[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":629},["ShallowReactive",2],{"cms:/api/categories?fields[0]=name&fields[1]=slug&pagination[pageSize]=100&sort=documentId":3,"cms:/api/categories?filters[slug]=voices":45,"cms:/api/homepage?fields[0]=updatedAt&populate[navigation][fields][0]=name&populate[navigation][fields][1]=slug":53,"cms:/api/articles?populate=*&filters[category][id]=8&pagination[limit]=9&pagination[start]=18&sort[0]=bylineDate:DESC&sort[1]=createdAt:DESC":58},{"data":4,"meta":40},[5,10,15,20,25,30,35],{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9},8,"agm3bwiivq9ytkopje139uoj","Voices","voices",{"id":11,"documentId":12,"name":13,"slug":14},6,"fxhrufaspnwq0yurrk98sas3","Wellness","wellness",{"id":16,"documentId":17,"name":18,"slug":19},14,"gj8d0n6sxxe1mqfb0ticcamv","Style","style",{"id":21,"documentId":22,"name":23,"slug":24},12,"pra84h71qx5yo2kq8g18uy9h","After Hours","after-hours",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29},2,"pregl64gjxpa6tec7l94j5fb","Career & Finance","career-and-finance",{"id":31,"documentId":32,"name":33,"slug":34},10,"vf2luiz1aic436stak4yr339","Nourish","food",{"id":36,"documentId":37,"name":38,"slug":39},4,"y4wuht99krufymt1c62zqtk1","Mindset","mindset",{"pagination":41},{"page":42,"pageSize":43,"pageCount":42,"total":44},1,100,7,{"data":46,"meta":50},[47],{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},"2026-09-06T10:31:16.996Z","2026-09-06T10:31:17.009Z",{"pagination":51},{"page":42,"pageSize":52,"pageCount":42,"total":42},25,{"data":54,"meta":57},{"id":42,"documentId":55,"updatedAt":56},"nhhccnp3ibbyv1cn1er78o9h","2026-09-06T10:40:24.841Z",{},{"data":59,"meta":624},[60,158,236,291,346,401,457,513,569],{"id":61,"documentId":62,"title":63,"content":64,"slug":65,"coffees":36,"seo_title":63,"keywords":66,"seo_desc":67,"bylineDate":68,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":70,"updatedAt":71,"publishedAt":72,"featuredImage":73,"category":125,"author":126,"img":122},702,"y0t8d5hlts8x17lodc8au9j1","Lessons from Oprah: How She Built an Empire by Staying True to Herself","In our [Food for Thought](https://www.workingal.com/categories/food-for-thought) series, among others, we celebrate women who've changed the world through their courage, vision, and determination. And one of those is Oprah Winfrey—a woman who transformed personal authenticity into one of the most powerful media empires in history.\n\nWhen Oprah Winfrey first appeared on television in the 1980s, the media landscape was dominated by a very specific formula. Talk show hosts were expected to maintain professional distance, stick to sensational topics, and follow established industry patterns. Oprah did something revolutionary: she threw out the rulebook and decided to be completely, unapologetically herself.\n\nThat decision didn't just launch a successful career—it created a billion-dollar business empire and fundamentally changed how we think about media, [leadership](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-women-are-underrepresented-in-leadership-positions), and the power of authentic connection. For working women navigating their own professional journeys, Oprah's approach offers invaluable lessons about building success on your own terms.\n\n## The Foundation: Vulnerability as Strength\n\n![oprah winfrey inspiration](https://assets.workingal.com/oprah_winfrey_inspiration_ae71211061.webp)\n\nFrom the beginning of her talk show career, Oprah made a choice that seemed risky at the time: she shared her own struggles, failures, and personal growth journey with her audience. In an era when television personalities were expected to maintain polished, untouchable images, Oprah talked openly about her difficult childhood, her battles with weight, her [relationship](https://www.workingal.com/articles/mistakes-new-relationships) challenges, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery.\n\nThis wasn't just brave—it was a brilliant business strategy. By showing her authentic self, flaws and all, Oprah created something that no amount of market research or focus groups could manufacture: a genuine emotional connection with millions of people.\n\nWhen she discussed her own experiences with trauma, viewers who had similar experiences felt seen and understood. When she celebrated her victories, audiences celebrated with her because they had witnessed her struggles. This emotional investment translated into unprecedented viewer loyalty and trust—the most valuable currency in media.\n\nThe lesson for working women: Authenticity isn't about oversharing or bringing all your personal [challenges into the workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-challenges-freelancers-face). It's about being genuine in your interactions, admitting when you don't know something, and allowing your real personality to show through your professional persona. People connect with humans, not perfect facades.\n\n## Strategic Empathy: Building Business Through Understanding\n\nWhile many media personalities focused on entertainment or sensationalism, Oprah built her brand around empathy and genuine human connection. She didn't just interview guests—she created space for real conversations about topics that mattered to people's daily lives.\n\nThis empathetic approach became the foundation for everything she built afterward. Her book club succeeded because she genuinely loved [reading](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-books-that-every-working-gal-should-read) and wanted to share that passion. Her magazine thrived because it addressed the real concerns and aspirations of women. Her network launched successfully because she understood her audience's desire for meaningful content.\n\nOprah didn't try to appeal to everyone. Instead, she went deep with her core audience—primarily women who were interested in personal growth, meaningful relationships, and creating positive change in their lives. By focusing intensely on serving this audience authentically, she built something much more valuable than broad appeal: she built a devoted community.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nSuccess often comes from going deep rather than wide. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on genuinely understanding and serving your specific audience, whether that's your team, your clients, or your industry. Deep expertise and authentic care often matter more than broad popularity.\n\n## Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones\n\nOprah's journey includes significant professional setbacks that could have derailed her career. Early in her television career, she was told she was \"too emotional\" for news broadcasting. Later, she faced criticism for various business decisions and personal choices that played out in public.\n\nInstead of allowing these challenges to define her limitations, Oprah used them as information about what wasn't working and adjusted her approach accordingly. When traditional news wasn't the right fit, she found her calling in daytime television. When [criticism](https://www.workingal.com/articles/criticism-at-the-workplace-can-you-handle-it) arose, she listened to valid points while staying true to her core values.\n\nPerhaps most importantly, she maintained what psychologists call a \"growth mindset\"—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset allowed her to view failures as learning experiences rather than permanent defeats.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nSetbacks are inevitable, but they don't have to be permanent. The key is learning to extract valuable information from [failures](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-art-of-failure-how-to-turn-mistakes-into-actual-success) while maintaining confidence in your core abilities and values. Sometimes what feels like rejection is actually redirection toward something better suited to your strengths.\n\n## The Power of Asking Better Questions\n\nOne of Oprah's greatest professional skills is her ability to ask questions that get to the heart of what really matters. Whether interviewing world leaders or everyday people sharing their stories, she consistently finds ways to move past surface-level conversation into meaningful dialogue.\n\nThis skill translates directly into business [success](https://www.workingal.com/articles/habits-of-successful-women). By asking the right questions—of herself, her team, her audience—Oprah consistently identified opportunities that others missed. Her questions weren't just journalistic; they were strategic tools for understanding what people really wanted and needed.\n\nHer approach to business expansion followed the same pattern. Instead of asking \"What markets should we enter?\" she asked \"What do our audience members really care about, and how can we serve those interests in new ways?\" This led naturally to books, magazines, networks, and other ventures that felt authentic rather than opportunistic.\n\nThe lesson for working women: Develop your questioning skills as a professional superpower. Whether you're trying to understand a client's needs, solve a workplace problem, or identify career opportunities, learning to ask penetrating, thoughtful questions will set you apart and lead to better outcomes.\n\n## Building a Business That Reflects Your Values\n\nThroughout her career expansion, Oprah maintained clear consistency between her personal values and her business decisions. Her production company, Harpo Productions, focused on content that uplifted and inspired. Her magazine addressed topics she genuinely cared about. Her network programming reflected her commitment to meaningful storytelling.\n\nThis wasn't just admirable—it was smart business. Because her ventures aligned with her authentic interests and values, she brought genuine passion and expertise to each project. She didn't have to pretend to care about her work because she actually did care deeply.\n\nThis alignment also made [decision-making](https://www.workingal.com/articles/decision-fatigue) easier. When faced with business opportunities, she could evaluate them against her core values and vision rather than just financial projections. Projects that aligned with her mission got her full commitment; projects that didn't align got passed by, even if they might have been profitable.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\n![oprah winfrey inspiration](https://assets.workingal.com/oprah_winfrey_inspiration_8eca4692c8.webp)\n\nConsider how your professional choices align with your personal values. While compromise is sometimes necessary, building a career that reflects what you genuinely care about will sustain your motivation and energy over the long term. Authentic passion is difficult to fake and impossible to sustain artificially.\n\n## The Economics of Authenticity\n\nOprah's success demonstrates that authenticity isn't just morally admirable—it can be economically powerful. By building her brand around genuine connection and personal growth, she created something that couldn't be easily replicated by competitors.\n\nAnyone could start a talk show, launch a magazine, or create a television network. But no one else could be Oprah. Her authentic personality, genuine curiosity, and consistent values became her competitive advantage in ways that traditional business strategies couldn't match.\n\nThis authenticity also created incredible audience loyalty. People didn't just watch Oprah's show or buy her magazine; they trusted her recommendations, followed her advice, and supported her ventures because they felt a genuine connection to her as a person.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nYour authentic self—your unique perspective, experiences, and approach—can become your greatest professional asset. Instead of trying to copy what works for others, focus on developing and leveraging what makes you uniquely valuable.\n\n## Creating Platforms for Others\n\nAs Oprah's influence grew, she consistently used her platform to elevate other voices, particularly women and marginalized communities. This wasn't just generous—it was strategically brilliant. By becoming known as someone who helped others succeed, she attracted talented people who wanted to work with her and created goodwill that benefited her business ventures.\n\nHer approach to leadership focused on empowering others rather than hoarding power. She mentored other media personalities, promoted diverse voices, and used her influence to shine light on important [social issues](https://www.workingal.com/articles/do-social-media-and-influencers-damage-our-body-image). This collaborative approach expanded her impact far beyond what she could have achieved alone.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nLook for opportunities to lift others as you climb. Mentoring colleagues, promoting diverse voices, and sharing credit for successes builds your reputation as a leader worth following and creates a network of people who want to see you succeed.\n\n## The Long Game: Building Lasting Impact\n\nOprah's career demonstrates the power of playing the long game rather than chasing short-term gains. She consistently chose projects and partnerships that aligned with her long-term vision, even when quicker profits might have been available elsewhere.\n\nThis long-term thinking allowed her to build something much more valuable than a successful television show: she [built a brand](https://www.edl.gr/blog/learn-from-the-top-what-successful-brands-nail-online), a community, and a legacy that continues to generate value decades after her original show ended.\n\nHer approach to wealth building followed the same pattern. Instead of just accumulating [money](https://www.workingal.com/articles/is-no-buy-challenge-the-solution-to-saving-money), she focused on building assets—production companies, real estate, and equity stakes—that would continue generating value over time.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nThink beyond your current role or immediate goals. What kind of professional legacy do you want to build? What skills, relationships, and assets are you developing that will serve you throughout your career? Sometimes the most valuable investments are the ones that pay off over years rather than months.\n\n## Navigating Criticism While Staying True\n\nThroughout her career, Oprah faced significant criticism—for her interview style, her business decisions, her political involvement, and her personal choices. Rather than allowing criticism to derail her or cause her to fundamentally change her approach, she developed the ability to listen for valid feedback while maintaining confidence in her core values and vision.\n\nThis skill proved crucial as her influence grew. When you're building something significant, criticism is inevitable. The key is learning to distinguish between criticism that contains valuable information and criticism that reflects others' discomfort with your success or authenticity.