Take courage from the women who came before us

Sometimes I think about the women who came before us (past and living) and I take courage from their example.

I love watching a documentary on Netflix to listen to the stories of great women. I particularly love seeing how their early years experience often shape their mission in life - I'm yet to watch a doco where I don't yell 'inner child!' to my partner when something big happens that informs who they become. It's so interesting to hear about the mindset, dedication and commitment people have that helped them create their life.

Here I share some women who I admire for their passion and drive to live out a life of purpose.

These women who showed up for something they believe in with very limited if any evidence, but a dream, desire or to create a better world than the one they were born in.

Let me introduce...

She has taken her talent and embraced it to inspire, educate and empower. When you hear her speak, it makes you lean in and listen.

You would never guess she had a speech impediment as a child but she refers to it in her Oprah interview as her greatest strength. Now, she has graced the company of presidents, Vogue front cover and has even published her own books.

Reflection: What in your life could have held you back, but actually has become a source of power, strength and growth for you?

Source: https://www.theamandagorman.com/ 

Anna Bissell - America's first CEO in 1889.

So the first registered company is recorded in 578. Yes the year 578. So for Anna to become the first woman CEO as recognised by Western society in 1889 is MIND BLOWING.

Anna was the mother of 5 children, the youngest of which was just 1 year old when she took over from her husband, who died from Lukemia. She stayed running and later chaired the company until her own passing, 45 years later in 1934 and the company still runs today!

Reflection: Where have you faced deep emotion, maybe even grief, and still been able to show up? What gave you the courage to step up and step forward?

Source: https://www.ggrwhc.org/projects/sutherland-bissell-anna/

Oprah - The world's first African-American woman billionaire. Yes, BILLIONAIRE

Oprah has been a TV host, actress, producer, media executive and author but IMO she is one of the purest forms of influencer. Her endorsements impact public opinion, purchasing and even politics. She was a millionaire by aged 32 and was criticised for publically endorsing The Secret. She is deeply spiritual and I loved her collab with Ekhart Tolle on A New Earth.

Here is my favourite Oprah quote: “There is one irrefutable law of the universe: We are each responsible for our own life. If you’re holding anyone else accountable for your happiness, you’re wasting your time. You must be fearless enough to give yourself the love you didn’t receive.”

Reflection: How can you take more responsibility in your life? Where can you be fearless enough to love yourself and pave your own path?

Source: Book: What I know for sure - Oprah Winfrey

Valentina Tereshkova: The first woman to fly in space

In 1963, she spent almost three days in space, orbited Earth 48 times in her space capsule and effectively won the 'women' space race' against America.

She had 126 parachute jumps to her name and it's one of the reasons she got accepted into the space program without flying experience - proof you can be creative about your credentials. Cosmonauts had to parachute from their capsules seconds before they hit the ground on returning to Earth. Imagine!

Reflection: How is the experience you already have perfect for where you want to go? Success leaves clues, you've been given everything you need and more to make your dream come true. What do you have already going for you that can be used to help you get to where you're going?

Source: https://www.space.com/21571-valentina-tereshkova.html

Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Human rights activist and all around legend

Ruth only started at Harvard law school after having one child and seeing her hubby return from war to then be diagnosed with cancer. She was one of 9 women in a class of 500 at Harvard, frequently discriminated against for being a woman and yet graduated with a 1st.

She is described as 'a radical just by being herself'! Her work was instrumental to changing the law to secure women’s equality in the workplace.

Reflection: How can you show up audaciously and own your truth, your vision and your self? How can you be more radical? For it may be exactly what the world (and if that feels too big) your people need...

https://www.oyez.org/justices/ruth_bader_ginsburg 
https://www.rd.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg/ 

Last but not least, my beautiful mum

She moved to England knowing just one person and still learning the language. I was 1 year old at the time. Since, she has sent herself to university with me, an unruly teenager at the time and my two young brothers just starting school to become a physiotherapist whilst my Dad worked crazy long hours as a chef. Since, she has moved up and up in her career and is about to complete her Masters!

Part of the requirement for her Masters she was even asked to complete a basic English exam to qualify, as she didn't have a 'standard education' by not being in the English education system for GCSE's. This was despite already completing her degree and operating as a highly regarded and respected physio & matron in the community for the last 10 years (fair to say I was enraged). She is deeply conscientious, loving, fiery, creative, fun and makes the best Peruvian food in the whole entire world.

Reflection: Who in your close circle do you love, respect, admire? In what ways have they shaped you? How is it possible that you are doing the same for someone else right now?

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I have loved writing this blog. It was a joy to research and create, but in truth the core of this message is this...

All of these women may have big names and big accolades and I understand that can seem really out of reach sometimes. Like, on what planet are me and Oprah anywhere near on the same level? With everything she has done and achieved?!

Then I remember, it's actually planet Earth.

We are both here, just human, doing our thing, bringing a little something to the world. If, when all is said and done, I get to help even one person change their life for the better then it was worth it (and I think me and Oprah both wake up and feel that way).

So, it turns out me and Oprah are definitely on the same planet, sleeping, eating, pooping, and doing our little bit to change the world.

Take courage from Oprah, and the other incredible women listed here (my mum included), and remember they all paved their own path for something greater and so are you.

I believe in you.

I love you.

Oprah loves you.

You've got this.