International Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day!

I've had so many wonderful women in my life.  From them, I have learned lessons on what to do and what not to do.  I've been inspired, encouraged, loved, supported, lifted up, and challenged.  Even the women who brought pain, anger, or conflict taught me something.  I won't grow if I'm not challenged, and never having women around me with different perspectives, lives, beliefs, ambitions or talents makes life boring and me a bit stagnant.

I've also reaped the benefits of women I've never known and who came many years ago.  Though I never met the great women before me who fought for me, stood up for my rights, and made me mean more than my gender, I feel connected to them.  I feel a ribbon of strength inside of me that reminds me that I matter.  It empowers me to right wrongs.  It makes me fraught with anger from the injustice and inequality toward women today still.  I want what they did to matter and be built upon- through me and all of us!

Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  I've given my share of middle fingers (or my equivalent, blowing kisses) to drivers.  I've flashed a disapproving "mom glare" to others.  I can be hungry for adult conversation and monopolize it.  I'm not always my best self, but I try.  I want to knit inside my fellow women the beginning of a ribbon that connects us.  I appreciate so much the women in my life, and I want you all to know.

I've also had men who have helped make me strong.  My daddy thought I should know how to use tools and do as much for myself as I could.  He built us things to climb on, vines to swing on, and encouraged us to explore and get dirty.  I have a husband who never defines my worth by what I do or can't do.  He sees me as his equal.  He doesn't try to mute who I am, but he just lets me be me.  He will point out that I may need to examine my motives, my stance, or why I'm so convicted just like I would want my girlfriends to do!  I need supportive men around me, too.  I had the best compliment from my oldest son over a year ago.  When I asked if a pair of leggings I was wearing to "Back to School" night were too bold, he replied, "When have you ever worried about being too bold?"  YES!  Yes, son!  Encourage women to be bold.  Don't be threatened by them but love and support them.

I know there is a day for anything it seems, but I like this one!  There is no need to be intimidated by an empowered, strong woman.  We can incubate life, nurture it, care for it, and help it thrive.  We can also fight, change, inspire, lead, teach and generally rock.  We can do that marvelously together.   Go out confidently and use your talents to shine on, ladies!