“She never reached her potential …” How many times have you heard these words, overheard them, or uttered them yourself? It popped up on TV last night, delivered, seemingly as always, with a heavy dose of pity and maybe a dash of teaching-moment for good measure. And it made me wonder: do we ever really reach our potential? There are myriad ways to quantify it of course, many ways to tick the boxes or label them in the first place. How many degrees, how many cars in the driveway, how many stamps in our passports? Whatever our yardstick, what if… [Read More]

A daughter dabs gently at her mother’s mouth, as she feeds the older woman and holds the thin, papery hand that once dried her tears over a broken toy or a broken heart. A professor challenges her class to pose a dynamic solution to the problem before them. A newlywed grieves a job lost, a dream deferred for her partner, who got laid off today. As women, we embrace compassion and support, selflessly playing cheerleader to others. We listen, coax, encourage and boost our loved ones in their quests, ushering them through their dark times. We remind them of their… [Read More]

I’ve been pondering the gift of Girlfriends and the roles they play in our lives. When I look back on how we met, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that long-lasting bonds form at pivotal moments in life—from first grade, to first jobs, Little Athletics to college or when you move to a new neighborhood. It’s as though the universe recognizes that we’re in an age or stage of flux, and a good friend or two will transform our experience. Girlfriends. How would we survive without them? They listen patiently, share our tears, and make us laugh until our sides ache. They… [Read More]

Dear Pope Benedict: I wish you well, and I urge you to make your retirement count for something. Why not announce you are stepping down as a healing gesture for the river of victims abused by pedophile priests? The Catholic Church – and as its leader, you – have demonstrated strategic, calculated indifference to decades of child rape and molestation. Both as Pontiff and an influential cardinal, you oversaw the transfer of  priests to new parishes, where they preyed on fresh victims.  Respectfully, you have done too little, too late. Please make your final announcement a truly healing one. I ask… [Read More]

Breathe. Smile. Move forward. Welcome to my blog. I’m Alicia, and I’m chuffed that you’ve dropped by! The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Grace is about simple ways to lead a savvy life…channeling your inner Audrey, really….and putting your stamp on it. It’s about finding a balance with the hats we wear (turns out, it is possible!) and welcoming moments of grace and kindness amidst the rush. We’re more logged on than ever, but sometimes more isolated, too. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on what makes a girl savvy, and how she handles different scenarios, from hassles on campus or at… [Read More]