One of my favorite things about living in San Jose in the Spring is the opportunity to attend the Unique Lives and Experiences series. Each event gives the audience the opportunity to learn about the unique life of an extraordinary woman. She may be a politician, philanthropist, in the entertainment industry, an author or more than one of the above. Last night, I was especially privileged to spend the evening listening to and being inspired by one of my favorite actresses, Goldie Hawn. She was everything I always thought she’d be right down to distracting in her choice of a top that kept slipping off her shoulders and pants that were too big. Whether she was tugging at her shoulder or pulling up her pants, it was entirely forgivable because she is Goldie. Anyone else, I would have been running on stage with pins and tape!
She spoke of many things including dancing, singing acting friendship, motherhood, family, marriage, home construction, divorce and the decision not to marry. All of it interesting and entertaining. But the one that really riveted me was the Hawn Foundation. This organization which was started by Goldie, is working to bring the joy back into learning for kids. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that sad and depressed brains do not function with the efficiency and creativity of happy ones. Simply stated, “The mission of The Hawn Foundation is to equip children with the social and emotional skills they need to lead smarter, healthier, and happier lives.”
And they are making progress. Their MindUp program is slowly being introduced into public school curriculum and soon will be included in textbooks. That fact alone gives my heart joy.
Click here to learn more about the Hawn Foundation.
