Here’s to Strong Women

In my office, I have a sign that my mom gave me. It says:
 
HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN
MAY WE KNOW THEM
MAY WE BE THEM
MAY WE RAISE THEM
 
My mom is certainly a strong woman. I can look to her life and point to many instances of COURAGE.  Plus, she raised two hard-working, hard-caring, ultra-productive people (if I do say so myself) while making her way in the world on her own terms.
 
I’ve tried my best to continue that streak with my own birds whose wings are fully formed and getting stronger every day.  One of the things I hope most for my kids is that they know and honor the various ways that STRONG manifests itself.
 
Sometimes strong is asserting yourself, but other times it’s being able to hold back.
 
Sometimes strong is stifling the tears and “getting it together”, and other times it’s letting them go and wallowing a little.
 
Sometimes strong is hanging out in the complex, and other times it’s being ok with “what is the simplest way”?
 
Sometimes strong is putting aside your own needs, and other times it’s putting yourself first.
 
And most importantly, sometimes strong is doing what’s expected, but most of the time it’s doing what you know is true for you – despite any strange looks, whispers, or discomfort it may bring.
 
As a Mom, I hope my kids remember this last one the most, and I hope you do too.