\n\n### The lesson for working women\n\nDevelop thick skin while keeping an open mind. Learn to evaluate criticism objectively—some of it will contain valuable insights that can help you improve, while some of it will simply reflect others' issues or biases. The goal is growth, not perfection or universal approval.\n\n## The Ripple Effect of Authentic Leadership\n\nPerhaps Oprah's greatest business achievement isn't her personal wealth or media empire—it's how she changed the entire media landscape by proving that authentic, empathetic leadership could be commercially successful. Her approach paved the way for countless other media personalities, entrepreneurs, and leaders who prioritize genuine connection over traditional authority.\n\nShe demonstrated that being vulnerable doesn't make you weak in business—it makes you relatable. She showed that caring about social issues doesn't hurt your bottom line—it can enhance your brand. She proved that empowering others doesn't diminish your power—it multiplies it.\n\n## Applying Oprah's Lessons in Your Career\n\nSo how can working women apply these lessons in their own professional journeys? Here are practical ways to incorporate Oprah's approach:\n\n### Start where you are\n\nYou don't need a media platform to practice authentic leadership. Begin with genuine connections in your current role, whether that's with colleagues, clients, or industry contacts.\n\n### Identify your unique perspective\n\nWhat experiences, insights, or approaches do you bring that others don't? Instead of trying to fit in, consider how your unique background can become your professional strength.\n\n### [Ask better questions:](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-useful-questions-to-ask-your-manager)\n\nIn meetings, conversations, and strategic planning, focus on questions that get to the heart of what really matters. This skill alone can set you apart professionally.\n\n### Align your work with your values\n\nLook for opportunities to bring your authentic interests and values into your professional life. This might mean volunteering for projects you care about or finding ways to incorporate your passions into your role.\n\n### Build others up\n\nLook for ways to mentorship, support, and promote others, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This builds your reputation and creates a network of allies.\n\n### Play the long game\n\nMake decisions based on long-term career [goals](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-smart-financial-goals) rather than just immediate gains. Invest in relationships, skills, and experiences that will serve you throughout your career.\n\n## The Authenticity Advantage\n\n![oprah winfrey inspiration](https://assets.workingal.com/oprah_winfrey_inspiration_fdf348f023.webp)\n\nOprah's story offers a powerful counter-narrative to traditional business advice that suggests you need to suppress your personality, hide your struggles, or follow established formulas to succeed. Instead, she demonstrates that authenticity—properly channeled and strategically applied—can become your greatest competitive advantage.\n\nThis doesn't mean authenticity guarantees success or that being genuine automatically solves all professional challenges. Building a successful career still requires hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience. But Oprah's journey shows that you don't have to choose between being successful and being yourself.\n\nIn fact, for many women, the path to extraordinary achievement runs directly through authenticity. When you stop trying to be what you think others expect and start building from your genuine strengths, interests, and values, you often discover capabilities and opportunities that were invisible when you were trying to fit someone else's mold.\n\n## The Legacy of Authentic Success\n\nToday, Oprah's influence extends far beyond media into education, philanthropy, and social change. She's created jobs, launched careers, influenced elections, and inspired millions of people to pursue personal growth and meaningful lives. This impact flows directly from her decision, decades ago, to build her career on authentic connection rather than artificial authority.\n\nFor working women today, Oprah's example offers both inspiration and practical guidance. In a world that often pressures us to choose between professional success and personal authenticity, she demonstrates that the most sustainable and meaningful achievements often come from refusing to make that choice.\n\nThe question isn't whether you're authentic enough to succeed professionally. The question is whether you're willing to bet on your authentic self as your greatest professional asset. Oprah did, and she built an empire. What could you build if you made the same choice?","oprah-winfrey-leadership","oprah winfrey network​, oprah winfrey interview​, oprah winfrey inspiration, oprah winfrey book club​, Oprah Winfrey leadership, authentic leadership","How Oprah Winfrey built a media empire through authentic leadership. Key business lessons for working women on turning personal values into professional success.","2025-09-01","Europe/Berlin","2025-09-01T03:22:14.082Z","2025-12-11T23:11:46.708Z","2025-09-01T03:30:40.221Z",{"id":74,"documentId":75,"name":76,"alternativeText":77,"caption":77,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":81,"hash":120,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":121,"url":122,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":124,"updatedAt":124,"publishedAt":124},365,"pg9vbmh3qrtfo9t72o3f063d","oprah winfrey inspiration-9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","oprah winfrey inspiration",null,1600,900,{"large":82,"small":93,"medium":102,"thumbnail":111},{"ext":83,"url":84,"etag":85,"hash":86,"mime":87,"name":88,"path":78,"size":89,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":92},".webp","https://assets.workingal.com/large_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","53132c4b28044b1babba26514fac970e","large_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1","image/webp","large_oprah winfrey inspiration-9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp",15.86,1000,562,15858,{"ext":83,"url":94,"etag":95,"hash":96,"mime":87,"name":97,"path":78,"size":98,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":101},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","44271868cba5ce3092f5bf9029f42b3a","small_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1","small_oprah winfrey inspiration-9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp",7.2,500,281,7196,{"ext":83,"url":103,"etag":104,"hash":105,"mime":87,"name":106,"path":78,"size":107,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":110},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","6100b992a6efbb089a70bd4d23c33ed6","medium_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1","medium_oprah winfrey inspiration-9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp",11.22,750,422,11216,{"ext":83,"url":112,"etag":113,"hash":114,"mime":87,"name":115,"path":78,"size":116,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":119},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","ad07361e90728278543bb12f6ae11e15","thumbnail_oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1","thumbnail_oprah winfrey inspiration-9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp",3.01,245,138,3008,"oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1",26.62,"https://assets.workingal.com/oprah_winfrey_inspiration_9a3e279e020295a09993fcee7ca3758ffe6e379aafbde56fab77c549841012f1.webp","@strapi/provider-upload-aws-s3","2026-09-06T10:36:46.012Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":127,"name":128,"slug":129,"instagram":130,"facebook":131,"bio":132,"linkedIn":133,"createdAt":134,"updatedAt":134,"publishedAt":135,"avatar":136},"rrgw04x1ox461oib75ljto7k","Dimitra","dimitra","https://www.instagram.com/dimdimi/","https://www.facebook.com/dimitra.lioliou.9","She started in corporate, stepped out to build her own businesses, and along the way learned five foreign languages. With a background in Sociology, her focus remains squarely on human behavior, the true engine behind every business, cultural trend, and daily decision. Today, she splits her time between Europe and the US, writing about work, culture, and the subtle mechanics of modern life. If you ask her about languages, consider yourself warned: she will not stop talking.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitra-lioliou/","2026-09-06T10:31:18.888Z","2026-09-06T10:31:18.911Z",{"id":42,"documentId":137,"name":138,"alternativeText":139,"caption":140,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":142,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":157},"vho74tz85ywt8uvcc2i46n8j","Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",250,{"thumbnail":143},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":78,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},".png","https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","1af5fda28d3e7890e8a99c385239de61","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5","image/png","thumbnail_Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png",47.39,156,47387,"Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5",28.15,"https://assets.workingal.com/Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","2026-09-06T10:31:18.786Z","2026-09-06T10:31:18.787Z",{"id":159,"documentId":160,"title":161,"content":162,"slug":163,"coffees":164,"seo_title":161,"keywords":165,"seo_desc":166,"bylineDate":167,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":168,"updatedAt":169,"publishedAt":170,"featuredImage":171,"category":209,"author":210,"img":207},662,"lrv35glumbgw4ha9ws27ub2m","Inspirational Women: Sara Blakely","In the world of business and innovation, ideas often blossom from unexpected places and the story of Sara Blakely is a bright example. Her audacious vision, relentless perseverance, and the sheer power of an idea born out of personal frustration. From cold-calling hosiery mills to becoming the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world, Blakely's journey with Spanx is not just another entrepreneurial triumph, but a masterclass in challenging the status quo and believing in the unseen.\n\n# The Genesis of an Idea: A Woman's Frustration\nBefore she became a household name synonymous with comfortable shapewear, Sara Blakely was an aspiring comedian and a door-to-door fax machine saleswoman. It was during this period, while preparing for a party, that she encountered a universal dilemma: how to wear white trousers without visible panty lines and while still feeling secure and streamlined. Her solution? Cutting the feet off her control-top pantyhose. The immediate comfort and improved silhouette she experienced sparked a revolutionary idea.\n\nBlakely recognized a gaping hole in the market. Existing shapewear was uncomfortable, unfashionable, and often associated with older generations. She envisioned a product that would empower women, making them feel confident and smooth without sacrificing comfort. This moment of personal frustration ignited the fire that would become Sara Blakely's Spanx.\n# From Concept to Empire: The Spanx Revolution\nArmed with a mere $5,000 in savings and no formal fashion or business training, Blakely set out on a journey that defied conventional wisdom. Her initial steps were full of challenges. She faced rejection from numerous hosiery mills who dismissed her idea as unnecessary or impossible to manufacture. Undeterred, she continued to cold-call, eventually finding a male mill owner who, after hearing her impassioned pitch and witnessing her unique blend of persistence and charm, decided to take a chance on her.\nBlakely's approach to product development was equally unconventional. \nShe personally tested prototypes, ensuring they met her exacting standards for comfort, compression, and invisibility. She even patented her unique design, which was crucial for protecting her innovation.\n\nA pivotal moment came when she secured a meeting with a buyer from Neiman Marcus. Instead of a formal presentation, Blakely went into the restroom with the buyer and demonstrated the product on herself, showcasing its transformative power firsthand. This bold move, combined with her genuine passion, secured Spanx a spot on Neiman Marcus shelves.\n\nThe brand's big break arrived when Oprah Winfrey, the ultimate arbiter of women's products, endorsed Spanx on her show, declaring them her \"favorite thing.\" This endorsement sent sales skyrocketing and catapulted Sara Blakely's Spanx into the national spotlight, solidifying its place as a must-have item.\n\n## Blakely’s brilliance extended beyond product and sales. \nShe understood the power of marketing and branding. Instead of relying on traditional, often unflattering imagery for shapewear, she opted for bright, playful colors and empowering messaging, focusing on the confidence the product instills. She refused to dilute her ownership, famously maintaining 100% control of her company for many years, a testament to her firm belief in her vision and a rare feat for successful entrepreneurs. This approach enabled her to steer Spanx according to her values and intuition, without succumbing to external pressures.\n\nSpanx evolved from a single product into a global brand offering a diverse range of shapewear, apparel, and activewear for women, as well as men. Blakely's innovative spirit led to continuous product development, addressing various body concerns and fashion needs. Her dedication to quality and customer satisfaction remained paramount, ensuring that Spanx wasn't just a trend but a trusted solution for women worldwide.\n\nIn 2012, [Forbes recognized Sara Blakely's extraordinary achievements](https://www.forbes.com/global/2012/0326/billionaires-12-feature-united-states-spanx-sara-blakely-american-booty.html), estimating her net worth at over $1 billion, making her the youngest self-made female billionaire at the time. This financial success was a direct result of her innovative product, her savvy business acumen, and her unyielding belief in herself and her idea. In 2021, she sold a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone, a private equity firm, valuing the company at $1.2 billion, but she remains a significant shareholder and executive chairwoman, continuing to guide the brand's vision.\n# Education and Insights: Beyond the Business Degree\nInterestingly, Sara Blakely's education was not in business or fashion design. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Florida State University. Her background in communications, combined with her experience in sales, undoubtedly honed her ability to connect with people, articulate her vision, and ultimately sell her product. This illustrates that formal business training is not always a prerequisite for entrepreneurial success; often, it's a combination of innate drive, practical experience, and a willingness to learn on the fly.\n\nWhile there isn't a dedicated Sara Blakely book written by her (yet!), her insights and advice are widely available through interviews, speeches, and her social media presence. She often shares the raw, unvarnished truth about entrepreneurship, emphasizing the [importance of failure](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-art-of-failure-how-to-turn-mistakes-into-actual-success), resilience, and authenticity.