Toward Success Why failure is often the best thing that can happen to us

Women of Fort Worth who Inspire

60

By Jade Emerson Illustration by Amber Davis


W

So, I started running in the opposite direction — I took a gap year instead of attending college. The disappointment and defeat I felt led me to the best experiences — and challenges — of my life. I cooked in Paris. I wrote in Copenhagen. I studied in England. Failing was the best thing that could ever happen to me because it allowed me to become so much more than my plans ever allowed me to be. The paradox in our modern world is that we are conditioned to avoid failure while also expected to meet the impossible demands of perfection that pave the path to falling short. We are to be both mothers and career women. We are to be strong and soft. We are to be accomplished and accommodating. “Pursuing perfection can prevent progress,” says Adam Grant on Twitter, Wharton professor and organizational psychologist. “Success is the quality of our lives, not just the quantity of our achievements.” The most painful and difficult lesson I have learned in my life is this: Failure is nothing to be afraid of. Only when I face failure have I ever found peace. You will lose. You will get a B (eventually). You will say the wrong thing at the wrong time. You will fail. And you will be better because of it. Because you will no longer be afraid to try. “An ambitious goal raises your odds of success. It also boosts your odds of feeling like a failure,” Grant tweets. “My favorite solution is to set two targets: an aspirational goal and an acceptable result. If you fall short of the aspirational goal but hit the acceptable one, you haven’t failed.”

61 OneToKnowMagazine.com | ISSUE 02

e are born invincible. Around our small, new existence, the rest of the world revolves. In our fresh, untouched minds, we are free to dream and discover. This feeling of invincibility sticks with us for a while. But there comes a time in every life, whether it’s at 7, 17 or 70, when we realize that we are, after all, vincible. We learn that bones break and flesh tears. We learn that hearts can stop and be shattered. We learn that sometimes no matter how badly we want it, some dreams don’t come true. We learn consequence, disappointment and loss. And whether that blow happens at 7, 17 or 70, we never quite recover. Failure is ingrained in us. And so becomes our fear of it. Every step becomes calculated. We run the numbers and weigh the risks. We choose the safest, smartest course. And yet, in some baffling and utterly frustrating way, we still fail. For me, this realization hit at 18. As a senior in high school, I held the belief that if I worked hard enough, studied enough hours, and if I took all the right classes, then I would be accepted into any school I wanted, I would have a full ride, and I would be happy because I would be successful. I would do what no other human had before: I would not fail. But then I did. I didn’t receive enough in scholarships, I was rejected from my dream school, my class rank dropped, and I got stressinduced shingles. Shingles.


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Poem and Photo by Brenda Ciardiello

@brendaciardiello.art

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