The Legacy of Savvy Women
My Mom turned 81 in February. This blog was first written and published when my Mom turned 77. WOW!! She continues to be a feisty yet compassion role model for women. Her current plan is to outlive my Grandmother who lived into her 80s.
As I reflect on Mom’s life, she is a trooper. My Mom stood in her power long before it was a buzz phrase. In fact, not only did she stand in her power, she kicked butt and took names. This post is to honor my Mom. She is a role model and a woman who continues to give to everyone. This post is also a reminder to thank the ladies who have been roles models for you, who have been heroes for you, who have seen, heard, and understood you.
This is what standing in your power looks like before it was vogue:
1. You work three jobs to make ends meet: Your husband has run off with the new love of his life and has left you in an unfinished home with four kids under the age of 12. You become what was known in the 70s as a displaced homemaker. To make ends meet and keep the family together, you work a crazy schedule as you face divorce at a time when people snubbed divorcees.
2. You turn down government assistance: I was with my Mom when we visited social services in hopes of getting some “help”. Half way through completing the forms, she got up and said, “we don’t need this, we will figure it out.” She got up, took my hand, and we left. Friends, family, and God stepped in to lend a hand in amazing ways. Support came from all over. Grandma would watch us while Mom worked, a family friend helped us get a replacement car, and I won a meat raffle which filled the freezer. We never took any government assistance.
3. You go to college at the age of 40. Yes, my Mom started college when I started college. My Grandfather would not help her with college unless she became a secretary. In her 40s, she attended college and became a nurse. She was an amazing nurse as she was caring, compassionate, and brought her healing warmth to every patient.
Growing up, some days just sucked but my Mom stayed strong. She was a role model for strength and positivity. As a result of her standing in her power, I learned tenacity, fortitude, and compassion.
Some of the life lessons I teach were modeled and imparted to me by my Mom, such as:
God has a plan. Put your trust in Him and things will work out.
Typing is an important skill. You need to learn to type.
Go to college. You may have to wait until you are 40 but go to college.
Nothing ever stays the same. Embrace the beautiful moments in life and know that the bad days will pass.
Don’t be a mooch. You may have to work more than one job to make ends meet.
These life lessons are a gift. Not all gifts come wrapped in a pretty package, but may come as a result of weathering hardships. As I reflect on my life, I can appreciate the blessings of having such an amazing Mom to rejoice with me in the good times and provide leadership and comfort in the difficult times.
Not everyone has a feisty 5-foot Mom, but we all have role models who have touched our lives. Take some time today to reflect on the amazing women who have been a source of inspiration, strength, and motivation in your life:
Who are your role models in life?
How have you been inspired or motivated by your role models?
How would you thank them for their gifts?
I offer a workshop focused on sharing insights and best practices around balancing and enjoying life while living your values. In my Life Lessons for Ladies workshop, we focus on
Evaluating and learning from past events
Making changes to enjoy the present moment
Creating a vibrant life of your choosing.
Join my email list to learn about upcoming Life Lessons for Ladies workshops or drop me an email.
Before finishing this post, I reached out to thank my Mom for being an amazing source of love and strength. She was busy making a big pot of soup for the neighbors because they had fallen on some hard times. For a woman who is always so giving, we will be celebrating her birthday at her favorite restaurant. How will you thank the amazing women in your life today?