\n# Sara Blakely's Advice for Women\n\n![Sara blakely inspiration](https://assets.workingal.com/Sara_blakely_inspiration_89f8eaae38.webp)\n\nSara Blakely's journey is replete with valuable lessons, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Her advice often centers on mindset, persistence, and embracing vulnerability.\n## Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool \nBlakely frequently recounts how her father would ask her what she failed at each week. This seemingly unusual practice instilled in her the understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, but a crucial step on the path to it. She encourages women to shed the fear of making mistakes and to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. \"It’s important to be [willing to make mistakes](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-steps-to-manage-your-mistakes-at-work). The worst thing that can happen is you fall down and get back up again.\"\n## Trust Your Gut and Intuition\nDespite lacking a formal business background, Blakely relied heavily on her instincts. She urges other women to do the same, especially when faced with conflicting advice. \"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.\"\n## Solve a Problem You Know\nSpanx was born from a personal pain point. Blakely advises entrepreneurs to identify problems they genuinely understand and are passionate about solving. \"The smartest thing I ever did was to be an expert in my own ass.\"\n## Don't Be Afraid to Be Different\nHer unique sales tactics, from demonstrating Spanx in a restroom to painting her product bright red in a sea of beige hosiery, exemplify her willingness to break conventions. She champions individuality and daring to stand out. \"The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.\"\n## Persistence is Key\nThe countless rejections from manufacturers could have easily derailed her, but Blakely's unwavering persistence was her superpower. She stresses the importance of not giving up, even when the odds seem stacked against you. \"I'm a big believer in visualization. I've always had a clear picture of what I wanted to achieve and never let anyone distract me from that.\"\n## Authenticity and Storytelling \nBlakely's personal story is woven into the fabric of the Spanx brand. She authentically shares her challenges and triumphs, making her relatable and inspiring. This human connection fosters trust and loyalty.\n## Give Back and Lift Others Up\nAs a billionaire, Blakely has committed to philanthropy, notably through the Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women's empowerment. She believes in paying it forward and using success to create opportunities for others.\n\nSara Blakely's journey from a humble idea to a global phenomenon is a powerful narrative for successful entrepreneurs everywhere. Her story serves as a vibrant reminder that ingenuity, perseverance, and a deep understanding of customer needs are far more valuable than traditional credentials. For women looking to forge their own path, Blakely's career is not just inspiring; it's a practical blueprint for turning vision into impactful reality. Her legacy isn't just in the comfortable shapewear that graces millions of wardrobes, but in the countless women she continues to inspire to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with boldness and unwavering belief.\n# Sara Blakely's Famous Quotes\n\"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.\"\n\n\"The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.\"\n\n\"It’s important to be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is you fall down and get back up again.\"\n\n\"The smartest thing I ever did was to be an expert in my own ass.\"\n\n\"I'm a big believer in visualization. I've always had a clear picture of what I wanted to achieve and never let anyone distract me from that.\"\n\n\"Failure is not the outcome; failure is not trying. Don't be afraid to fail.\"\n\n\"Embrace what you don't know, especially in the beginning, because what you don't know can become your greatest asset.\"\n\n\"It takes guts to go to the bathroom and demo the product. You have to be in it to win it.\"\n","sara-blakely",3,"sara blakely, sara blakely spanx, life of sara blakely, net worth sara blakely​","How Sara Blakely managed to turn 5,000 into a billion-dollar company? Read Spanx's founder's inspirational story and her journey to success.","2025-06-05","2025-06-05T02:26:25.283Z","2025-06-05T02:35:56.023Z","2025-06-05T02:35:56.019Z",{"id":172,"documentId":173,"name":174,"alternativeText":175,"caption":175,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":176,"hash":205,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":206,"url":207,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":208,"updatedAt":208,"publishedAt":208},345,"fs4ft4qr7v17wk2uqz44bul8","Sara blakely inspiration-9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","Sara blakely inspiration",{"large":177,"small":184,"medium":191,"thumbnail":198},{"ext":83,"url":178,"etag":179,"hash":180,"mime":87,"name":181,"path":78,"size":182,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":183},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","a854dcf70630c49fd9b249447289a5c2","large_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d","large_Sara blakely inspiration-9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp",20.43,20430,{"ext":83,"url":185,"etag":186,"hash":187,"mime":87,"name":188,"path":78,"size":189,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":190},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","30554b3111b972bca1097f3bc962dcf4","small_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d","small_Sara blakely inspiration-9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp",8.86,8858,{"ext":83,"url":192,"etag":193,"hash":194,"mime":87,"name":195,"path":78,"size":196,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":197},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","a9b4c9f83e088c71429eb7fbfef18d56","medium_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d","medium_Sara blakely inspiration-9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp",14.25,14254,{"ext":83,"url":199,"etag":200,"hash":201,"mime":87,"name":202,"path":78,"size":203,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":204},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","f67d1a73a88b0b916d147d5416e58274","thumbnail_Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d","thumbnail_Sara blakely inspiration-9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp",3.57,3568,"Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d",36.61,"https://assets.workingal.com/Sara_blakely_inspiration_9e389155aacfead647f14da583819996fcc627aba35a42616e3398b38d8f5d2d.webp","2026-09-06T10:36:27.842Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":78,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":219},"ukgot5nm4dgqju73fwiwdelm","The Working Gal Team","the-working-gal-team","https://www.instagram.com/the_working_gal/","https://www.facebook.com/theworkinggal","Written and curated collaboratively by the editors behind The Working Gal. Bringing together shared stories, practical career insight, and modern lifestyle perspectives.","2026-09-06T10:31:21.475Z","2026-09-06T10:31:21.487Z",{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":224,"hash":232,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},5,"wjqyp2hu8gbfmc8z6tm46b47","Untitled-7-23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png","",{"thumbnail":225},{"ext":144,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":148,"name":229,"path":78,"size":230,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":231},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png","18a930235d0aa447f29ed44c5fe9fbe5","thumbnail_Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547","thumbnail_Untitled-7-23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png",11.83,11829,"Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547",5.86,"https://assets.workingal.com/Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png","2026-09-06T10:31:21.358Z",{"id":237,"documentId":238,"title":239,"content":240,"slug":241,"coffees":26,"seo_title":239,"keywords":242,"seo_desc":243,"bylineDate":244,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":245,"updatedAt":246,"publishedAt":247,"featuredImage":248,"category":286,"author":287,"img":284},646,"lfyqwl784qy8qtv25nba6euh","20 Things We Love About May","### Ah, May! \n\nPicnics in sun-dappled meadows, toes wriggling in freshly sprouted grass, and the sweet, sweet symphony of birdsong that drowns out the last whispers of winter. May is the month when Mother Nature finally throws off her fuzzy blanket and struts her stuff in a dazzling display of floral fireworks and emerald finery. Forget January's resolutions; May is the real fresh start, a time for shaking off the winter blues and rediscovering the sheer, unadulterated joy of being alive! It’s the time for [a good spring clean right before summer](https://www.workingal.com/articles/career-spring-clean) and the month when spring dinners outdoors are our top priority.\n\nSo, what is it about this magical month that makes our hearts sing and our spirits soar? Is it the intoxicating aroma of lilacs, the thrill of firing up the grill for the first time, or the simple pleasure of feeling the sun kiss our skin without a biting wind trying to steal our hats? Keep reading, because we are counting down twenty of the reasons why we think this month is the absolute bee's knees!\n\n**The explosion of green:** After the browns and grays of winter, the world suddenly bursts into vibrant shades of green as leaves return to the trees.\n\n![20 things we love about may](https://assets.workingal.com/20_things_we_love_about_may_9152594159.webp)\n\n**Blooming flowers everywhere:** Gardens and parks become a riot of color with tulips, daffodils, lilacs, and so many other beautiful blossoms.\n\n**Pleasant temperatures:** The weather generally becomes milder and more comfortable, perfect for being outdoors without being too hot or too cold.\n\n**Longer daylight hours:** We start to enjoy more sunshine in the evenings, making it feel like the day stretches out.\n\n**The anticipation of summer:** May acts as a lovely bridge between spring and the full warmth of summer, filling us with exciting anticipation.\n\n**Outdoor activities become appealing again:** Whether it's hiking, biking, picnics, or simply strolling, the pleasant weather beckons us outside.\n\n**Gardening season kicks into high gear:** For those with green thumbs, May is a busy and rewarding time to plant and nurture.\n\n**Farmers markets come alive:** Fresh, locally grown produce starts to become available, offering delicious flavors and supporting local communities.\n\n**Birdsong fills the air:** With nesting season in full swing, the cheerful melodies of birds create a lovely soundtrack to our days.\n\n**A sense of renewal and fresh starts:** There's an invigorating feeling of new beginnings that comes with the vibrant growth of nature.\n\n**Mother's Day celebrations:** A special day to honor and appreciate the wonderful mothers in our lives.\n\n![20 things we love about may](https://assets.workingal.com/20_things_we_love_about_may_ef6157dca4.webp)\n\n**Memorial Day weekend:** For many in the US, this marks the unofficial start of summer with an extra day off and opportunities for gatherings.\n\n**Outdoor dining becomes enjoyable:** Restaurants and cafes often set up outdoor seating, allowing us to savor meals in the fresh air.\n\n**Spring cleaning energy:** The brighter days often inspire us to declutter and refresh our homes, our careers, our lives.\n\n**The air smells fresh and clean:** The combination of blooming flowers and new growth creates a lovely scent in the air.\n\n**Opportunities for outdoor adventures:** Camping, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits become much more inviting.\n\n**Less rain in many regions:** While spring showers are common, May often brings drier and sunnier days compared to earlier spring months.\n\n**School events and celebrations:** Many schools have spring concerts, field days, and other fun events in May.\n\n**A feeling of optimism and hope:** The beauty and vitality of May can lift our spirits and fill us with a sense of optimism.\n\n**It's simply a beautiful time of year:** Overall, May is a month where the world feels vibrant, alive, and full of promise.","love-may","why we love may, things to do in may, why may is a nice month, last month of spring","May is one of the most popular and frankly favorite month of the year. And these are the 20 things we love more about this month.","2025-05-04","2025-05-04T00:57:27.390Z","2025-05-04T01:02:17.695Z","2025-05-04T01:02:17.692Z",{"id":249,"documentId":250,"name":251,"alternativeText":252,"caption":252,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":253,"hash":282,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":283,"url":284,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":285,"updatedAt":285,"publishedAt":285},337,"wd6kto0i2gm0i3t2vmktx11q","20 things we love about may-307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","20 things we love about may",{"large":254,"small":261,"medium":268,"thumbnail":275},{"ext":83,"url":255,"etag":256,"hash":257,"mime":87,"name":258,"path":78,"size":259,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":260},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","8a50976501e29fe4b717f674c4021e87","large_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb","large_20 things we love about may-307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp",32.49,32492,{"ext":83,"url":262,"etag":263,"hash":264,"mime":87,"name":265,"path":78,"size":266,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":267},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","ffb5870bf29391dbca19f14463a92d00","small_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb","small_20 things we love about may-307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp",12.94,12940,{"ext":83,"url":269,"etag":270,"hash":271,"mime":87,"name":272,"path":78,"size":273,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":274},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","d53fd3a9ea3a1f77823faf69247e274f","medium_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb","medium_20 things we love about may-307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp",22.01,22010,{"ext":83,"url":276,"etag":277,"hash":278,"mime":87,"name":279,"path":78,"size":280,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":281},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","56fda00febaeabd6118269b95e7f88c2","thumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb","thumbnail_20 things we love about may-307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp",4.28,4276,"20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb",60.9,"https://assets.workingal.com/20_things_we_love_about_may_307bb1465dcced63266f6757603ed6037e56b1794368c45d449cdb69519b98cb.webp","2026-09-06T10:36:19.848Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":78,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":288},{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":289,"hash":232,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":290},{"ext":144,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":148,"name":229,"path":78,"size":230,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":231},{"id":292,"documentId":293,"title":294,"content":295,"slug":296,"coffees":26,"seo_title":294,"keywords":78,"seo_desc":297,"bylineDate":298,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":299,"updatedAt":300,"publishedAt":301,"featuredImage":302,"category":341,"author":342,"img":339},624,"woh5v4oenznetccmhbr90hur","20 Things We Love About April","Spring couldn’t be more official here, and April is a month that often feels like a collective sigh of relief for all of us. After experiencing the colder, darker months, the arrival of warmer weather and longer days brings a welcome boost of energy. April is the time when lighter jackets replace heavy coats, making everyday life a little less cumbersome. The blooming flowers on the commute or during a walk in the park offer us some moments of bliss, and for many of us, April marks the start of tackling those spring cleaning projects, a chance to refresh our living spaces and create a brighter environment for their families.