When I'm asked to list the people who have a great influence in my life, more specifically my role models, I usually list a handful of people who have been loving, supportive, and take great strides in their day-to-day lives. These people climb mountains, teach lessons, make time for others, and so much more. One person who I seldom remember to include in these lists of inspiring people is Mary Lambert.
I imagine that most people, including myself, first heard of the marvelous Mary Lambert a few years back when she took part in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' renowned song, "Same Love" (if you haven't heard the song, check it out here). The song was debuted back in late 2012 and was such a hit, especially amongst millennial ears, because of the ongoing debates in the marriage equality movement.
However, Mary Lambert has not only been a strong proponent for marriage equality and civil rights. She has shown endless support for the differences we need to embrace in this world, especially in regards to love, mental health, and self-care.
Here are the reasons Mary Lambert should be on your list of role models:
She is human, just like the rest of us. I've been following Mary Lambert on Facebook for a few years now after seeing her in concert and listening to her talk about her struggles with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, mental illnesses like these come with stigmas that leave us vulnerable and feeling victimized in ways that don't help at all. Recently, she shared a raw and seemingly vulnerable photo of herself after a night of the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. She acknowledges that honesty is key in dissipating the stigma around mental illnesses: "It is part of my responsibly to de-stigmatize mental illness, and to remind the world that people with mental disorders CAN function and live healthy lives."
She wrote a two-part, spoken word piece about loving yourself and your body, no matter what, and we desperately need more pieces like these. "Body Love," both part one and part two, is hung up on my wall on a poster, directly in front of my door, so I can see it each and every day. Her words are a gentle reminder to "Love your body the way your mother loved your baby feet." The words are on my wall like a daily mantra, a reminder to love myself and to love others in a similar manner.
"You are worth more than a waistline ...you are no less valuable as a size 16 than a size 4 -- you are no less valuable as a 32A than a 36C -- your sexiness is defined by concentric circles within your wood, it is wisdom. You are a goddamn tree stump with leaves sprouting out, reborn."
She knows that growing up and learning to love yourself is not an easy endeavor:
"Loving yourself is revolutionary. Loving yourself is hard ... work. It begins by re-training mental patterns, as well as the ability to recognize and re-wire your self talk. When I say 'Body Love,' it is not some plastic rainbow version of confidence tied in a bow. It is dirty and bloody and kind. It is learning how to be a mother to yourself. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, in whatever capacity that is. I can’t believe that this is my job."
But most of all, Mary Lambert teaches us to embrace life and have fun in the process:
