February 9, 2013

How do you want to be remembered?



I stumbled upon this piece a while back and I thought it was a very interesting way to inspire women to reach for the stars, so to speak.  I have always loved the quote, "well-behaved women rarely make history."  This supplements that sentiment, but in a more profound way.  Because every day we toe the line, do the minimum, or not think outside the box, we are not pushing ourselves to be our best selves.  Women have historically been the taskmasters, double shifters, and yet find a way to remain a tower of strength during tough times.  So...I am going to challenge myself to make 2013 the year of great accomplishments, pushing myself to excel beyond my comfort level, and model for the young girls who find their way into our home and my life that they should follow suit.  Who's in?



Would it be okay if your gravestone read: “She was an exceptionally mediocre woman”?
If your eulogy went something like: “She followed every rule with precision. She rarely made a mistake and was a great champion of the status quo. She never ruffled any feathers, took any great risks, suffered any great loss. She always operated within the bounds of appropriateness. She had the love and acceptance of her community, family, and friends, though no one knew her. Her life was smooth sailing because she never rocked the boat. She contained her passion, her dreams, and her danger enough that they could call her a good woman”?
For some, that would be enough. But not for you.
Your epitaph will begin: “She redefined what it meant to be a good woman.”
It will say: “She scaled mountains, in hiking boots and in heels. She started in her own backyard and then went all the way around the world. She accepted challenges with curiosity and determination. She emerged victorious regardless of outcome, knowing both the pleasure of success and the grace of failure. She tasted long hot days and cool still nights, at home wherever she found herself. She wasn’t always popular, but she was always true. She wasn’t always comfortable, but no one can say she didn’t enjoy her life. She explored her edges, increased her capacity, and lived as big as she could dream. Moved equally by bliss and pain, she played her heart out one moment at a time. She was dialed in. She was courageous. She was turned on.”
If this sounds more like you, what are you waiting for?

3 comments:

  1. Don't I love a woman with balls? So go on girl, give those young ladies something to think about for their future. Dash the high heels and get stuck into life. Leave no stone unturned on your travels, kick all obstacles out the way, and conquer 2013. Just like the story of Samson in the bible - push down any pillars that get in your way.... go go GOOOOOOOO

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  2. Thank you for your great response! I hope you will continue to check out my blog.

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    1. Of course I will Julie and I followed because I liked what I read so far and wanted to stay in touch via updates. Keep it up.

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