Happy Monday and Hello November! I'm sitting here in the RV, huddled under my down comforter with coffee by my side. Yea - we are still in my son's Connecticut driveway wrapping up the final swing of my speaking engagements and work obligations before we pack up and head south to pick up Dave's mom and head to Germany for the holidays.
Go grab a beverage (and that blanket) and let's dive in. I like many have a lot on my mind this November 4th.
In my life-time I hope we can change this.
It's a big week here in the U.S. Tomorrow is election day, and many - including me - are anxious, exhilarated and hopeful that we will break an almost 250 year run and elect the first woman president. The first woman of color as president. It's one of the biggest glass ceilings - and I hoping to see it shattered.
Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History.
My favorite hat with one of my favorite quotes- in the pic above. I got it at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
I'm not a radical feminist - I don't have a poster of Gloria Steinem hanging up that I bow to daily, but I do DEEPLY believe in equality for all.
As women - we are held to a different standard. I've met and worked with a myriad of amazing male leaders but most of them didn't have to fight nearly as hard as their female counterparts - including me - to get where they are.
As women when...
We show empathy - we are weak.
We show confidence - we are bitchy.
We take time to be with our family - we can't possibly be effective leaders.
We take time away from family to work on our career - and we are God awful mothers.
I've been through it all - and then some.
I was taught to put my nose to the grindstone, do what I was told and to not question authority. That didn't work out too well. If you know me - well you know.
Shifting
Wednesday I have the privilege of being the keynote speaker for the Annual Women's Achievement Awards hosted by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. There's nothing like being in a room full of empowered and smart women. The energy is infectious - truly infectious!
Over the past 6 months I've spoken at a myriad of women only events - or those honoring women - and I'm honored and humbled to have been a part of it all!
I want it to end.
Not women achieving greatness - but I want the NEED to continually have to show the world that we are capable.
I want more than 52 women CEOs in the Fortune 500.
I want more than 25% of C-suites in those 500 companies to be women.
And yes - I want equal pay, for equal work for women.
We are capable - beyond capable. Just put a single mom in charge of a project and watch her fly - we are super human because we needed to be.
We should be celebrating Kamala for her achievements not because she's a woman or the color of her skin. And, those achievements are many.
But, I know the importance of tomorrow.
I understand the assignment - we've worked so hard to get here and we aren't going back.
It's not just women's rights - it's human rights.
I'm tired of the fight - because there shouldn't have to be one.
I'm tired of the divide, because when we come together magic happens - yet we continue to battle.
Equality matters.
Today - I'm channeling Martin Luther King - in his famed "I Have a Dream Speech" - I beg of you to read it if you never have, or read it again because his words are even more relevant today.
As he gave his life for equality in America - he poignantly said:
"We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."
This is a reminder to lift others up, help those who can't help themselves, understand that you never know someone's entire story and that women are beyond capable to lead - a family, a committee, a company and yes - a country.
Have an amazing day and go VOTE!
Sending big love xoxoxo
Cindy