I will never forget the day I began on my path as a heart-centered entrepreneur. Sitting in my friend’s apartment in New York City, we were on the topic of what I wanted to do with my life, and I asked myself one of the most important questions I’ve ever asked: What have I been committed to that I want to continue to stay committed to?
I took a mental journey to trace the dots of my life.
I have been committed to education, always loving to learn in school and personal development.
I have been committed to health, as an athlete growing up to running the New York City Marathon in 2005.
I have been committed to family and community, creating tribe and connection around me wherever I go.
Getting clear on those top 3 commitments of my life shaped the trajectory of my future. They have become the three bright stars of my orion’s belt, guiding me in the dark.
They guided me toward my soul purpose, my stand, my dharma in empowering feminine leadership. Health has evolved to encompass the vibrancy of a woman in her full power. Education has narrowed down to the spiritual, emotional and energetic work to become a leader. And family has become the lifeline of it all – from raising my own family, developing deeper connection with my immediate family, and building sisterhood community on the planet.
I share this with you today because today is a special day, International Women’s Day and also “A Day Without a Woman Campaign”.
As a woman, I am clear on my value and what would be missing in the world without me. I am rooted in my power, recognize my strengths and am present to my impact.
International Women’s Day is about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action that started in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
In 2011, President Obama declared March as “Women’s History Month” and specifically International Women’s Day as a time to reflect on “the extraordinary accomplishments of women”.
It’s a day to take a stand for women’s right and a day to celebrate what it means to be a woman.
Two extraordinary women are typically celebrated for their stand and the accomplishments that followed: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. In the late 1800s, they dedicated their lives fighting for women’s suffrage, even though neither lived long enough to see the Amendment granting them the right to vote (Stanton passed away in 1902 and Anthony in 1906). This was just a few years before International Women’s Day came into form.
Today, let’s be inspired by their courage, clarity and commitment. They took a stand for what they believed in, something that was far bigger than themselves. It may have even seemed like a herculean accomplishment, something impossible. It was, at least in their own lifetime. But they were pulled forward by it. It was their soul purpose, their dharma, and all of us have benefited from their work.
Today I ask you to meditate on your own stand. What do you stand for? What have you been committed to that you want to stay committed to?
I’d love to hear from you. This is a day to celebrate our accomplishments as women. Please take a moment to share some of your accomplishments in the blog comments below and/or share what you are standing for and committed to.
I’m celebrating you, sister. Thank you for all that you have already done and will do in the future.
In sistership,
Tanya
