Saturday, January 21, 2017….what a remarkable day in history. Women all over the world united to STAND UP for themselves and their loved ones. I joined in the St. Louis March. The energy was amazing. People were speaking out, joining together in a peaceful and joyful expression about what matters most to them.
I had the great fortune to be able to talk with many of the marchers. And there were all kinds of people there. There were, of course, women. Women of all kinds: young women, coming of age women, adult women, seasoned women. There were mothers and daughters and grandmothers. There were fathers, and sons and grandfathers. There were kids and babies. There were husbands, boyfriends, friends, and independent supporters of women’s rights and human rights. I even ran into my son! He came to make a statement and a difference. (How proud am I of him?) There were people of all colors, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientation, and I imagine all stations of life. There were natural and naturalized citizens and immigrants. There were the original Native Americans. They were all joined together in a peaceful and powerful demonstration of liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom of speech rocks! I love this country!
I was also proud of my city, St. Louis. St. Louis definitely represented! St. Louis spoke out. St. Louis participated. And showing up does matter.
I respect differing viewpoints, whether or not I share the same ones. Diversity in all its forms, including one’s political leanings, makes for a great democracy. Speaking with respect and authenticity are paramount to having a healthy and functioning democracy and relationship of any kind. Respecting one’s right for self-determination is also a discussion worth having and perpetuating. I see theWomen’s March as the beginning of a conversation, and not a single event. It is a message that says:
“HEAR OUR VOICE”
(Please visit: https://www.womensmarch.com/principles and https://www.womensmarch.com/mission/)
I urge my readers to avoid seeing the Women’s March in simplistic terms. This is a complex issue, and rhetoric that reduces it to black-and-white or superficial terms is an error and a missed opportunity. You may disagree with the catalyst for the Women’s March. You may not agree entirely with its mission and guiding principles. However, I would find it difficult to disagree with ALL of the principles set forth. I believe we can find common ground.
As a life coach, my focus is on inspiring women to live inspired lives. Empowering women to “go for it”, and to live a remarkable life. Yes, I believe there are many remarkable women that provide examples to us all. They are people you may meet on any given day, but aren’t featured in a tweet or CNN headline. But as said by the Pulitzer Prize winning author and academician, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” Often misinterpreted, this quote actually highlights those truly well-behaved women who have done extraordinary things outside of the limelight, yet have been overlooked by the history books. The Women’s March was a day of everyday women and everyday heroes creating an extraordinary worldwide event…a day of many well-behaved citizens making history together.
As a life coach, I often work with “well-behaved”, fascinating women. They want something more for themselves and their lives. Being a coach for women is an honor that often calls for instilling hope and courage. Encouraging women to be courageous often requires that I have and hold faith and belief for them and their possibilities. Belief and faith and hope are contagious.
The Women’s March has spread a contagion of hope, faith, belief, and the power of standing up in peace for what one believes to be right. So, be the change you want to see in the world, and let that change begin with you!
Here to make the world a better place one woman at a time…
Dr. Vivian
Coach and Counselor
P.S. Watch for the launching of my newest project coming next week!