\n\nBeyond the practicalities, April also brings a subtle shift in mood. The increased sunshine can make everyday tasks feel a little less dull, and the blooming nature around us reminds us of the beauty around us. Now, planning weekend outings to local parks or starting a small garden becomes more appealing. Whether it's enjoying a coffee outside, opening windows to let in the fresh air, or simply noticing the vibrant colors returning to the neighborhood, April offers small, accessible moments of beauty and a renewed sense of possibility in the routines of daily life for women everywhere.\n\n**The Official Start of Spring:** After a long winter (for some!), April truly feels like spring has arrived with warmer temperatures and longer days.\n\n**Blooming Flowers Everywhere:** In April, the world bursts into color with tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms, and magnolias. Kirkland is especially beautiful with its spring blooms!\n\n**Greener Landscapes:** The grass turns a vibrant green, and trees begin to leaf out, making everything feel fresh and alive.\n\n**Warmer Weather:** Shedding those heavy winter coats and enjoying lighter layers is a welcome change.\n\n**A Sense of Progress:** After the slower pace of winter, April often feels like a time of renewed momentum and getting things done.\n\n**More Sunshine:** Longer daylight hours mean more opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the sunshine.\n\n**April Showers Bring May Flowers:** While sometimes inconvenient, the rain is essential for the beautiful growth we see in the coming months.\n\n![things we love about april](https://assets.workingal.com/things_we_love_about_april_e2bfcb7789.webp)\n\n**Earth Day (April 22nd):** A great reminder to appreciate and protect our planet.\n\n**Baseball Season Begins:** For many, the crack of the bat and the start of baseball season is a quintessential sign of spring.\n\n**Gardening Season Kicks Off:** It's the perfect time to start planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs.\n\n**Spring Cleaning Motivation:** The fresh air and sunshine often inspire us to declutter and refresh our homes.\n\n**Easter Celebrations (often in April):** A time for family gatherings, egg hunts, and spring-themed festivities.\n\n**Birdsong Returns:** The cheerful chirping and singing of birds fill the air.\n\n**Outdoor Activities Resume:** Hiking, biking, picnics, and walks in the park become much more enjoyable. Kirkland has some lovely parks to enjoy!\n\n**National Poetry Month:** April is a time to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry. Perhaps try reading a new poem each day!\n\n**A Sense of Renewal and Hope:** There's an optimistic feeling in the air as nature awakens.\n\n![things we love about april](https://assets.workingal.com/things_we_love_about_april_bc2d4c23c5.webp)\n\n**A Shift in Wardrobe:** Packing away heavy winter clothes and bringing out lighter, more colorful spring attire can feel refreshing.\n\n**Less Crowded Outdoor Spaces (initially):** Before the peak summer crowds arrive, April can be a great time to enjoy nature.\n\n**The Return of Outdoor Dining:** As temperatures rise, restaurants often begin to open their patios and outdoor seating areas again. Kirkland has some great spots for outdoor dining!\n\n**Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets:** The light in April can create stunning colors in the sky.","why-we-love-april","April is here and this month is amazing for many reasons. Read and learn which our editors' April favorites.","2025-04-01","2025-04-01T21:27:05.197Z","2025-04-01T21:34:50.420Z","2025-04-01T21:34:50.417Z",{"id":303,"documentId":304,"name":305,"alternativeText":306,"caption":307,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":308,"hash":337,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":338,"url":339,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":340,"updatedAt":340,"publishedAt":340},326,"skkk8rufww9q15b12z4rrgk5","things we love about april-fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","easter eggs colorful","things we love about april",{"large":309,"small":316,"medium":323,"thumbnail":330},{"ext":83,"url":310,"etag":311,"hash":312,"mime":87,"name":313,"path":78,"size":314,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":315},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","0e3a000ca0838d1628479728c9dd435c","large_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2","large_things we love about april-fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp",55.65,55646,{"ext":83,"url":317,"etag":318,"hash":319,"mime":87,"name":320,"path":78,"size":321,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":322},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","eee7fc474e9b709cc527b103fa2dab1a","small_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2","small_things we love about april-fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp",23.54,23542,{"ext":83,"url":324,"etag":325,"hash":326,"mime":87,"name":327,"path":78,"size":328,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":329},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","9d7d0b0d19f12a9a0e57a62fb9a770be","medium_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2","medium_things we love about april-fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp",39.19,39190,{"ext":83,"url":331,"etag":332,"hash":333,"mime":87,"name":334,"path":78,"size":335,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":336},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","1081ad7e90e534112dfef807592a5307","thumbnail_things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2","thumbnail_things we love about april-fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp",8.76,8758,"things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2",101.13,"https://assets.workingal.com/things_we_love_about_april_fb778756928cc8a37943fb162c27602b89fef5e14f905cc3d5b0b5b316a15fc2.webp","2026-09-06T10:36:09.406Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":78,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":343},{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":344,"hash":232,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":345},{"ext":144,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":148,"name":229,"path":78,"size":230,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":231},{"id":347,"documentId":348,"title":349,"content":350,"slug":351,"coffees":36,"seo_title":349,"keywords":352,"seo_desc":353,"bylineDate":354,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":355,"updatedAt":356,"publishedAt":357,"featuredImage":358,"category":396,"author":397,"img":394},608,"k6g597ofvoc9tc590ybh5hws","Why \"Believe All Women\" Undermines the Feminism It Claims to Support","_**Key Takeaways: The Nuance of \"Believe All Women\"**_\n\n- **Support vs. Uncritical Acceptance:** The shift from \"believe women\" to \"believe all women\" changes a necessary corrective into an overcorrection that can ignore evidence.\n- **Justice and Due Process:** Maintaining the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of justice that should apply to everyone, regardless of gender.\n- **Equality and Accountability:** True feminism treats women as full human beings, which includes the recognition that they are capable of being wrong or mistaken.\n- **The \"Believe Victims\" Approach:** Moving toward \"believe victims\" allows society to take allegations seriously while still conducting thorough, fair investigations.\n- **Resisting Binary Thinking:** Complex situations, like the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case, require looking at evidence and nuance rather than picking sides immediately.\n---\n\nI need to tell you something that might make you uncomfortable: I'm a feminist, and I don't believe all women.\n\nBefore you close this tab or compose an angry comment, hear me out. This isn't about dismissing women's experiences or siding with powerful men who've abused their positions. It's about recognizing that the phrase \"believe all women\"—however well-intentioned—has morphed into something that contradicts the very principles [feminism](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-we-need-feminism) is supposed to uphold: equality, justice, and accountability for everyone.\n\nThe recent legal battle between [Blake Lively](https://www.workingal.com/articles/when-did-blake-lively-s-public-image-take-a-turn) and Justin Baldoni has brought this tension into sharp relief. When Lively's [sexual harassment allegations](https://www.workingal.com/articles/what-bugs-me-in-blake-lively-and-justin-baldony-drama) became public, the internet largely rallied behind her. When Baldoni released evidence contradicting her claims, people became confused, defensive, and divided. The question that emerged wasn't just about who was telling the truth in this specific case—it was about whether we're allowed to question at all.\n\nAnd that's the problem we need to address.\n\n## How We Got Here: From Systemic Disbelief to Unquestioning Belief\n\nFor most of human history, women who reported sexual assault or harassment faced a wall of skepticism. \"What were you wearing? Had you been drinking? Why didn't you report it immediately? Are you sure you didn't misunderstand his intentions?\"\n\nThe burden of proof fell entirely on victims. Their credibility was automatically questioned. Their character was scrutinized while their abusers walked free. Women learned that coming forward meant being put on trial—not the person who harmed them, but themselves.\n\n![feminism and believe all women](https://assets.workingal.com/feminism_and_believe_all_women_be4ed93189.webp)\n\nThis wasn't accidental. It was systemic. It reflected deep-rooted power imbalances where those in positions of authority—overwhelmingly men—were given the benefit of the doubt while their accusers—overwhelmingly women—were treated as unreliable narrators of their own experiences.\n\nThe #MeToo movement changed the conversation. Started by Tarana Burke in 2006 and amplified in 2017, it exposed the scale of sexual violence and harassment that women endure. It showed that this wasn't about a few bad apples—it was about a culture that enabled, protected, and excused predatory behavior.\n\n\"Believe women\" emerged as a necessary corrective to centuries of automatic disbelief. It meant: take women's allegations seriously. Don't dismiss them out of hand. Create space for victims to come forward without fear of being ridiculed or destroyed. Listen first rather than immediately questioning their motives or memory.\n\nThis was important. It is still important.\n\nBut somewhere along the way, \"believe women\" became \"believe all women\"—and that subtle shift changed everything.\n\n## The Difference Between Support and Uncritical Acceptance\n\nLet's be precise about what we're discussing, because the nuance matters.\n\n**\"Believe women\"** means: Take allegations seriously. Investigate thoroughly. Provide support to those who come forward. Don't default to skepticism. Create systems where reporting is possible without retaliation.\n\n**\"Believe all women\"** has come to mean: Accept every accusation as automatically true, regardless of evidence or context. Condemn the accused immediately. Treat questioning or investigation as betrayal of feminist principles.\n\nThe first is a necessary correction to systemic bias. The second is an overcorrection that creates new problems while undermining the original goal.\n\nWhen [Christine Blasey Ford testified against Brett Kavanaugh](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/sep/27/christine-blasey-ford-testimony-brett-kavanaugh-metoo) during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 2018, the intensity of the scrutiny she faced illustrated exactly why \"believe women\" matters. She was questioned about details from decades prior, her motives were impugned, and she received death threats for coming forward.\n\nThe demand to \"believe women\" in that context meant: don't automatically assume she's lying. Take her testimony seriously. Conduct a proper investigation. Don't dismiss sexual assault allegations just because they happened years ago or because the accused is powerful.\n\nBut \"believe women\" should never have meant: assume Kavanaugh is guilty without investigation, evidence, or due process simply because an accusation was made.\n\nJustice requires both taking allegations seriously and maintaining fundamental principles of fairness. These aren't contradictory—they're complementary.\n\n## What the Blake Lively Case Reveals About Our Discourse\n\nThe Lively-Baldoni situation is instructive precisely because it's messy and ambiguous—like most real-world situations involving human behavior and perception.\n\nWhen Lively's complaint became public, detailing alleged sexual harassment and a [hostile work environment](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-recover-from-a-toxic-workplace) during filming, much of the internet immediately sided with her. This isn't surprising—Lively is well-liked, the allegations were disturbing, and we've learned to take such claims seriously.\n\nThen Baldoni's legal team released footage and communications that contradicted aspects of her narrative. A video clip showing interactions between them on set was interpreted completely differently depending on who was watching. What Lively's supporters saw as her visible discomfort with unwanted touching, Baldoni's defenders saw as normal on-set interaction between actors filming a romantic scene.