Some days I’m the most powerful woman on the planet. Music often fuels that fire. I fell in love with this song the moment I first heard it in SOL Dance Experience. It said everything I felt. Turn off the lights, turn up the sound, hit PLAY and close your eyes. How does it make you feel?
I haven’t always been comfortable in my skin. For many years when I was younger, I desperately wished I were a boy. I don’t remember exactly when those feelings surfaced, but it was after Barbies and before braces.
I went through a tomboy phase where I slammed tennis balls against the house all the time, I studied insects, I hated boys (in that way), and I dreaded the changes I knew were coming to my body because I was a girl. I didn’t want some stupid period. What a pain in the butt. And who wants things protruding from their chest? Couldn’t I just blend into the background with the boys? I got along better with them anyway.
Eventually I grew out of that and I’m quite happy where I am now. I love being a woman and all that entails, including being part of a movement of powerful women in Birmingham and across the nation that are trying to help their sisters.
In all honesty though, I do have quite a few moments when I still feel pretty masculine or not as lady-like. But that’s me and that’s ok. I’m multiple-faceted and that works in my favor. So, while I may not always be the lady I should be, I’m always me and that’s better than faking it.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.
I’ve seen many posts in the new year about change…changing one’s inside, outsides, surroundings. I, too, have decided to make some changes with myself, but my surroundings are not to be touched. Tonight was a perfect example of the inspiration, talent, and power that I am surrounded by each time I get together with ladies of See Jane Write.
I haven’t been a member of the group for very long, but I feel as if I’ve known them for years. From day one our fearless leader, Javacia Bowser, warmly welcomed me to the fold. She introduced me online to the group and that was the start of something amazing inside me. These women have all come together to write, support and mentor one another, and share their stories. I have learned so much about myself from them and their experiences and tonight was no exception. The more we share – the athletes, the techies, the teachers, the writers, the mothers, the business owners – the more we find ourselves in our comrades. I listened to bits and pieces of the many conversations around the table tonight simply in awe of the knowledge and life lessons sitting right there at the table. And that was just a smattering of us. Imagine what a whole room of Janes can do! We can do anything we want and I’m reminded of that each time I’m fortunate enough to spend time with them. If you want a taste of the power in this group, join us for the See Jane Write event next week. When you come, be sure to ask me about the donkey from tonight’s gathering..you’re sure to get a chuckle from it.
Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.