I had the pleasure today of listening to an amazing presentation on Confident Female Leadership put on by the Justice Clearinghouse. The presenter, Brenda Dietzman, started as a deputy officer in the prison and worked her way up to #2 in the company, in charge of over 500 employees. She showed this video and said that one of the biggest mistakes we as women make is apologizing for simply being ourselves. Like we’re so afraid that we’re going to step on someone else’s toes or like we’re not worthy of someone’s time. I had no idea just how much I use the word “Sorry” just for my mere presence, and I had no idea how much it takes away from me. So ladies, STOP APOLOGIZING FOR SIMPLY BEING! You were made in God’s image, and He sees you as perfect! NO ONE ELSE MATTERS!! In case you’re not yet convinced of the powerful impact that social constructs can have on how we feel as women, watch this video:

Watching this video broke my heart. I have a 12-year old daughter who just recently started questioning and doubting everything about the fierce, intelligent, beautiful, compassionate, funny, amazingly talented girl that she is! I realized that I have to be the example for her! And others! I have to stand up for other women who may not be able to stand up for themselves. But I also want to encourage every woman that I meet, work with, befriend, or talk to to fully step into the amazing woman of God that He created her to be. We don’t EVER need to apologize for who we are! And I say “we” because I’m reminding myself of this too. Let’s be the change we want to see in this world! Let’s lift each other up as women instead of putting each other down. There is plenty of room for all of us! And if/when we get to the top, let’s remember to reach down and help a few fellow sisters up with us. After all, we sisters are not competition! It’s better for all of us women as more reach leadership positions within any organization. And to my amazing husband and others out there that encourage their strong women to not dim their light just to make someone else feel less threatened, THANK YOU!! Your belief in me means more to me than you will ever know!!