I'm tired, but I am not nearly close to finished or burnt out. I've learned that in order to keep on keeping on, sometimes, one needs to act with definitive compassion towards themselves and occasionally, take the time to look at themselves in the mirror and say, "I see you. I understand you. I acknowledge your experience. It's going to be okay."
In the tough times, in the stressful times, and in today's times, I want to pay homage to those living the female experience and never backing down from the challenges and expectations of being in the female body.
Those who are working their side hustle to make ends meet or to feel fulfilled.
Those who are working out in the morning, going to their jobs for the majority of the day, and networking in the evenings.
Those who are pursuing more education and learning actively and avidly to be role models and teachers to those around them.
Those who are preparing meals for themselves and doing their laundry regularly because they can and feel they should.
Those who aren't afraid to cry in public when they need to and answer "how are you doing?" honestly.
Those who can never seem to pass the Bechtel test because of the confusion that is found in relationships.
Those who are taking care of others and themselves with unconditional love, generosity, and kindness.
Those who are owning their mistakes and turning them into important lessons.
Those who are holding others accountable for their behavior and not shying away from their truth.
Those who are doing their best, no matter what it looks like.
Those who are paying attention to what's in front of them and not what's on their phones.
Those who are not afraid to look discomfort, insecurity, doubt, worry, and heartbreak in the face and say, "you don't own me."
Those who are picking up trash when they see it and recycling right.
Those who even in the most chaotic of times do not retreat -- they reach out, check in, make plans, and show up.
Those who are trying to make the world a better place and won't settle for anything less.
Raise your drink, cereal bowl, iPad to these people who are doing the humble, but mighty task of living in this wild world. Cheers to you, you, and you!