\n\nThe same footage. Two entirely different interpretations.\n\nSocial media fractured into camps. Those who said questioning Lively meant siding with potential predators. Those who said automatically believing her meant abandoning due process. Very few people seemed comfortable with the obvious truth: we don't have enough information to know definitively what happened.\n\nThis discomfort with ambiguity is the problem.\n\n\"Believe all women\" demands certainty where none exists. It requires us to make definitive judgments based on incomplete information. It treats accusations as equivalent to proof, which isn't how justice works—or should work—for anyone.\n\n## Why Automatic Belief Is Incompatible With Actual Feminism\n\nHere's what defenders of \"believe all women\" often miss: true feminism isn't about women being right all the time. It's about women being treated as full human beings—which includes being capable of being wrong, mistaken, or even intentionally dishonest.\n\nTo claim that women, as a category, never lie or misrepresent situations isn't feminism. It's infantilization. It's placing women on a pedestal where they're too pure for normal human failings—which is just [benevolent sexism](https://www.workingal.com/articles/10-sexist-quotes-every-woman-has-heard-1) with progressive branding.\n\nWomen are human. Humans sometimes misremember events. Humans sometimes perceive situations through the lens of their own biases and experiences. Humans sometimes act in bad faith. None of this is specific to women—it's universal to our species. Pretending otherwise doesn't elevate women; it others them.\n\nConsider what \"believe all women\" actually requires:\n\n**It abandons due process.** The presumption of innocence is a foundational principle of justice systems specifically because humans are fallible and accusations alone can destroy lives. This protection exists for everyone, regardless of gender. Removing it for one category of accusations sets a dangerous precedent.\n\n**It ignores that false accusations exist.** They're rare—research suggests somewhere between 2-10% of sexual assault allegations are provably false, which means the vast majority are genuine. But \"rare\" isn't \"never.\" Acknowledging this reality doesn't undermine real victims; it strengthens the justice system's legitimacy.\n\n**It creates a double standard for accountability.** If women cannot be questioned or held responsible for false allegations, we're saying they deserve different treatment than men. That's not equality—it's special treatment based on gender, which is precisely what feminism opposes.\n\n**It makes men automatically guilty.** When belief is automatic and unquestioning, the accused has no avenue for defense. Their reputation, career, and life can be destroyed by accusation alone. This isn't justice; it's mob mentality with progressive justification.\n\n**It damages relationships between genders.** When men fear that any interaction could be misinterpreted as harassment with no ability to defend themselves, it creates an environment of suspicion and distance. Healthy, equal relationships between people of different genders require mutual trust—which can't exist in a climate of automatic guilt.\n\n![feminism and believe all women](https://assets.workingal.com/feminism_and_believe_all_women_6a8ebb3677.webp)\n\n\nNone of this means we should return to the old system of automatic disbelief. It means we need something more nuanced than binary thinking allows.\n\n## What \"Believe Victims\" Actually Means in Practice\n\nThe alternative to \"believe all women\" isn't skepticism or dismissal. It's \"believe victims\"—and there's a crucial difference.\n\n**\"Believe victims\" means taking claims seriously while maintaining fairness.**\n\nWhen someone reports assault or harassment:\n- Listen without immediately questioning their credibility\n- Provide support and resources\n- Conduct thorough investigations\n- Don't require victims to \"prove\" their trauma in order to be heard\n- Hold institutions accountable for how they handle reports\n- Create environments where coming forward doesn't destroy the reporter\n\nBut it also means:\n- Gathering evidence before drawing conclusions\n- Allowing the accused to respond and present their perspective\n- Acknowledging that situations can be complex and ambiguous\n- Recognizing that perception and intent don't always align\n- Understanding that not all inappropriate behavior rises to the level claimed\n- Being willing to revise our understanding as new information emerges\n\nThis isn't a compromise between justice and fairness—it's what both require.\n\nConsider how this might have applied to the Lively-Baldoni situation:\n\nWhen Lively filed her complaint, the appropriate response was: take her allegations seriously, investigate thoroughly, provide her with legal recourse, and don't dismiss her claims out of hand.\n\nWhen Baldoni presented evidence contradicting aspects of her account, the appropriate response was: consider this evidence, acknowledge the situation may be more complex than initially presented, recognize that both parties deserve fair treatment, and let the legal process determine what actually occurred.\n\nWhat's inappropriate is: immediately deciding Lively must be lying because Baldoni presented contradictory evidence, or deciding Baldoni must be guilty because questioning Lively's account feels like betraying feminism.\n\nAmbiguity is uncomfortable. Withholding judgment until we have sufficient information goes against our instinct to pick sides. But discomfort with complexity doesn't justify abandoning principles of fairness.\n\n## The Unintended Consequences We Need to Acknowledge\n\n\"Believe all women\" was intended to protect and empower. But its literal application has created several problems that undermine these very goals:\n\n**It gives ammunition to bad-faith actors.** Every provably false accusation that gets uncritically believed initially is weaponized against the #MeToo movement and used to justify dismissing genuine victims. We strengthen the cause by being discerning, not by defending every accusation regardless of evidence.\n\n**It makes people afraid to question obvious inconsistencies.** When pointing out contradictions in someone's account is treated as misogyny, people stop asking legitimate questions. This doesn't protect real victims—it makes everyone less safe by preventing scrutiny that could reveal the truth.\n\n**It creates perverse incentives.** If accusations are immune from questioning, it becomes possible to weaponize them against innocent people for personal, professional, or political gain. This is rare, but the possibility exists—and dismissing it out of hand doesn't make it disappear.\n\n**It reduces complex humans to simple categories.** Real life involves gray areas, miscommunication, different perceptions of the same event, and situations where both parties may be partially right. \"Believe all women\" demands binary thinking that can't accommodate reality's nuance.\n\n**It paradoxically undermines the feminist project.** When we insist that women must be believed without question or evidence, we're not treating them as equals—we're putting them in a special category. Equality means being subject to the same standards of accountability as everyone else.\n\n## What Feminism Actually Requires of Us\n\nTrue feminism—not the performative social media version, but the philosophical commitment to equality and justice—demands more than slogans. It requires:\n\n**Critical thinking applied equally.** We can't claim to want equality while demanding different evidentiary standards based on gender. Either we all get due process or none of us do.\n\n**Acknowledging women's full humanity.** Women are capable of everything men are—including making mistakes, misremembering events, acting from complicated motives, and yes, occasionally lying. Pretending otherwise isn't respect; it's condescension.\n\n**Holding everyone accountable.** This means condemning sexual harassment and assault wherever it occurs, while also acknowledging that not every accusation is accurate and not every uncomfortable interaction is assault.\n\n**Resisting binary thinking.** The options aren't \"believe all women without question\" or \"dismiss all accusations as lies.\" There's a wide spectrum between those extremes where most reality actually exists.\n\n**Centering justice over convenience.** It's easier to have simple rules—always believe accusations, never question victims. But justice requires the harder work of careful investigation, weighing evidence, and accepting that sometimes we won't know for certain what happened.\n\nThis isn't a retreat from feminism. It's a more mature, sustainable version of it—one that can withstand scrutiny and criticism because it's built on principle rather than reactivity.\n\n## Moving Forward: What We Should Embrace Instead\n\nInstead of \"believe all women,\" I propose we embrace something more nuanced and ultimately more just:\n\n**Listen to all victims.** When anyone reports harm, listen. Take them seriously. Don't immediately dismiss or question their credibility.\n\n**Support survivors.** Provide resources, create safe reporting mechanisms, remove barriers to coming forward.\n\n**Investigate thoroughly.** Gather evidence. Interview witnesses. Look at documentation. Do the hard work of determining what actually happened.\n\n**Maintain proportional consequences.** Not every inappropriate comment deserves the same response as violent assault. Context matters. Intent matters. Patterns matter.\n\n**Acknowledge complexity.** People can perceive the same interaction differently. Communication can fail without malice. Situations can be inappropriate without being criminal.\n\n**Resist rushing to judgment.** [Social media encourages instant hot takes](https://www.workingal.com/articles/do-people-love-to-hate-women-online), but justice requires patience and care.\n\n**Hold institutions accountable.** Often the real problem isn't individual bad actors but systems that enable, protect, and excuse harmful behavior. Address the structures, not just the symptoms.\n\n**Remember the goal.** We want a world where people of all genders can work, live, and exist without fear of harassment or [violence](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-illusion-of-safety-are-women-safe-in-the-western-world). That requires both taking allegations seriously and maintaining fair processes for resolving disputes.\n\nThis is harder than a catchy slogan. It doesn't fit on a protest sign. It requires constant vigilance against our own biases and the temptation to take cognitive shortcuts.\n\nBut feminism was never supposed to be easy. It was supposed to be right.\n\n## The Uncomfortable Truth About Justice\n\nJustice is uncomfortable. It requires us to hold two seemingly contradictory truths simultaneously: that women have been systematically disbelieved and silenced, and that automatic belief without evidence isn't the solution.\n\n![feminism and believe all women](https://assets.workingal.com/feminism_and_believe_all_women_6e8fd6278e.webp)\n\nIt requires us to support victims while also ensuring fair treatment for the accused. To acknowledge that false accusations are rare while not pretending they never happen. To take sexual harassment seriously while also carefully evaluating what actually occurred.\n\nThe Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni case—whatever its ultimate resolution—has revealed something important about our current moment: we're uncomfortable with ambiguity. We want clear villains and heroes. We want to know immediately who to support and who to condemn.\n\nBut real life rarely offers that clarity. Real life is messy, complex, and often impossible to fully understand from the outside.\n\n\"Believe all women\" offers the false comfort of certainty. It tells us we can know the truth immediately, without investigation or evidence. It flatters our moral intuitions by suggesting that supporting women means never questioning any woman's account of anything.\n\nBut certainty without evidence isn't justice. It's just another form of bias—one that happens to favor a different group than traditional biases did.\n\nReal feminism is more challenging. It asks us to dismantle systems of oppression while building better ones. To center marginalized voices while maintaining principles of fairness. To support victims without abandoning the presumption of innocence. To seek justice rather than revenge.\n\nThis work is hard. It doesn't generate satisfying social media moments. It requires nuance, patience, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty.\n\nBut it's the only path toward a world that's actually more just—not just for women, but for everyone.\n\nAnd isn't that what feminism was supposed to be about in the first place?","believe-all-women","believe all women, feminism and accountability, #metoo movement, sexual harassment allegations, feminist principles, due process, false accusations, gender equality","A feminist perspective on why \"believe all women\" is both misunderstood and problematic—and what we should embrace instead for genuine equality and justice.","2025-03-21","2025-03-21T19:44:39.983Z","2025-12-21T09:22:31.675Z","2025-03-21T19:53:41.517Z",{"id":359,"documentId":360,"name":361,"alternativeText":362,"caption":362,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":363,"hash":392,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":393,"url":394,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":395,"updatedAt":395,"publishedAt":395},318,"nu4jilpypnm5a0p0q03v4iqt","feminism and believe all women-88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","feminism and believe all women",{"large":364,"small":371,"medium":378,"thumbnail":385},{"ext":83,"url":365,"etag":366,"hash":367,"mime":87,"name":368,"path":78,"size":369,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":370},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","2eacdaf894542552bf56da73dd5e48e7","large_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81","large_feminism and believe all women-88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp",30.92,30922,{"ext":83,"url":372,"etag":373,"hash":374,"mime":87,"name":375,"path":78,"size":376,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":377},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","52182b4af7744d6d5ef98897f8e644f2","small_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81","small_feminism and believe all women-88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp",11.32,11318,{"ext":83,"url":379,"etag":380,"hash":381,"mime":87,"name":382,"path":78,"size":383,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":384},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","cab5021a0a2db54bd51ae4cf79750bbe","medium_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81","medium_feminism and believe all women-88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp",20.49,20488,{"ext":83,"url":386,"etag":387,"hash":388,"mime":87,"name":389,"path":78,"size":390,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":391},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","589a03117b911f8956d56d28af439577","thumbnail_feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81","thumbnail_feminism and believe all women-88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp",4.06,4056,"feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81",73.45,"https://assets.workingal.com/feminism_and_believe_all_women_88c68e666844cc821d1e5ea09269872c61eda8e9e2f9373f82ee563cda5d4a81.webp","2026-09-06T10:36:02.120Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":127,"name":128,"slug":129,"instagram":130,"facebook":131,"bio":132,"linkedIn":133,"createdAt":134,"updatedAt":134,"publishedAt":135,"avatar":398},{"id":42,"documentId":137,"name":138,"alternativeText":139,"caption":140,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":399,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":157},{"thumbnail":400},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":78,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":402,"documentId":403,"title":404,"content":405,"slug":406,"coffees":164,"seo_title":404,"keywords":407,"seo_desc":408,"bylineDate":409,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":410,"updatedAt":411,"publishedAt":412,"featuredImage":413,"category":452,"author":453,"img":450},594,"pcwa9aj6m2vuhlg9v8goq7ml","Was Sex and the City That Revolutionary?","### I rewatched Sex and the City, and this is what I think.