In the daily hustle and bustle of things, we often get so caught up in labels and pass split second judgement about who a person is so that we might quickly define what their potential might be. In this way, we get caught up in binary understandings of who an individual is without truly taking the time to know them. Not just a Harvard grad or a model, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paradise Rodriguez, public speaker, author and activist (among many other things), about about what it is to be a dynamic human being who chooses to follow her bliss and refuses to be slated to one path or another.
What inspired you to start #ICanBeBoth?
#ICanBeBoth was born after I’d decided that I was tired of being told to fit into a societal box. Growing up, I was all about computer building and programming then I fell in love with dance and theater. I was expected to choose one over the other, but how could I? It wasn’t long before I met others who had similar stories. After being told, “maybe you should stick to fashion shows” when I first voiced my desire to attend Harvard University, I became fed up! I had 2 options, accept this nonsense, or stand and fight -not just for me, but all women. After a bit of research, I quickly realized there were even supermodels, Brooke Shields, and many others, who went IVY and STILL had glamorous careers. I didn’t need to choose one over the other, I needed to tell the world to shut it and I needed to embrace all that I am.
Who is your role model? Why?
I am not sure if I have one specific role model, but I grew up listening to women like Princess Diana, Josephine Baker, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama. These amazing women were and still are road maps for me as I strive to make a positive difference in the world.
I’ve heard that the work-life balance is a myth, do you have any good tips for maintaining a healthy balance between work and living a fulfilling life?
Balance is absolutely key and TO-DO LISTS ARE YOUR FRIEND! Personally, I practice “siesta” as often as I can and I establish firm boundaries…even with myself. Every day I take a 30 minute time out away from work and I simply relax. I don’t always nap, but the times that I do, I feel so much more energy to keep going through the day. I also try not to do work on Sundays. I wake up at 8, clean my house and then I go on an adventure! [Writing things down] also saves me time so I can do more of the things I enjoy like traveling and volunteering.
What do you like to do to de-stress?
To de-stress I love to ride my horse, Perseus. If the weather doesn’t permit me to, I find a dance studio and work on my ballet. I also enjoy rebuilding cars and I absolutely love cartoons. It’s not uncommon to catch me, during siesta, eating a bowl of cereal and rewatching Rugrats or Invader Zim.
Do you have any go-to self-care techniques to help you recharge after your activism work and keep you going?
Activism work is very emotionally draining. I operate an emergency hotline so I am often on the go, especially late at night. To prevent myself from burning out, I keep a journal —lots of them—. It’s actually how I wrote my novel. Sometimes you just need to physically clear your mind and so I write…even if I am simply word vomiting, I make sure to get my thoughts out. On a physical note, I believe wholeheartedly in equine therapy so once I’ve come back from a mission, Perseus is usually my first visit. A hug from your horse can heal wonders. It’s also important to take a day to disconnect. I like to find trails and just go walking. No music just the sounds of nature can be very soothing.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
During the beginning of my Harvard adventure, I audited Professor Holly Parker’s Psychology class. Afterward, I explained to her what I was planning and I thanked her for the class. She said to me, “When opportunity knocks, let someone else close the door.” What she meant was, there are enough obstacles in life, don’t allow yourself and fear to be a reason why you don’t take a chance on something you truly desire.
What is one, or a few, future goal(s) that you are striving towards?
Right now I am working on my #FindingParadise book tour. A lot of my readers have been telling me how this book has helped them get through their storms so now I want to ensure others in impoverished environments are able to get a copy, and I am trying to find a way to procure hygiene products for those readers as well. People often forget that whether we want it or not, our periods come and sometimes they’re extremely heavy. Imagine being homeless and not being able to buy pads? Imagine not being educated on what’s happening to your body! Imagine not being able to attend school due to a very natural occurrence in your body.
Any new and exciting opportunities on the horizon that you’d like to share?
There is a lot happening that I cannot speak about just yet, however, I will say keep an eye out during the 1st quarter of 2020. I will be doing a lot more keynote speaking about #ICanBeBoth. I have decided to take a major step in the coming years and I am absolutely excited about it.
The final question is a fun one: If you could have one skill or superpower, what would it be?
Any skill or superpower? Well, I’d like Apparition. Could you imagine if a person trying to escape from trafficking called me and all I had to do was think about their location and POOF!! I could pull a total Dobby —just without the whole Bellatrix tossing the knife thing (total heartbreaking scene).
Visit the website to learn more about Paradise. Be sure to check out her book, “Finding Paradise”.
Caia Rose 