I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.
~Maya Angelou
Every woman needs another woman in her life who has walked before her. One that can share her stories, lessons, and wisdom. We all have at least one, and some are blessed with many.
The real gift is knowing there is an infinite source of support that is available when we need it the most. On one of the rougher roads of my journey, I found myself exhausted from the constant struggle of trying to keep it all together. I was tired from pretending that everything was OK, and I was mentally and physically worn from thinking I could do it all. I was resisting reaching out for support.
It was important to me that people saw me as a ‘strong’ woman. Well, STRONG was starting to not work for me any longer…I could feel my foundation begin to crumble beneath me. One of the greatest life lessons came from a dear friend who reminded me that ‘even Jesus could not do it alone – he had 12 disciples’. In this moment I knew she was right. I decided to find the support I needed from those who had walked my path, who had empathy and compassion for my scenarios, and would not try to ‘fix’ me, but love me thru to the other side.
Today I honor and celebrate all of the women who have walked before me, shared their stories, and held me gently.
She taught me to listen to my still small voice and trust my listening. In this process, I learned that an authentic life is an honest life and the one I would choose to live out.
She held me close during my darkest moments. Her presence was gentle, nurturing, and comforting. I always knew that I would never be judged, only heard and that she would always be a safe place for me to fall.
She coached me when I stumbled. Her wise words would be the compass of some of my biggest life choices. She could always see my possibilities and my greatness. Even when I could not.
She pushed me when I wanted to quit. When I thought I had nothing more to give. When I thought I could not take another step. When I was tired and worn, her voice was firm and loving.
She inspired me on every level; Emotionally, Physically, and Spiritually. In her eyes, I could see everything that was possible for a woman. Her confidence, beauty and grace were always present and in the wake of every encounter, her wisdom lingered for days.
She loved me deeply, in a way like no other woman. Her love is raw, unconditional, and truly authentic. I know today I am a better person, and a stronger woman because of her.
And I pray every day that I can be that woman for someone else.
Beautiful words and all the thoughts, feelings, and wisdom conveyed by your words. Though we sometimes feel apart from we are always a part of. Though we may feel lonely, we are never alone. How wonderful to have someone take your hand and guide you, and how wonderful to take another’s hand and guide them. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words Victor!
There was a tidal wave of emotion for me on International Women’s Day when I realized the impact that so many women have made on my life.
I am humbly honored to carry the responsibility to pay it forward in every way I can in the extent of my own life.
One word, one comment, one conversation, one hug, one day at a time.
The strength of women is that readiness of mind with which, throughout history, especially in recent history, they have been able, or in any case tried, to face the discrimination, abuse and violence to which women have always been subjected. subjects. It is the strength they put into everyday life: at work, at home, in the family or in everything that is important in human existence.
Although women have made a real climb towards emancipation, today there are still many who fight against abusive husbands, sexist situations at work and discrimination. Without forgetting other women, from other cultures, who are denied the most basic rights of a dignified life.
For the fight for normality, because that’s what it is after all (we are not looking for privileges but simply the rights that every human being deserves) we need the alliance of men who are finally aware of the strength of women.
Your piece made me think of the Lao Tzu quote “When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready… The teacher will Disappear.”
I walk in the shoes of women who have passed away and some are still here but who “set me free” to walk on with the learning they gave me. Some where teachers modeling what to do. Some modeled what not to do. Some gave me wind to soar on and other taught me where my boundaries were. The hard way.
But I am grateful to all of them.
And to you, dear Carolyn, for this piece/peace and for your friendship.
This hit me hard (in a good way) yesterday…. A deep appreciation for all of the woman who have helped shape my story.
I am honored in holding a huge responsibility to ensure that I am that for other women – no matter the degree.
I am humbled and grateful to share this part of my journey with you Charlotte!
Oh Carolyn! As I was reading your post the amazing women in my life flashed before my eyes. The women that have been there for me, when I could hardly be there for myself. What a gift this was to sit with them in my thoughts… Thank you for this!
Kimberly,
Thank you for you… It was a surreal piece to write. My heart filled up when I realized that I would not be who I am or where I am today without the woman who guided, redirected and held me when I cried. #tribe
“It was important to me that people saw me as a ‘strong’ woman. Well, STRONG was starting to not work for me any longer…I could feel my foundation begin to crumble beneath me”.
“She held me close during my darkest moments. Her presence was gentle, nurturing, and comforting. I always knew that I would never be judged, only heard and that she would always be a safe place for me to fall”.
Thank @Carolyn for this beautiful post. No matter how strong a person is- whether a man or woman- stile she/he needs support.in some weak areas. Authenticity being self and in recognizing our weaknesses before strengths because we are as strong as our weak point is.
Thank you Ali!
It was truly only in hindsight that I really understood the power of those connections and how they changed the trajectory of my life.
I am humbled and grateful that i realized I had a safe place to fall… made me stronger along the way.
Thank you so much Amy!
There was an emotional trigger today for me when I realized how many amazing woman are in my life that have stood with and for me when I needed it the most. Happy International Women’s day to YOU!
Oh, Carolyn, thank you for this beautiful reflection on the compassionate connection that flows through the loving legacy of mothers, sisters, friends, and all women who open their hearts and souls to each other. Having walked a spiritual path of self-discovery full of trials, fears, and uncertainties, I know first-hand the beauty and grace of accepting the help and wisdom of others who have come before me. I echo your prayed to be that woman for someone else. 💞