Unapologetically a woman
When I woke up this morning and realized it was Friday blog day, I was feeling blocked and unsure about what topic to cover this morning. Friday is also Throat Chakra day (Visshudi in Sanskrit). The throat chakra focuses on speaking, writing, and being heard. As I pondered what to share, I turned to Instagram to see what was new out in the world. I have not been on social media until recently as I need the platform to help spread the word about my new business. I am quickly learning that the more positive messages I follow the more my feed is filled with love and positivity (once I sort through the ads). Today my feed included everything I needed to feel inspired, the universe provided once again!
I follow a woman, therealslimsherri, she is my daily dose of humor. She has countless clips about growing up as a GenXer. Things have changed in my 48 years on this earth and each day she reminds me of how much! Just think, mixed tapes, VCR’s, and things our parents used to say (my personal favorite; “I don’t know why you’re crying, but if you don’t stop I’ll give you something to cry about”). I thought that quote was unique to my family, until I saw hundreds of comments from women sharing the same phrase! Analyzing the message that sent is a blog post in and of itself!! In addition to her GenX humor she also throws in the occasional women are bad-asses and shouldn’t apologize for their age, their appearance, how many times they use the “F” word, or their existence in the world. I absolutely love it.
As I continued scrolling, another amazing unapologetic woman, Ms_hdic shares her vibrant message to women out there, advising them “Baby You Keep Shining,” even when things are dark, even when people put you down, even if you’re struggling. She ends her clips with “have a good day on purpose”. What a great message, to intentionally set yourself up to have a good day no matter what. I love to see women uplifting each other, sharing space, sharing stories and hardship, sharing their experiences, and supporting each other.
Then came video after video of the mighty Simone Biles nailing routine, after routine, after routine with absolute power, grace, and perfection. What an incredible and inspirational young woman who not that long ago made the difficult decision to withdraw from several Olympic events to tend to her mental wellbeing. She was met with judgment, ridicule, and lots of speculation. To have something as personal as your mental health be discussed in such a public setting, had to have been very challenging. On the flip side, a larger conversation began about tending to one’s mental health, and how and when to prioritize putting mental wellness right up there with physical wellness. How incredibly brave, not to mention what a comeback!
Nikita Gill
“Women that believe in each other can survive anything. Women who believe in each other create armies that will win kingdoms and wars.”
There are a few other groups I follow, whatthemenopause has the funniest memes about the menopause and perimenopause experience. It’s a community of women laughing, liking, and sharing their experiences with menopause, hormones, emotional dysregulation, exhaustion, and other symptoms through humor. It feels good to know I’m not alone, and that the struggle is real, and at times pretty damn funny!
My point for sharing all of this is that I am seeing more and more women choose to lift each other up rather than tear each other down or hold someone in a place where they cannot grow. I was reminded this morning of some of my past experiences working with women in environments that created competition and pitted women against each other rather than supporting them. I have never led like that. I have always supported, nurtured, mentored, and uplifted the women who have worked for me, and I intend to wholeheartedly continue to do that moving forward in my new business. This time, I plan to extend it beyond just the women I work with, I intend to support and uplift communities of women through this next venture.
Embrace Therapeutics will be a safe place for all women. Not just a yoga practice or therapy practice, but a community of women who embrace, support, and love each other. A community that nurtures, and helps others grow. I cannot wait to meet the women who choose to engage with me on this journey when we find a physical location to commune together.
While we’re waiting, think of a time when another woman supported you and helped you grow. Take a moment and write her a heartfelt thank you note. Send the gratitude and love back into the world, you might just make her day!
