Advocacy is public support for a cause.
Early in my childhood, I took on advocate work. Education, homelessness and poverty, health issues, domestic violence and gender parity.
Last month, we celebrated #internationalwomensday. As the month continued and having conversations with my girlfriends who are moms, entrepreneurs, stakeholders in our communities, and educators it is apparent as moms we naturally advocate for our children. As WOMEN do our roles of motherhood depriortize ourselves? Around the world there isn't gender parity. There are much larger issues such as violence, hunger, etc. But, can you imagine if heads of states would implement policy for gender parity, how much value women can give out communities impact the GDP of each country. Our world is at a loss for not utilizing the resources of what a woman brings to the table.
People ask me why I chose to quit my career when I peaked. And, it was such a personal choice made based on my priorities. Motherhood changes you. I wasn't just defined by working title, salary, office space, assets, or travel. Does it devalue my experience that I work part time so I can be a full time stay at home mom? I have 3 girls. For me, I am showing them how to balance life. It was my choice, not corporate America's. Can I go back full time and go running back to my career and make 6 figures? I test marketed my skill set to prove something to myself and family. Yes! I can even after leaving my full time career 12 years ago. Why? I have value in what I do everyday. And, I made sure I would have something to go back to when I am an empty nester. I get asked why I juggle multiple hats. It's because it allows me the flexibility to stay at home, sustain an income to contribute, engage with adults and it's fulfilling. I am a better individual being able to juggle these roles. I am happier. And, why wouldn't I? Didn't my Grandmother and mother advocate for women's rights?
Waiting for our children and listening to a girlfriend share her comings and going of motherhood /womanhood I was reminded how similar our struggles are with raising children in different stages, working, battling health issues, aging, and relationships. I was in awe of her ability to manage all her roles and remain smiling. Sharing her personal health news made me sad. Not just because of my own health history and the scares it comes with but because she no longer has her parents and is only child. And, when she shared the news with me and a mutual friend. We all discussed getting together. We should celebrate life. And so, as tradition continues after 5 years we celebrate the lives of some exceptional women I know and love. Not just for their roles as mothers and sisters who I now have but also the value they bring to their communities, the passion they bring to their roles of Medicine, PHARMd, Nurse practitioner, Culinary artist, Educator and Religious Ministry.
My child was insightful when I mentioned I would celebrate all these women whom I love. Mama, they were born on this week of March (some on the same year in different parts of the world) only to be brought together by the bond of womanhood/sisterhood.
It was during this same week I uncovered by chance someone who was close to my heart betrayed my trust. How can we say we advocate for right and the moral compass of what God asks of us when our actions are the complete opposite. To spread gossip, make threatening comments, make defamatory statements and ill will toward children. Then, in your face tell you they love you and would do anything for you. The wounds still healing in my back not just because of the uncovering of deceit and dishonesty but the calculated actions of malice toward me and my entire family. It reminds me of a book I just read, sociopaths come in all forms and faces. It is now I retrace my thoughts and memories and it is with clear eyes, how much trust I put in this friendship and as I close the door. I pray for those who choose to destroy and I seek for wisdom to move forward with forgiveness. Thankful for the genuine people in my life who are honest enough even when it is uncomfortable and can love me even with my most annoying and unnerving idiosyncrasies.
It was during this same week I uncovered by chance someone who was close to my heart betrayed my trust. How can we say we advocate for right and the moral compass of what God asks of us when our actions are the complete opposite. To spread gossip, make threatening comments, make defamatory statements and ill will toward children. Then, in your face tell you they love you and would do anything for you. The wounds still healing in my back not just because of the uncovering of deceit and dishonesty but the calculated actions of malice toward me and my entire family. It reminds me of a book I just read, sociopaths come in all forms and faces. It is now I retrace my thoughts and memories and it is with clear eyes, how much trust I put in this friendship and as I close the door. I pray for those who choose to destroy and I seek for wisdom to move forward with forgiveness. Thankful for the genuine people in my life who are honest enough even when it is uncomfortable and can love me even with my most annoying and unnerving idiosyncrasies.
PSA to my fellow women: take care of yourself. The world needs you. Get your mammogram, physical, take a vacation, walk and smell the ROSEs and smile. It is a NEW day and it's a gift.
