March is Women’s History Month and I have had the privilege of participating in gatherings that celebrate women. Women who were strong and prevailed in the face of great adversity. Both of my books, They Persisted, and They Roared, were catalysts for some rousing discussions. We concluded repeatedly that women have an indomitable spirit; they are compassionate leaders, movers and shakers who get things done! They are innovators and drive change, set boundaries, break stereotypes, see vulnerability as a strength, value community, and live authentically on her own terms.
The weight of the world is immense today. I believe everyone is feeling unrest, discomfort, and overwhelm. We have had enough, yet more keeps coming! How do we get through this? Inner strength and connection are the keys. Coming together, supporting one another, processing feelings, and sharing some love. Only love conquers fear and hate. These are the things that will nurture us, help us survive as we navigate these catastrophic times.
We each have a secret weapon. Something we forget about and it is hiding within, just waiting to be found if we let go and not only feel, but listen. It is quietly there during even the scariest day or the darkest night. When your heart is broken and you feel completely defeated and don’t think you can take one more step…it is there. It is waiting for you to listen as it whispers to you…” Dear heart, I am here. Let me help.”
This is your secret weapon whispering, your inner strength that you may have forgotten about. That strength has been waiting for you to use by accessing the tools of loving-kindness, meditation, time in nature, and connecting with supportive and like-minded people. That inner strength is yours. This is a time we need to nurture it and let it help us find balance to live in love, good health, and find joy every day…yes, even now…there is joy. Again, I am reminded that joy is in itself an act of resistance. Let’s resist vigorously in every way we can.
Within the quiet burns a steady flame,
Unshaken by the loud storm raging.
Rooted deep and breathing free,
It is quiet and strong.
A tranquil breath of chaos born.
A peaceful heart, a quiet mind.
That strength is within and yours to find.
Author unknown
Here is a little inspiration. These are a few women who embraced their inner strength. With unwavering conviction and strength, they focused on building a better future.. and a little Sweet Honey! Wishing you peace this week. Sending love.
Bertha von Suttner: An Austrian author who published the influential anti-war novel Lay Down Your Arms (1889) and became the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Leymah Gbowee: A Liberian peace activist who led a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women, playing a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s second civil war in 2003.
Irena Sendler: A Polish social worker who risked her life to rescue over 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.
Rigoberta Menchú: A Guatemalan human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient who has dedicated her life to promoting indigenous rights.
pacifism and the rights of the poor and homeless.
Palwasha Hassan: An Afghan women’s rights and peace activist who has worked tirelessly to empower women in her country.
Marii Hasegawa: An anti-war campaigner who, after being held in a Japanese internment camp in the US, became a national president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Malala Yousafzai: Surviving a targeted assassination attempt by the Taliban in Pakistan at age 15, she became a globally recognized activist for girls’ education. She is the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wangari Maathai: A Kenyan environmental and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement. She was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
