#awomanmakingherownhistory

I saw two great movies this month, The Woman King and Women Talking. Two very different and very powerful movies both directed by women, with incredible casts. The lead thespians in both movies were unparalleled in their unique roles. Although the filmmaker and actors in The Woman King did not get the acclaim and recognition they deserved, certainly made their own history.

And here we are in the month of March, celebrating Women in History. I am super proud of all the phenomenal women who have powerfully influenced the world and America’s history. However, in this post, I would like to not focus on those notable women. Instead, the focus is on YOU! Yes, you! I want you to shine the light on yourself and the history you are making.

History can be defined as a story or written record of events and their causes; an account of personal background; or a study of change over time. (Merriam-Webster) The history you are making may not yet be renowned but it is significant. It is significant to your life and space in your family, community, and sphere of influence.

We tend to only write down personal significant history when we are writing our resumes/vitae, a brief bio for a speaking engagement, or our obituary. Today I am encouraging you to take some time to reflect and note the history you have made and continue to make to help you focus on the 90 versus the 10. I hear you asking, what is the 90 versus the 10? Well, over the past few weeks, I have had conversations with some very talented women who are doing amazing work (90) but couldn’t appreciate their accomplishments because their focus was on insignificant snags (10). I find it interesting that while we’re in school, a 90 excites us but when we start working the 10 depresses us so badly that it obscures the 90. Anyway….sounds like that could be a journal prompt.

In case you’re wondering how to get going, here are a few ideas to jumpstart your reflection.

· You got your health on track.

· You are an entrepreneur.

· You raised your kids without adequate financial assistance from their father.

· You were instrumental in increasing the company’s revenue and profits.

· You’re learning to say NO, to stop being a fixer, and requiring people to clean up their own messes.

· You have traveled to another country.

· You are learning or speaking more than one language.

· You earned a new degree.

· You volunteer or organized a charity event.

· You stepped outside your boat and changed jobs/careers.

· You started a non-profit, support group, or women’s ministry.

· You published a book or are working towards doing so.

· You negotiated a raise for yourself.

Look at the work you did to make those things happen. Look at the different hats you wear. Look at the sacrifices you made. Look at the healthy boundaries you are establishing. Look at how you have changed over time. It is YOUR history and it is significant to your life, your community, and your sphere of influence. I have told my children, sometimes YOU must pat yourself on the back because others may not acknowledge the work you’ve done or give you proper credit. Hmmm, sounds like the Oscars.

So, here is my call to action for you. Honor yourself and give yourself credit for the work you’ve done and continue to do to be the best version of yourself you can possibly be. “Don’t despise small beginnings.” Don’t snub what you might consider the little things if they are historic for you.

Consider sharing this post with a friend or a woman you know who needs to be reminded that 90 is always greater than 10.

Always encouraging reflection,

WandaP