Happy International Women’s Day

We all have days where we are the cheerleader, dedicating every moment to rooting on our friends, family members and coworkers. Other days, we need a little extra love, whether it comes from those same people or from ourselves.  Similarly, there are days in which the universe really seems to be putting us to the test.  While the people around us may be quick to point the finger or shift the blame to us, often times, we are guilty of putting too much pressure on ourselves becoming our own biggest critics.

The majority of the women that I know have quite the list of obligations. Full time job. Part time job. Other part time job. Part or full-time student. Mother. Caretaker. Wife. No two situations are identical. With all of the similarities and differences that exist, we can either allow for ourselves to become more connected and support one another or build up walls and push each other away.

When I close my computer at night for the last time, no matter how much I’ve accomplished that day, I never feel fully satisfied. There is always going to be more work that can be done, and I need to get better at accepting that. I’ve never been that great at telling people “no”. However, I like to think I’ve always been quite the multitasker. Once I had Braylon I found a whole new meaning to this, and some days I’m convinced I have more than 24 hours in a day when I think about everything I’ve gotten done not including all of my work..and then other days not so much.

Speaking of Braylon, well “being a Mom”…to all my Mom friends out there – when I was in my pre-Mom days if I ever said or did anything to Mom shame you, please feel free to slap me the next time you see me. Well, maybe not slap me, but steal my donut from me or something. Mom shaming is real y’all and you know what else is real? Mom guilt. So, Mama or not – be kind. Tread lightly. Or beware – you might unleash an inner beast.

We tend to focus too much on the weaknesses of others and our own shortcomings, rather than pausing for a moment to find the positivity and strengths. It can be easy to get caught in a mindset where we focus solely on what is wrong about something rather than figuring out what can be done to grow and improve. Be sure to surround yourself with people who are building you up, rather than breaking you down and ensure that you are doing the same for them!

Maybe a bit of early spring cleaning within your social (media) circle would not be a bad idea.  While I am not suggesting to Marie Kondo your entire social network, but rather if you are finding that there are people that do not inspire you, or align with your goals, it might be time to have less of them in your life.

I love staying connected with friends, family and colleagues via social media. The pros can be so so good, and the cons can take us down a deep dark hole leaving us feeling bad or just wasting time that could have been utilized in a much better way. When we’re able to avoid comparing, judging and envying and simply support, love and connect it really is such a great outlet!

We live in a world that is quick to make us feel bad about ourselves, and then provide products and services to just as quickly make us feel better. This whole cycle would be a little less disastrous if we, as women, could make a conscious effort to use our words to make one another feel just a little better each and every day.  Maybe you need to be a little less harsh on yourself, a tad less judgmental of others, avoid prematurely jumping to conclusions or a combination of all three. Whatever adjustments that you might need to make, do them with grace, strength and passion. And remember, you never know who else that you are empowering to do the same.