Women March to be Heard

Dear Avery,

On January 21st, 2017… People from all around the world took a stand for Women’s rights. They marched, they rallied (even your Mimi!), they held their heads high and let their voices be heard. It was a call to action. Wake up — Women have something to say.

I didn’t get the personal opportunity to march, but I did get to spend the morning with incredible women who are successful, compassionate, and uplifting. Women who support each other, listen to other, and speak highly of each other. I believe that is starts there. A movement starts with people like these. It starts small, but makes such an impact when you treat others with this same respect. The ripple will continue. Be apart of it.

There will be trials in your life, Avery, where someone or some people will make you feel like your opinion isn’t worth being heard. They will make you doubt your self worth. They will say things that will offend you. They will put you down. But when they go low, you must go high (quote from the honorable, First Lady Michelle Obama).

Tough things will happen to you. Whether small or large , it’s how you handle those situations that will shape you.

• I’ve had a boss tell me that I should stop using smiley faces in emails because I basically wouldn’t be taken seriously >>> my next promotion was given to me mostly based on my personality and drive. Smiley faces and all. And guess what? People tell me the like working with me. Must be those happy faces. 🙂

• I’ve had a male colleague tell me I didn’t deserve the job I got, but in fact, he deserved it. >> Was I  mad? Hell yes. Did I work harder to prove to MYSELF, that I in fact did deserve it. Hell YES.

• I had a boy take advantage of me in high school >> did it break me? For a time, yes. But did I lose faith and trust in all other men? No. Did it teach me that I am the owner of my own body — and its MY choice what I will do with it.. and no one ever will take advantage of it again? Yes. (I didn’t feel like I had a true voice at that age, but I do now.)

I have a voice. You have a voice. We all have a voice. We all deserve to be heard.

So today, they marched. Marched against oppression. Marched against sexism. Marched against the idea of a glass ceiling.

But also today, they marched towards love. Marched towards equality. Marched towards unity.

March on with grace, humility, and compassion — and you will change the world. It starts with you.

With love,

Aunt Megs