On Mother's Day
For anyone keeping something alive
Dear friends,
There isn’t anyone who doesn’t mother something: whether it’s a big dream, a delicate plant or a small human. The common denominator is the effort, born of love and passion, that’s called for. This is your day to celebrate everything you’re trying to keep alive.
Women, however, have a distinct and extraordinary role. We alone create life, whether we choose to do so or decline to do so, or can’t. It’s ours to own. And in many parts of the world and society, we, for the most part, sustain it. It’s such an incredible super-power that it’s hard to comprehend how the goddess culture disappeared, really. I often think that the ancient roots of misogyny come from a fear of this power, and one minute of research tells me I’m neither alone in this theory, nor original.
But this is not an anthropological treatise. It’s a love letter to moms of all kinds, inspired by this photo of my daughter and her new baby.
I think it captures better than words what’s required of both mom and baby. Mothers literally pour themselves into their children, and the habit of putting everyone else first can be hard to shake. The instincts that guide us to nurture life aren’t celebrated sufficiently in the leadership arena, leaving women so prone to imposter syndrome that it’s criminal.
Who are we not to celebrate all that we contribute to organizational growth and community-building? Women’s instinctive skills have stood the test of time. Collaborating, negotiating, diversifying, listening, power-sharing, compassion, love and endurance area the heart of leadership excellence (despite what you read in the news every day).
If you are mothering anything, you can’t be an imposter because you have tens of millions of years of genetic programming behind you. Lean into your super-power, know that you have been called to service and trust your instincts. You are more than enough.
Happy mothering day. All the best,
Betsey
So beautifully said Betsey!