Over the years, hundreds of women have been my teachers. They taught me that every woman is wise and every woman has something she wants to say. She’s got a voice because she cares.
When she listens to the wisdom of her heart, she discovers what really matters to her, whether she stands in the backyard with the kids, in a company as part of the senior management team or in political office. She is ready to speak up, with confidence, when speaking from her heart.
Culturally trained to be apologetic and uncertain, women don’t always value what they know and feel deep inside. We compare ourselves unfavorably to other women and men with demeaning self-talk that says our progress, our contribution is not enough…and never will be enough.
Yet, every time we do speak up, put out what we think, it contributes an important diverse point of view—unless of course we are speaking to someone not willing and ready to hear. Then we have a decision to make. Is this the right time to speak with this person? If yes, then figure out how to say it. A good rule of thumb is to speak so they can hear you - without making the other person wrong or joining in the status games of one-up/one-down. If not, then it’s our work to find the person with the openness to consider what we have to say and the leverage to join us in leading change.
The right place, right time, and a personal connection to what really matters are key. Personal power follows: not power over—power with.
Contrary to cultural conditioning and messages from the past, there is not a tax on the number of words we are allowed to use. Consider this an invitation to make a positive difference in the world, now, when women’s wisdom is so dearly needed on all fronts.
In our quest to create a vital world for all people, it’s up to us to find our voice and plainly state what needs to be said. As we act from a stand for what is needed, we become wise leaders making smart decisions and innovating solutions to seemingly intractable problems.
Sometimes we are called to be alchemists, stirring up change. In my experience, our truth may not always be pleasant to say or to hear, but it does stand on its own as an authentic perspective and may be just what is needed in the long run.
What are you called to say? To whom? When?
Do it. With love.
Additional Resources
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