The Girl On Fire

Today, I ask that you bare with me as I attempt to connect the dots on several thoughts/events/concepts.

I'm sure you've all experienced this same phenomenon. When one event relates in some way to another, and another, then reminds you of something completely different, but relevant, and before you know it your mind has just connected 5, 6, or 7 events in the span of 3 seconds? And the worst part is you realize it all makes sense in your own mind, but you don't dare share this series of events out loud? Anyone? Perhaps not, but often something will spark a domino effect in my subconscious and the next thing I know I went from thinking about the Hunger Games to women embracing their leadership power. Here is how I got from A to Z.

Let's start with a quick prelude. (commence nerd alert here)

I recently finished reading the Hunger Games series, and can I just say, I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE PREMIERE TODAY!!! One of the most powerful images that stuck in my mind after reading the series was that of fire:

This theme, of fire, is used  throughout all three books; The theme of a book is a universal idea or message that stretches through an entire story. Mostly this theme relates to the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen.

Book One, The Hunger Games: Katniss is given the name, The Girl On Fire base on her ceremonial costume.

Book Two, Catching Fire: Katniss is dressed in a gown that glows like fire embers. 

Book Three, The Mockingjay: There are multiple uses of fire in this book. The most significant in my mind is how fire is used to fight fire. 

I would hate to spoil the books for those of you who have not read them, but plan to. So, I apologize for the vague/broad references and hope you get the gist.

With all of the above in mind, this video is what sparked my domino effect "daydream" if you will.

 

 

1. Katniss Everdeen - costumed in an outfit, on fire. Chosen to make an impression.
2. Katniss Everdeen - second book - wearing a dress perfectly crafted to resemble red hot embers, the kind that will catch fire at any moment. An outfit that, to me, boldly stated watch out.
3. An article I read recently - "For the past decade I have been watching women learn to collaborate and support each other in a way they have never done before -- it is revolutionary. Like smoldering coals, their behind-the-scenes work is ready to catch fire. At all levels we will see women taking their place as leaders, within organizations, as entrepreneurs, in politics. As they transform the nature of power, they transform the nature of leadership." -Birute Regine, Hoffington Post
4. I am a girl ready to catch fire. Driven by my passion to lead others and by my desire to connect generations of women to share stories, experiences, and inspire one another to be better, work harder, dream bigger. I myself will experience a transformation, and pass it along.
5. 2012 is being called The Year of the Woman. Women will ignite their fire and fully embrace their power, transforming societies traditional perceptions of power from the power over, into the power to. Women have the power to light a fire that will most certainly catch on and spread like wild. I plan to be the spark that leaps ahead spreading the movement further and further.
6. As I head into competition this weekend, I am competing for a local NY title within the Miss America Scholarship Organization, I will ignite my passion. I have spent years powering my potential, and when I step on stage my confidence, authenticity, and resilience, will shine through and I will be The Girl On Fire.

....and if you're interested, here is an additional Hunger Games trailer -->

HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!