\n\nMillennial here, and I still remember when I first watched Sex and the City in a random late evening on TV—Netflix wasn’t popular back then in Europe. I was around 18 years old, just out of high school, and little did I know about relationships and sex. I was pretty impressed by the raw depiction of scenes and Samantha's non-PC language. Soon, I became a fan, and SATC became my comfort show. We used to watch it with a couple of friends, and back then, the four women in their 30s seemed so far away from our reality.\n\n#### It’s 27 years since SATC aired for the first time.\n\nAnd for the millennials, just the name of the show conjures images of Manolo Blahniks, Cosmopolitans, and frank girly discussions about, well, sex sprinkled with some career and friendship concerns. But mainly sex. And I rewatched it recently because, uh, I needed a girlie comfort show to take my mind away from all the [serious matters of life](https://www.workingal.com/articles/negativity-bias).\n\nHowever, whether you like the series or not, you can’t deny that Sex and the City wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon, a show that redefined how women talked about their desires, their friendships, and their (sexual) lives. But was it genuinely revolutionary, or do we just say that because we need to find a reason to justify our choice of watching a show whose primary interest is sex? Two decades later, the question still sparks debate, especially among younger generations, a cocktail of nostalgia, criticism, and a lingering sense of the show’s undeniable impact.\n\nWhen the show premiered in 1998, television hadn't seen anything quite like it. Four women in their thirties and forties navigating the complexities of love, career, and identity in the heart of New York City. They were flawed, funny, and unapologetically themselves. **Carrie**, the writer with a penchant for puns and a chaotic love life; **Samantha**, the confident and sexually liberated PR executive; **Charlotte**, the traditional romantic with a yearning for marriage and family; and **Miranda**, the cynical lawyer with a sharp wit and a pragmatic approach to life. These weren't the idealized women of television; they were real, relatable, and refreshingly honest—at least for the 90s.\n\n![sex and the city movie](https://assets.workingal.com/sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_ae3e9df29d.webp)\n\n[Photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/QyojpmcaPzNFtPkr8)\n\nOne of the most groundbreaking aspects of Sex and the City was its open and explicit portrayal of female sexuality. The women talked about sex with a sincerity rarely seen on screen, discussing everything from one-night stands to vibrators to the complexities of female pleasure. While sipping their Cosmopolitans, they challenged societal norms and shattered the silence surrounding women's desires. Samantha, in particular, became a symbol of sexual liberation, a woman who embraced her sexuality without shame or apology. For many women, Sex and The City provided a sense of validation, a feeling that their own experiences and desires were everyday and worthy of discussion.\n\nBeyond the bedroom, Sex and the City also revolutionized the way female friendships were depicted on television. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda were more than just friends; they were each other's chosen family. They supported each other through thick and thin, offering advice, comfort, and uncompromising loyalty. Their weekly brunches at the coffee shop became a symbol of female solidarity, a space where they could share their triumphs and failures, their hopes and fears. The show highlighted the [importance of female friendship](https://www.workingal.com/articles/10-red-flags-that-your-friendship-is-over) in a way that resonated with millions of women around the world.\n\n### And then there was the fashion\n\nPatricia Field, the show's costume designer, created a style that was both aspirational and accessible. Carrie's eclectic wardrobe, a mix of high-end designers and vintage finds, became iconic. From her tutu in the opening credits to her Manolo Blahniks, her clothes were an extension of her personality, a way of expressing herself in a city that celebrated individuality. The show popularized the concept of \"fashion as character,\" demonstrating how clothing can be used to tell a story and convey a sense of self.\n\nBut Sex and the City was not without its flaws. For all its talk of female empowerment, the show often fell short in its representation of women of color. The characters were overwhelmingly white and privileged, and the show's depiction of race and ethnicity was often [stereotypical and insensitive](https://www.workingal.com/articles/stereotype-women-in-reality-tv). Critics also pointed to the show's [focus on consumerism](https://www.workingal.com/articles/christmas-gift-exchange-an-ode-to-consumerism) and its narrow definition of success. Carrie had 100 pairs of shoes, each worth 400 bucks. Yeah, that is not happening in the life of an average woman. The women's lives revolved around expensive apartments, designer clothes, and fancy restaurants, creating a fantasy that was and still is unattainable for most of us.\n\n![sex and the city movie](https://assets.workingal.com/sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_bb37859275.webp)\n\n[Photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/seMENAuxNeViSCnS6)\n\nFurthermore, the show's focus on romantic relationships [undermined its feminist message](https://www.workingal.com/articles/is-microfeminism-enough). Despite their independence and success, the women's ultimate happiness often seemed to hinge on finding a man. Carrie's turbulent relationship with Mr. Big became a central focus of the show, perpetuating the idea that a woman's worth is determined by her romantic partner. While the show did explore the complexities of love and relationships, it sometimes seemed to reinforce traditional [gender roles and expectations](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-language-is-affected-by-our-gender).\n\nIn the years since Sex and the City went off the air, its legacy has been debated and re-evaluated. Some argue that the show's flaws outweigh its contributions, pointing to its lack of diversity and consumerist ethos. Others maintain that the show was groundbreaking for its time, paving the way for more honest and nuanced portrayals of women on television. The truth, as always, is more complex.\n\nSex and the City was a product of its time, a reflection of the cultural landscape of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It captured the zeitgeist of a generation of women who were navigating the challenges and opportunities of modern life.\n\n### While the show's flaws are undeniable, its impact is also undeniable\n\nIt opened up conversations about sex, friendship, and identity that were previously taboo. It empowered women to embrace their desires and celebrate their friendships. It changed the way women were represented on television, paving the way for shows like Girls, Broad City, and Insecure.\n\n### So, was Sex and the City that revolutionary?\n\n![sex and the city movie](https://assets.workingal.com/sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_8f89b0c837.webp)\n\n[Photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/PiB3Xwu3kn9S2Nzc6)\n\nPerhaps not in the way we initially thought. Its revolution was less about grand pronouncements and more about subtle shifts in perspective. It normalized once-whispered conversations, challenged deeply ingrained stereotypes, and created a space for women to see themselves reflected on screen. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.\n\n#### And sometimes, that's enough to spark a revolution\n\nThe show's legacy continues to evolve, particularly with the recent reboot, \"And Just Like That...\" This new chapter offers a chance to revisit these beloved characters and explore their lives in a contemporary context. It's an opportunity to address some of the criticisms of the original series and to reflect on how far we've come –and how far we still have to go– in our understanding of women, relationships, and the ever-changing landscape of modern life. Whether you loved it or hated it, Sex and the City undoubtedly left its mark on popular culture, and its influence can still be felt today. It's a show that continues to provoke, entertain, and make us think about what it _means to be a woman in the 21st century._\n\n[Cover photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/JUVXBMSAcyPPvdon7)","sex-and-the-city-commentary","sex and the city, sex and the city and feminism, was sex and the city feminist, sex and the city critique, sex and the city negative","Sex and the City was one of the most popular shows that first aired almost two decades ago. Was it, though, as revolutionary as it is still marketed?","2025-03-07","2025-03-07T20:12:24.051Z","2025-03-07T20:24:30.573Z","2025-03-07T20:24:30.570Z",{"id":414,"documentId":415,"name":416,"alternativeText":417,"caption":418,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":419,"hash":448,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":449,"url":450,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":451,"updatedAt":451,"publishedAt":451},311,"ulrnw2hnrx98lww1suu1077a","sex and the city revolutionary-82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","sex and the city movie","sex and the city revolutionary",{"large":420,"small":427,"medium":434,"thumbnail":441},{"ext":83,"url":421,"etag":422,"hash":423,"mime":87,"name":424,"path":78,"size":425,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":426},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","54f8e11e7da18887b6b43f23611e76e5","large_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2","large_sex and the city revolutionary-82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp",26.27,26274,{"ext":83,"url":428,"etag":429,"hash":430,"mime":87,"name":431,"path":78,"size":432,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":433},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","9b1957d1607a4fe5a05d92b89d935b2c","small_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2","small_sex and the city revolutionary-82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp",12.19,12194,{"ext":83,"url":435,"etag":436,"hash":437,"mime":87,"name":438,"path":78,"size":439,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":440},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","42c651f1dd9f05e3ea1298c43c7c5a06","medium_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2","medium_sex and the city revolutionary-82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp",19.04,19038,{"ext":83,"url":442,"etag":443,"hash":444,"mime":87,"name":445,"path":78,"size":446,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":447},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","71a0224861fc566d0decbd0a95998dfb","thumbnail_sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2","thumbnail_sex and the city revolutionary-82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp",5.27,5274,"sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2",43.15,"https://assets.workingal.com/sex_and_the_city_revolutionary_82835a7616fc9bce4d068458999842dd481d4c2454cb64a7c2d5b72b173cdee2.webp","2026-09-06T10:35:55.529Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":127,"name":128,"slug":129,"instagram":130,"facebook":131,"bio":132,"linkedIn":133,"createdAt":134,"updatedAt":134,"publishedAt":135,"avatar":454},{"id":42,"documentId":137,"name":138,"alternativeText":139,"caption":140,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":455,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":157},{"thumbnail":456},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":78,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":458,"documentId":459,"title":460,"content":461,"slug":462,"coffees":164,"seo_title":460,"keywords":463,"seo_desc":464,"bylineDate":465,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":466,"updatedAt":467,"publishedAt":468,"featuredImage":469,"category":508,"author":509,"img":506},588,"ssh9f18qm7rsagfceiaacp0s","Negativity Bias: This Is Why I Stopped Reading Negative News","### Do you usually tend to read negative rather than positive news? You are not alone. It’s human nature; we tend to find negative news more appealing\n\nEvery morning, I have a strong urge that bites me. It's a familiar, almost involuntary twitch –the desire to reach for my phone. But I wish it did only to snooze my alarm. I’m not, though; the siren call is far more insidious: the pull of the news. My thumb instinctively scrolls through [social media feeds and news apps](https://www.workingal.com/articles/tik-tok-may-be-banned-so-what), a desperate need to know what's happening in the world. But, usually, what I find is rarely uplifting. On the contrary, it's a relentless stream of negativity: political and [vicious celebrity scandals](https://www.workingal.com/articles/lively-baldoni-celebrity-culture), crimes, natural disasters, social turmoil, and the ever-present threat of war.\n\nI know this is a terrible habit, and I understand that the news cycle is overwhelmingly dominated by negativity. War, famine, political strife, environmental disasters –a constant barrage of bad news designed to grab our attention and keep us [glued to the screen](https://www.workingal.com/articles/i-stop-scrolling-in-the-morning).