Words & Thoughts

One of the primary goals of Her for Her is to shift how women interact and connect positively. We believe that comparison and conformity are two negative mindsets that help to foster an environment of competition. We can begin by recognizing the negative words we use to describe ourselves and other women and instead use words that describe the person we were born to be. Don’t worry, I’m not going to introduce some mushy sappy idea about ways you can better your life. I just believe in the power and energy of words, the spoken word, the written word, and the words we introduced into our minds. What we say, we tend to believe; therefore, how you talk to yourself and the words you choose…..matter.

Most of the time, when we are talking or trying to work through an idea, belief, or goal, we tend to frame our thoughts in this either-or mindset. There seems to always be this tug of war between what we want or desire and the idea that we have to give up something. For example, I decided at the age of 47 to college, a dream that I had in my heart for a very long time. Yet, as soon as I decided to register, my thoughts instantly went to the you’re too old dialog. I was literally scared to death to push the register button for my very first class at my local Community College. What helped me push through that moment was giving up the either-or-mindset and replacing it with a both-and mindset.

I knew in my soul of souls that I could be both 47 and a college student. It took me eight years, but this past weekend I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I started to wonder what would women’s spaces look like if a both-and-mindset became our normal? What fun, exciting things could we dream up, or what would you finally decide to do if you believed you could be both______ and ______? What would society look like if women really believed that uniqueness is a superpower? For example, if women thought they could be both successful and a champion for other women, would encouragement replace comparison?

Try it out, fill in the blanks; I can be both _________ and__________.

I can stand up for myself and other women.

I can be both single and a mom without judgment or shame.

I can both embrace my uniqueness and the uniqueness of other women.

Now the fun part, reply in the comment section and let me know what words you chose for your both-and-mindset sentence?  It doesn’t have to be big; it could be whatever you want because you really are the creator of your life!

Every woman has both the power and authority to be anything they aspire to be AND, at the same time, encourage and support other women to do the same. Be a light to another woman’s dreams.