International womens day
This week we begin to celebrate the upcoming International Women’s Day on Friday March 8. I’m curious to know what this conjures up for you?
International Women’s Day draws attention to equality for women in the world, inclusiveness, reproductive rights and to shine a light on the work we still need to do in the face of violence against women. None of these are women’s issues alone! The entire world has a responsibility to wake up and pay attention to the gaps that still exist between the genders.
My focus here today is to highlight the opportunity women themselves have in changing the narrative. Whether you have ever experienced any kind of violence against women, sexual or otherwise, whether you have realized that you were hired/not hired because of how you look or your gender. Whether you have paid more for your blouse than your partner paid for their shirt (right?!) or been shocked by the sexualization of women to sell cars, sports, alcohol, gambling or anything else. You know we still have a long way to go.
How do you help change the narrative as a female? I would love to give you a few easy tips to get you started.
Be yourself! Too many women feel that they have to hide who they are to fit in. conforming to fit in, only robs you and the world from the precious gift of you! How many women do I know that don’t even know themselves because they have lost themselves trying to fit in everywhere they go. How is it that we continue to teach our daughters to fit in, just by trying to fit in ourselves?
Use your voice! The world needs you! There is only one of you, no one else is wired like you, with the gifts, talents and treasures that go in to your being. When we all share our knowledge, and gifts with the world, the world is a better place. Encourage yourself and the women in your life to speak up and to contribute to the conversations that need to be had.
Take off your mask! So many of us go through life wearing one mask or another. One for the board room, one for the book club, one for the rink or soccer pitch. You get the idea, so many women have their bag full of masks that they take around with them, pulling out the one that suits the moment. This is a little bit different than be yourself, I challenge you the next time you show up to something, show up to stand out! You will be happier, healthier and more whole. You will like yourself more and automatically lower your cortisol levels and calm your nervous system.
Be the change you want to see.
Sending Love and Light.
Coach Cath