\n\nYet, I can’t help it, and every day, I find myself scrolling through headlines, drawn in by the morbid curiosity. And when I see the most tragic headline, here comes the research: research about everything on this topic, how and when it happened, how much it impacts humanity –oh, the humanity– and what happens next. And my list of resources doesn’t end with just scrolling between 1 and 2 sources. I need to find every bit of information and aspect of the horrible news.\n\n### And here I go into a vicious cycle that keeps me constantly depressed\n\nThe more I consume negative news, the more anxious and unhappy I feel, and every morning, the world seems like a terrifying place, full of danger, death, and despair.\n\n![negativity bias](https://assets.workingal.com/negativity_bias_7ef63f5d36.webp)\n\nThe good thing is that I have started to acknowledge this pattern, and I have come to realize that this daily dose of doom has taken a toll on my [mental and emotional well-being](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-simplify-your-life-and-feel-better). Even though things are going well, at least for me and my loved ones, I feel constantly anxious and overwhelmed by impending doom. And I am patiently waiting for the bad thing to happen.\n\n## Why is negative news so appealing?\n\nAccording to [research by nature.com](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01538-4), the well-known newsroom saying, \"if it bleeds, it leads,\" highlights a firm belief among journalists: [stories focused on crime](https://www.workingal.com/articles/women-and-true-crime), violence, and tragedy attract more readers than those highlighting positive events. This principle was traditionally driven by the need to sell newspapers.\n\nHowever, the landscape of news consumption has dramatically shifted. A significant majority of readers now access news online, transforming the primary objective from selling newspapers to maximizing online engagement. The incentive is to keep users clicking on and reading new articles.\n\n_In the United States, a considerable 89% of adults consume at least some of their news through digital platforms, and this reliance on the Internet as a primary news source continues to grow._\n\nDespite this widespread adoption of online news, the reality is that user attention is incredibly fragmented. Most of us spend less than five minutes per month engaging with all the top news websites combined. This extremely limited attention span creates a highly competitive environment for online media outlets. Consequently, online news platforms are compelled to compete fiercely for the scarce resource of reader attention. The imperative is to capture and hold users' interest within a very narrow window of time, leading to the development of strategies aimed at maximizing clicks and engagement—by making negative headlines.\n\nAnd how does this work? Here comes the so-called negativity bias—online media targets precisely this. According to the APA (American Psychological Association), _negativity bias refers to the cognitive tendency for people to pay more attention to, remember, and be more strongly influenced by negative information compared to positive information, even when both are of equal intensity, meaning negative events often have a more significant impact on our psychological state than positive ones; essentially, \"bad\" information carries more weight than \"good\" information._\n\nSo, by taking advantage of our negativity bias in combination with the increased attention span, they basically serve us what we tend to want to read. And it works.\n\nBecause I realized I, as well, am addicted to negativity, which is weird because I have always considered myself [quite a positive person](https://www.workingal.com/articles/toxic-positivity-when-positive-thinking-becomes-too-much).\n\n## According to psychology, though, I am not\n\n![negativity bias](https://assets.workingal.com/negativity_bias_7dd1d40af7.webp)\n\nBut how did I manage to put myself in such a position? Well, I owe it to my ancestors, apparently. From a historical perspective, negativity bias developed as a survival mechanism, allowing our ancestors to be more alert to potential environmental dangers, making negative information more salient than positive information.\n\nStudies have shown that the 24/7 news cycle, with its emphasis on sensationalism and negativity, can have a significant impact on our mental health. It can increase anxiety and depression, and even lead to feelings of hopelessness, which harms not only our self-esteem and mood but also can affect our relationships with others. Excessive news consumption can sometimes lead to social isolation. Individuals may withdraw from social interactions due to feeling overwhelmed by the negativity in the world.\n\nStudies consistently show a strong link between frequent negative news consumption and heightened anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to distressing information can trigger the body's stress response, leading to [elevated cortisol levels](https://www.workingal.com/articles/what-is-cortisol-detox-and-how-to-do-it) (the stress hormone).\n\nExcessive news consumption, especially late at night, [can disrupt sleep patterns](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important-for-your-physical-and-mental-health). The emotional arousal from negative news can make relaxing and falling asleep difficult.\n\n## Managing my content digest\n\n![negativity bias](https://assets.workingal.com/negativity_bias_a627c8454c.webp)\n\nBecause I didn’t want to be a part of this and end up a miserable person without any energy to live, I decided that it was time to rethink [my morning priorities](https://www.workingal.com/articles/10-1-ways-to-beat-the-morning-blues), make a conscious effort to limit my news consumption, and actively research and engage in reading positive stories. I have unsubscribed from news alerts, deleted news apps from my phone, and consciously chosen to spend my time on more uplifting activities, e.g., having a satisfying morning shower and [writing down 3 things I’m grateful for every morning](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-power-of-being-grateful).\n\nIf you look around a bit, you will notice that the world, despite the complexities, scandals, and wars, is also a beautiful place. The online and offline worlds are full of positive news and stories of hope and inspiration. So now I actively focus on reading books, listening to podcasts, and watching documentaries focusing on human kindness, [environmental sustainability](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-zero-waste-home-affordable-strategies-for-reducing-your-footprint), and social progress.\n\n### It's not easy.\n\nOld habits die hard, and there is always the FOMO part: not wanting to be excluded from what is happening. The urge is here; I accept it, but don’t surrender. I believe reducing my exposure to negativity can create a more peaceful and joyful inner life and make me a tad happier every day.\n\nHowever, avoiding engaging with negative news does not mean burying my head in the sand or ignoring our world's challenges. That’s denial. Keeping a distance from negative news is about finding a healthier way to engage with the news that nourishes my soul instead of draining it. I recognize our world’s chaos, but I also acknowledge that there is good in it. I understand that staying informed about current events is important. However, it's possible to do so without sacrificing my mental health. There are plenty of news sources that don’t scream negativity, and I stay informed, but for one negative headline, I aim to read two positive ones.\n\n#### I read those interesting items before I wrote the article:\n\n[What Is The Negativity Bias and How Can it be Overcome?](https://positivepsychology.com/3-steps-negativity-bias/)\n\n[Enhanced mental health strategy for NSW workplaces](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20210525_01.aspx)\n\n[Finding Hope](https://susanquinlan.com/finding-hope/)","negativity-bias","negative bias, negativity bias definition, what is negativity bias, how to stop negativity bias, negative news how to stop","Negative news is everywhere—and everyone seems to not stop reading them. This is called negativity bias and it's time to put and end on it.","2025-03-05","2025-03-05T21:18:34.578Z","2025-03-05T21:29:32.314Z","2025-03-05T21:29:32.312Z",{"id":470,"documentId":471,"name":472,"alternativeText":473,"caption":474,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":475,"hash":504,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":505,"url":506,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":507,"updatedAt":507,"publishedAt":507},308,"gfkkfgbqbz29z48gg1ente33","negativity bias-694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","new york skyline on sunset","negativity bias",{"large":476,"small":483,"medium":490,"thumbnail":497},{"ext":83,"url":477,"etag":478,"hash":479,"mime":87,"name":480,"path":78,"size":481,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":482},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","dd945991195f6a10ccd5d590d6279c37","large_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99","large_negativity bias-694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp",18.15,18148,{"ext":83,"url":484,"etag":485,"hash":486,"mime":87,"name":487,"path":78,"size":488,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":489},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","15e181628c3c6149292e50c4caf7f24b","small_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99","small_negativity bias-694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp",6.44,6438,{"ext":83,"url":491,"etag":492,"hash":493,"mime":87,"name":494,"path":78,"size":495,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":496},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","66f568d41cffc2f7fcf93d6e4825ce34","medium_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99","medium_negativity bias-694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp",11.84,11838,{"ext":83,"url":498,"etag":499,"hash":500,"mime":87,"name":501,"path":78,"size":502,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":503},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","250a7366bf23673fc5f8fec7b4152598","thumbnail_negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99","thumbnail_negativity bias-694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp",2.34,2342,"negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99",38.46,"https://assets.workingal.com/negativity_bias_694e95d27595ce9834a550c59ba24cdc4d5decbcdb7b6aa7004d245530d0ce99.webp","2026-09-06T10:35:52.058Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":127,"name":128,"slug":129,"instagram":130,"facebook":131,"bio":132,"linkedIn":133,"createdAt":134,"updatedAt":134,"publishedAt":135,"avatar":510},{"id":42,"documentId":137,"name":138,"alternativeText":139,"caption":140,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":511,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":157},{"thumbnail":512},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":78,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":514,"documentId":515,"title":516,"content":517,"slug":518,"coffees":26,"seo_title":516,"keywords":519,"seo_desc":520,"bylineDate":521,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":522,"updatedAt":523,"publishedAt":524,"featuredImage":525,"category":564,"author":565,"img":562},576,"tc03l43bpxmw2t1elwi2mgyz","20 Things We Love About March","### The air is changing, a subtle shift that whispers of renewal\n\nSpring is right around the corner. Spring, a favorite season for many people, is this magnificent time of the year when the world awakens from its winter slumber. While the official astronomical start of spring arrives with the Vernal Equinox around March 21st, many weather enthusiasts and meteorologists recognize March 1st as the beginning of \"meteorological spring.\" This categorization divides the year into four three-month seasons, simplifying climate data analysis and forecasting.\n\nMeteorological spring allows for a clearer understanding of seasonal weather patterns. It's in this early phase that we eagerly anticipate the first signs of warmth, the budding of flowers, and the return of vibrant green hues to our landscapes, marking a tangible shift from the starkness of winter.\n\n## Why March is an interesting time of the year\n\nMarch itself is a month steeped in history and folklore; its name is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Roman calendars, March was the year's first month, a fitting start for a season of rebirth and growth. This historical significance is echoed in various cultural traditions and celebrations, from St. Patrick's Day to Women's History Month observance.\n\nThe month's changeable weather, often captured in the saying \"March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,\" reflects the transitional nature of this period. It's a time of fluctuating temperatures, from lingering winter chills to the gentle warmth of approaching summer, making it a truly dynamic and fascinating month.\n\n### Read below all the things we love about March\n\n**The Vernal Equinox:** The official start of spring! Longer days and a sense of renewal fill the air.\n\n**Budding Blossoms:** Seeing the first pops of color as daffodils, crocuses, and tulips emerge.\n\n**Warmer Temperatures:** Saying goodbye to the deep freeze and feeling the sun's gentle warmth.\n\n![small river and cherry blossoms](https://assets.workingal.com/what_we_love_about_march_2f43b1c2c8.webp)\n\n**International Women's Day (March 8th):** A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.\n\n**St. Patrick's Day Celebrations:** The fun, festive atmosphere, green everything, and a bit of Irish cheer.\n\n**The Return of Birds:** Hearing the cheerful songs of migrating birds returning home.\n\n**Spring Cleaning Motivation:** That urge to declutter and refresh our living spaces.\n\n**Open Windows:** Letting fresh, crisp air circulate through the house.\n\n![sunlight gets in a living room through the window](https://assets.workingal.com/what_we_love_about_march_d0c2e15d2b.webp)\n\n**Rain Showers:** While sometimes dreary, they nourish the earth and bring a fresh scent.\n\n**The First Signs of Green:** Seeing the grass turn green and the trees begin to sprout new leaves.\n\n**Outdoor Activities:** Dusting off the bikes, going for hikes, and enjoying picnics in the park.\n\n**Maple Syrup Season:** Enjoying the sweet taste of fresh maple syrup tapped from trees.\n\n**March Madness:** The excitement and drama of college basketball tournaments.\n\n**Spring Break:** A chance for students (and families) to relax and recharge.\n\n**Farmers Markets Reopening:** Seeing the return of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods.\n\n**Light Jackets and Scarves:** Transitioning to lighter layers and enjoying the in-between weather.\n\n**Planning Gardens:** Dreaming of summer harvests and starting seeds indoors.\n\n![woman choosing products in a farmer's market](https://assets.workingal.com/what_we_love_about_march_5af27d558b.webp)\n\n**Increased Daylight Hours:** More time to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up the sun.