Just the other day, my sister and I were taking a walk and we saw these two ladies practicing a belly dancing routine right out in the middle of the park. They were doing a great job and my sister said to me, "I think I need to say something to them. I should let them know that it's great to see women out doing things like this." I asked her what she meant by this and she said that you just don't see women being so free and self-confident out in public. I thought about this for a bit and decided that most women probably don't feel comfortable enough with themselves to let themselves be happy. This got me to thinking about how important it is to let the women in our lives know when they have made a positive impact on us and that their presence and involvement in our lives is very much welcomed and appreciated.
It then occurred to me that this just doesn't happen enough. When we are asked who our role models are, we often cite famous people in history. As I think about my life, however; I cannot credit famous people with truly motivating me to be a better person or helping me understand that I deserve to be happy. Yes, there are famous people who definitely inspired me, but they weren't able to have the kind of impact on me that friends and family have had, yet I've not always been as quick to publicly acknowledge the women I know in real life. For me, the list includes a number of teachers and a few other ladies who played a big part in my life at crucial moments. My list is below:
Susan Samuels
Linda Stephens
Joan Butz
Barbara Czestochowa
Anne Dunn
Cheryl Eresman
These are just a few of the women who have made a lasting impact on me and I would like to take this opportunity to say a public, "Thanks," to them.
As you think about your own list of role models today, who would you include? Would it be your neighbor from down the street? How about that nice lady at your church or even your third grade teacher? Take a moment and let them know this today. It will mean so much.
As for the two ladies in the park, my sister did take the time to talk with them and let them know how nice it was to see them out practicing their routine. They told her that they were getting ready for a show that they had to do and that they were very nervous about it. She told them that they were great and they seemed very relieved that we genuinely wanted to compliment their efforts. Lift each other up as much as possible. If we don't do this, who will?
Take care!
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