Amelia & Mother Teresa

So many times women wish for a guide book, an owner’s manual entitled “How to Have It All” but we simultaneously ask the question “Is it really possible?” "Don’t we have to give something up, especially because we are a woman?” The reality is that cliff notes were written, brave, courageous women paved the way for us to be anything we choose. We seem to choose the sign saying “Detour.” If we would just take a moment to really listen to the incredible women who tirelessly strived to create a playbook for us, our future would be filed with possibilities instead of limitations. The best part is that we can be exactly who we are as long as we follow our passion.

“Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off! But if you don’t have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.” Amelia Earhart

Take calculated risks, share what you’re doing well and then bask in the glory of women united. Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and set many aviation records. Because of her tenacity, and confidence, she was able to challenge the possibilities and ideals that were associated with women of her time. She was comfortable, and aware of the extraordinary power that she possessed. Her inspiring adventure would have never taken place if she waited passively for the right opportunity to reveal itself. Instead, of sitting on the bleachers in her life, she was a deliberate creator. To be a deliberate creator we must take credit, for the positive contributions that we have made in the world. We must own all of our greatness the same way that we own all of our flaws. Just owning our negative qualities doesn’t do anyone a favor. Once we take responsibility for our ability as women, to choose the life we deserve and desire, we no longer can rely on excuses for reasons of failure. We must dare to disregard reason, and make our goals and passions an inexcusable initiative; that was the philosophy of the legendary Amelia Earhart. But contrary to most people’s beliefs, she was NOT sprinkled with magic dust that ensured her lifetime of achievements. She had to build her own runway. And we all have a little bit of that Amelia Earhart spirit within us. Our capabilities are limitless once we dare to be unreasonable. That is when the magic truly begins!

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” Mother Teresa

Who better to make a daily difference, person to person, than women? Our stamp of authorship will be significant if we realize that our influence may start and stop within our own circle but those people will pay it forward when we care with our whole hearts and minds. Mother Teresa devoted her entire life to caring for the poorest of the poor – the sick and dying poverty stricken people of India - referring to them as “her beloved Jesus in their many distressing disguises.” She demonstrated a spark of possibility in the midst of situations where everyone else felt helpless. Being a deliberate creator is the only way to transform motion into action. Mother Teresa was so devoted to the poor that she was able to generate funding from sources all over the world for her causes simply by her extraordinary example. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Price “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace.” Being confident that we all possess the power to shape the world to match our core beliefs is the least selfish quality in the world. Women often shy away from seeming overly confident, in fear of making those around us feel inferior. This is anything but true. Being the best person we can be only grants others the permission to do the same. Confidence is the catalyst for change. It’s a good thing that Mother Teresa wasn’t conservative regarding the potential that she possessed to promote change. Again, passion supersedes all else: money, connections and experience.

This month and every month stand and be counted so they can inspire other women to step up and embrace their power so no woman will be invisible but instead invincible.