\n\n**The Promise of New Beginnings:** Feeling a sense of hope and optimism for the months ahead.\n\n**The Subtle Shift in Energy:** A palpable feeling of revitalization and a shift from hibernation to activity.","love-march","march, march history, march madness 2025, things we love about march, beginning of spring in march, ","Spring is so close, and we couldn't be more excited for March! These are the 20 things we love about March and we think you love too!","2025-02-28","2025-02-28T18:20:38.843Z","2025-02-28T18:39:01.609Z","2025-02-28T18:39:01.605Z",{"id":526,"documentId":527,"name":528,"alternativeText":529,"caption":530,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":531,"hash":560,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":561,"url":562,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":563,"updatedAt":563,"publishedAt":563},302,"wfknulzdkogv13yr7fhqabp8","what we love about march-d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","colorful tulips","what we love about march",{"large":532,"small":539,"medium":546,"thumbnail":553},{"ext":83,"url":533,"etag":534,"hash":535,"mime":87,"name":536,"path":78,"size":537,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":538},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","b5303081f777e3d660a63ab529da74f3","large_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224","large_what we love about march-d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp",27.73,27730,{"ext":83,"url":540,"etag":541,"hash":542,"mime":87,"name":543,"path":78,"size":544,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":545},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","7a9098009a9ddf3aa987401910b50297","small_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224","small_what we love about march-d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp",11.91,11914,{"ext":83,"url":547,"etag":548,"hash":549,"mime":87,"name":550,"path":78,"size":551,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":552},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","31446f8afb7375b117e9a9927d5da294","medium_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224","medium_what we love about march-d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp",19.34,19340,{"ext":83,"url":554,"etag":555,"hash":556,"mime":87,"name":557,"path":78,"size":558,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":559},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","d13ddb90b31c8b1f9d6b418fc16ef447","thumbnail_what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224","thumbnail_what we love about march-d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp",4.83,4832,"what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224",51.97,"https://assets.workingal.com/what_we_love_about_march_d58cd0e7670a7534c2c92c1377bd2e3f8f6355dff56207aefbd6ba496669c224.webp","2026-09-06T10:35:46.017Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":78,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":566},{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":567,"hash":232,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":568},{"ext":144,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":148,"name":229,"path":78,"size":230,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":231},{"id":570,"documentId":571,"title":572,"content":573,"slug":574,"coffees":164,"seo_title":572,"keywords":575,"seo_desc":576,"bylineDate":521,"bylineTimezone":69,"createdAt":577,"updatedAt":578,"publishedAt":579,"featuredImage":580,"category":619,"author":620,"img":617},574,"l9jw3k8jo6qp7u354qvqvbbp","A Legacy of Gold: Women Oscar Winners of All Times","**A Legacy of Gold: The Oscar Female Winners**\n\nAs we are looking forward to the 97th Academy Awards, there is one thing that is certain: it will be the [talk of the Tinseltown](https://www.workingal.com/articles/lights-camera-chaos-4-hollywood-scandals) for some time. The Academy Awards, a beacon of cinematic excellence, have honored countless brilliant performers over the years. Among them, the women who have taken home the Best Actress Oscar stand as icons, their talent etching their names in Hollywood history. Here's a flashback of these extraordinary women and their award-winning performances. Though we couldn’t include them all, the following are just a tiny taste of Hollywood's talented, empowered, and amazing women.\n\n## Janet Gaynor (1929)\n\nWon for: \"7th Heaven,\" \"Street Angel,\" and \"Sunrise.\"\n\nOscar fact: Gaynor is the only actress to win the Oscar for multiple roles in a single year and for performances in three separate films.\n\n## Mary Pickford (1930)\n\nWon for: \"Coquette.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Pickford was one of the original 36 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences founders\n\n## Katharine Hepburn (1934)\n\nWon for: \"Morning Glory.\"\n\nOscar fact: Hepburn held the record for the most Best Actress wins (4) for many years.\n\n## Claudette Colbert (1935)\n\nWon for: \"It Happened One Night.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Colbert initially didn't want to do the movie.\n\n## Luise Rainer (1937, 1938)\n\nWon for: \"The Great Ziegfeld\" and \"The Good Earth.\"\n\n**Fun fact:** Rainer was the first actress to win back-to-back Oscars.\n\n## Vivien Leigh (1940, 1952)\n\n![vivien leigh holding her oscar](https://assets.workingal.com/women_oscar_winners_61ff788698.webp)\n\nWon for: \"Gone with the Wind\" and \"A Streetcar Named Desire.\"\n\nOscar fact: Her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara is one of the most iconic performances in film history.\n\n## Joan Fontaine (1942)\n\nWon for: \"Suspicion.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Fontaine's win created a famous rivalry with her sister, Olivia de Havilland.\n\n## Joan Crawford (1946)\n\nWon for: \"Mildred Pierce.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Crawford famously accepted her award from her bed.\n\n## Judy Holliday (1951)\n\nWon for: \"Born Yesterday.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Holliday's win was considered an upset at the time, and her victory came as a surprise to many.\n\n## Audrey Hepburn (1954)\n\n![audrey hepburn holding her oscar](https://assets.workingal.com/women_oscar_winners_8b7c688c8c.webp)\n\nWon for: \"Roman Holiday.\"\n\nOscar fact: Hepburn's elegance and charm made her a timeless icon.\n\n## Grace Kelly (1955)\n\nWon for: \"The Country Girl.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She left her acting career to become Princess of Monaco.\n\n## Sophia Loren (1961)\n\nWon for: \"Two Women.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She was the first actress to win an Oscar for a foreign-language performance.\n\n## Anne Bancroft (1962)\n\nWon for: \"The Miracle Worker.\"\n\n**Oscar fact** Her powerful portrayal of Anne Sullivan left a lasting impact.\n\n## Julie Andrews (1964)\n\nWon for: \"Mary Poppins.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Her film debut earned her an Oscar.\n\n## Elizabeth Taylor (1966)\n\nWon for: \"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Her performance was considered a very bold and raw departure from her previous glamorous roles.\n\n## Katharine Hepburn (1968)\n\nWon for: \"The Lion in Winter.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She tied with Barbra Streisand that year, a rare occurrence.\n\n## Barbra Streisand (1968)\n\nWon for: \"Funny Girl.\"\n\n**Oscar fact**: She shared the win with Katharine Hepburn, resulting in a tie.\n\n## Jane Fonda (1971, 1978)\n\n![jane fonda holding her oscar](https://assets.workingal.com/women_oscar_winners_0a8e56ce5b.webp)\n\nWon for: \"Klute\" and \"Coming Home.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She's known for her activism as well as her acting.\n\n## Louise Fletcher (1975)\n\nWon for: \"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Her acceptance speech was memorable for its use of sign language.\n\n## Diane Keaton (1977)\n\nWon for: \"Annie Hall.\"\n\n**Oscar fact**: Her style in the film became a fashion trend.\n\n## Sally Field (1979, 1984)\n\nWon for: \"Norma Rae\" and \"Places in the Heart.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:**: Her \"You like me!\" acceptance speech is iconic.\n\n## Geraldine Page (1985)\n\nWon for: \"The Trip to Bountiful.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** This was her eighth Oscar nomination.\n\n## Marlee Matlin (1986)\n\nWon for: \"Children of a Lesser God.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She's the first deaf actress to win an Oscar.\n\n## Jodie Foster (1988, 1991)\n\nWon for: \"The Accused\" and \"The Silence of the Lambs.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She began her career as a child actress.\n\n## Jessica Tandy (1989)\n\nWon for: \"Driving Miss Daisy.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She was the oldest actress to win Best Actress.\n\n## Gwyneth Paltrow (1998)\n\nWon for: \"Shakespeare in Love.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Her emotional acceptance speech was widely discussed.\n\n## Julia Roberts (2000)\n\nWon for: \"Erin Brockovich.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She was already a major box office star.\n\n## Charlize Theron (2003)\n\nWon for: \"Monster.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role.\n\n## Reese Witherspoon (2005)\n\nWon for: \"Walk the Line.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She did her own singing as June Carter Cash.\n\n## Helen Mirren (2006)\n\nWon for: \"The Queen.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II was highly praised.\n\n## Marion Cotillard (2007)\n\nWon for: \"La Vie en Rose.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She's the first actress to win an Oscar for a French-language performance.\n\n## Kate Winslet (2008)\n\nWon for: \"The Reader.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She had received multiple nominations before her win.\n\n## Sandra Bullock (2009)\n\nWon for: \"The Blind Side.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She won both an Oscar and a Razzie in the same year.\n\n## Natalie Portman (2010)\n\nWon for: \"Black Swan.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She trained extensively in ballet for the role.\n\n## Meryl Streep (1979, 1982, 2011)\n\n![women oscar winners.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/women_oscar_winners_40b6a96abf.webp)\n\nWon for: “Kramer vs Kramer”, “Sophie’s Choice”, and \"The Iron Lady.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** She holds the record for the most Oscar nominations.\n\n## Renée Zellweger (2019)\n\nWon for: \"Judy.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Zellweger's portrayal of Judy Garland involved extensive vocal training and a deep dive into the iconic performer's life, showing her dedication to the role.\n\n## Frances McDormand (1997, 2018, 2021)\n\nWon for: \"Fargo\", \"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri\", and \"Nomadland.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** This win marked McDormand's third Best Actress Oscar. She also was a producer for the film.\n\n## Michelle Yeoh (2022)\n\nWon for: \"Everything Everywhere All at Once.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, a significant milestone in the Academy's history.\n\n## Emma Stone (2023)\n\nWon for: \"Poor Things.\"\n\n**Oscar fact:** During her acceptance speech, she handled a dress malfunction with humor and gave a very loving speech to her family.\n\nPhotos: [Audrey Hepburn](https://images.app.goo.gl/qjejwERTEVX5YsUG7), [Vivian Leigh](https://images.app.goo.gl/gboHsb2esCsAKea88), [Jane Fonda](https://images.app.goo.gl/GgLXCPX3qwBL7GHB9), [Meryl Streep](https://images.app.goo.gl/rSbBi4D8Lycp7xTw9)","women-oscar-winners","black woman oscar winner, asian woman oscar winner, oscar winner woman, women oscar winners, first woman oscar winner, two women oscar women, ","These are the powerful and talented women who have won an Oscar up until today.","2025-02-27T23:44:48.606Z","2025-02-28T00:02:19.563Z","2025-02-28T00:02:19.561Z",{"id":581,"documentId":582,"name":583,"alternativeText":584,"caption":585,"focalPoint":78,"width":79,"height":80,"formats":586,"hash":615,"ext":83,"mime":87,"size":616,"url":617,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":618,"updatedAt":618,"publishedAt":618},301,"padda0opj1ynn73xgnfgtu2v","women oscar winners-739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","oscar award","women oscar winners",{"large":587,"small":594,"medium":601,"thumbnail":608},{"ext":83,"url":588,"etag":589,"hash":590,"mime":87,"name":591,"path":78,"size":592,"width":90,"height":91,"sizeInBytes":593},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","cbb4908a775feda15b9ef3536a18c778","large_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537","large_women oscar winners-739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp",27.46,27464,{"ext":83,"url":595,"etag":596,"hash":597,"mime":87,"name":598,"path":78,"size":599,"width":99,"height":100,"sizeInBytes":600},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","66d4cfcf741cecb98b2507071f3e8086","small_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537","small_women oscar winners-739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp",11.21,11208,{"ext":83,"url":602,"etag":603,"hash":604,"mime":87,"name":605,"path":78,"size":606,"width":108,"height":109,"sizeInBytes":607},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","930e909c5c72769994f577e776b9dfdd","medium_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537","medium_women oscar winners-739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp",19.17,19174,{"ext":83,"url":609,"etag":610,"hash":611,"mime":87,"name":612,"path":78,"size":613,"width":117,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":614},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","a4108b9480cb50d2af8b6d5b98edb021","thumbnail_women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537","thumbnail_women oscar winners-739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp",4.21,4206,"women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537",52.07,"https://assets.workingal.com/women_oscar_winners_739f246b953667b5a7136fff13e164c2af8e54d433272f594f171913c676a537.webp","2026-09-06T10:35:45.166Z",{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":78,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":621},{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":78,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":622,"hash":232,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":78,"provider":123,"provider_metadata":78,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":623},{"ext":144,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":148,"name":229,"path":78,"size":230,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":231},{"pagination":625},{"start":626,"limit":627,"total":628},18,9,89,1788762750201]