Women’s History Month: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

A Woman’s Work

No disrespect at all to the men – I have plenty in my life that I ADORE, including my husband and two rising kings – but we women carry A LOT on our backs. Do a quick search of “Women’s History Month” and see for yourself… We literally carry children, run corporations and households, are friends, sisters, mentors, wives, caretakers, personal chefs and SO MUCH MORE. We are expected to do ALL the things and look flawless doing them!!!

Much progress has been made in the creation of “space” for women and ALL that we bring to the table but there is a long way to go. The “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements and the ongoing fight for equality in gender pay reflect the work that is yet to be done; and those are just three examples of many. All of these, what I’ll call attacks on our femininity, take their toll and affect us psychologically and emotionally. We are expected to do so much and BE so much and the weight of it all is a lot to bear, to say the least. So what’s a woman to do?

A Woman’s Challenges

As a coach, I focus heavily on the need to be grounded in IDENTITY. I believe that for everyone but I’m zeroing in now on the female population. It IS Women’s History Month, isn’t it??? I can’t stress how important it is for us as women to be anchored in who exactly we are and what we want for ourselves. That self-knowledge helps to create the boundaries necessary to protect us from being over-burdened and over extended. I would venture to say that one of the greatest ongoing challenges that women have is managing the expectations of others; or more specifically, FREEING ourselves from those expectations. I’m going to say some things that are MY OPINION (my words, my blog)… Girls are just raised differently. Not in every case, as nothing is absolute, but traditionally there are “societal” differences that are communicated to girls, even if non-verbally. We’re thought of negatively if we speak up too much and are looked at sideways if our opinions or personality are “too strong.” I did say before that much progress has been made, didn’t I? It’s not in every case but it still happens.

Imposter Syndrome, the disease to please, comparison syndrome and so many other ills plague women as we struggle to feel like we are enough. Sister, let me tell you – YOU.ARE.ENOUGH. The challenge is looking within to find yourself so you can learn to love yourself and then BE yourself! For some, that in itself is a scary prospect but it is NECESSARY for your own contentment, fulfillment and well-being. Don’t strive to be anyone but the best possible version of you. It’s who God created you to be and He did so with purpose. That’s right, there is PURPOSE to your existence and it’s your job, your JOURNEY, to find out what that is. Your personality, your experiences, your strengths and even your pain point to what you are meant to do and be and how you are meant to impact the world. We’re on a journey here, Sis, and we’re in it for the long-haul.

All Things BeYOUtiful

Women’s History Month is perfect time to look back on all the amazing women game changers and history makers that have paved the way for us. They are EXAMPLES for you. Examples of what a woman can accomplish when she’s determined, has a vision or is even forced to make change. The point to remember is that you have that same power in you. You merely have to look within to identify all that contributes to your unique brand of power and then put it to work.

To help women, and the girls that become them, on their path to true identity, I have created a space where women are encouraged to be beYOUtiful: to be “full of yourself” in all the ways that help you flow in confidence, authenticity and strength, knowing that you are enough.” Right now. Just as you are. I’m inviting you to this space where you will find the allies and the tribe to support you as you find your way. And then guess what I will expect you to do? Yes! To look back and help someone else on THEIR journey. Because even if you’re just one step ahead of them, you have covered space that they have yet to discover. WHEW! Deep, right? So I want you to sign up on www.reallifetrueyou.com. Drop your email so you are sure to get all the goodness I have coming AND so you can feel the love of all the other women like you who are on this journey together (and bring some friends!). Be sure to stop by The BeYOUty Shop (www.reallifetrueyou.com/shop) where I offer products that help you to express your individual beYOUty. You can also sign up as a regular to make sure you don’t miss out on future products, events and promotions. We’re doing ALL THINGS BEYOUTIFUL around here to help us to know and then remind us of how awesome, valuable and worthy we are! You HAVE to know it. It’s time, Sis. It’s time.