The stories that stayed: What women read (and why I wrote them)
Three years after setting up Woman Unclouded, I decided to do a little exercise. I looked at the top five articles readers engaged with most, then revisited what inspired each one. What followed was a trip down memory lane - and a revealing glimpse into what truly resonated with the women who landed here. I was so glad to see that these were all stories inspired by personal experience.
Holding on and letting go… Artist Maira Kalman on what women hold
I remember a conversation with friends about how much we physically hold. I laughed at how, every time I get home, I step out of the car with bags hanging off every part of me, barely squeezing through the front door. I’m always the one carrying the toys, the jackets - everything.
But it’s not just physical. We talked about the emotional load, too.
Curious, I searched for “what women hold” and came across Maira Kalman’s book. I ordered it and instantly fell in love. I even reached out to her - and she agreed to an interview. I was in awe.
The book still sits on my coffee table. Every time I pick it up, something new resonates, depending on the stage of life I’m in.
Once upon a time—a long, long time ago—I used to wear heels everywhere. To work. To go out. They felt comfortable.
Then I slowed down my working hours after having my daughter and switched to flats. One day, I tried wearing my heels again—and something had changed.
They felt like torture. Like walking on stilts. Even climbing stairs felt twice as hard.
I needed answers, so I asked an expert. This article was the result—and judging by how many people read it, I’m not alone in this experience.
The ladies room: The loud, smelly truth about women’s toilets
I’ve always hated using the toilet at work when others can hear me. Or touching up my makeup in crowded public bathrooms.
This article was inspired by a lifetime of “restroom” experiences. It felt like time for women to speak up about what we actually need in public toilets.
A toilet, sink, and mirror simply aren’t enough. There are layers—beyond toilet paper—that matter. And to understand them, you need to understand the mind of a woman.
This piece is part rant, part reflection, and part hope that someone, somewhere in bathroom design, is listening.
“Hon, I need money”: The uncomfortable truth about feeling dependent
Over the years, I noticed a pattern. Many accomplished, intelligent women—women who studied, built careers, and thrived—slow down professionally for their families and become less financially independent.
This can create a “money imbalance” in relationships, often tipping toward the man, especially when children are involved.
That imbalance isn’t always a problem—but sometimes, it is.
In this article, I explored the issue through research and conversations with women in my circles and beyond, breaking it down with honesty and nuance.
Childhood landmarks - gone. Grieving the loss of meaningful places
This article is especially close to my heart. I wrote it during a time when I felt overwhelmed by change. I wanted to understand why I felt that way – and if I was alone.
I’ve never handled change well - from small things like switching fabric softener, to bigger losses like the demolition of my grandmother’s home. Losing childhood landmarks felt like losing pieces of myself. Writing this helped me process those emotions - and I’m glad I shared it.
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