The Season of Self-Regard

Setting boundaries, digging in, and your next best move

Tis' the season, Community! Capital C because big things are happening over here in the InclusivelyHer world. Our community grew by 20%.

Thank-you-very-much-I'll-take-that.

I've managed to launch a Facebook page, so there's another way to connect with me. Above all else, I see how the content I've put out over the past couple of months is making a difference. And it's all because of you. Your emails, texts, and DMs on social media made a massive difference in how I'm shaping the community.  

Trying something new is scary; it's never easy putting yourself out there. It can be terrifying at first when you decide to follow through on an idea. As I look back over the past year, I see how inconsistent I was. Sometimes, it was due to something beyond my control, and other times, I was afraid. I was scared of disappointing you. Yet, because I care deeply about inclusion, women's rights, and social justice, I persisted. I'm showing up, flaws and all.  

Fa la la la la la la la la.

It's the same thing in our careers; at times we're so afraid of making mistakes that we hold back. Or we have great ideas and refuse to share them for fear of what others may say. And in cases where we share them, and they're not well received, then what? Take former Google employee, Timnit Gebru, she launched an artificial intelligence research institute a year after being fired. And there are plenty other examples where women have felt confined by their roles and created new paths for themselves - JK Rowlings, Sallie Krawcheck, Oprah Winfrey - I could go on.

I'm not saying to go out and get fired; I'm saying to use the fire inside you to get what you want. 

We're at a critical time in history with so much discussion around women's bodies, our earning potential, access to clean water, affordable healthcare, and wellness resources. So I'm even more invested. I care about you. I see you on social media dancing, chanting affirmations, taking pictures of your surroundings, sharing your victories, and I'm here for it. 

I'm also here when things don't go as planned. If you need someone to say that it's not okay how you were treated. Or if you're looking for a script on how to say something or need advice on approaching your next big opportunity. I'm here.

It's essential we teach each other how to win. Whatever winning looks like for you. There's something holy about knowing how to stand up for yourself. 

So over the next year, I'm focused on celebrating you. I'm even more invested in bringing forth your stories. I had an opportunity to interview a friend in software quality assurance on one of the podcast episodes, and it was well-received. If you or someone you know should be featured on the podcast, let me know. I do have a podcast wishlist, if you’re connected to or know anyone on my list, will you help me out?

I'm excited to encourage you on your journeys, connect you with people that will help you, and dig roots - no leaning in here - we want to plant ourselves only where we can bloom. We want thrive in places where we’re celebrated.

I read through a few of my old posts, and the recurring theme has been one of choosing yourself. It's that simple. When you put yourself first, you win.

How will you put yourself first today? What do you need to do to take the first step toward actualizing your ideas? Tell me, you know I love hearing from you.

 

Watchlist

Four words: Stacy. Abrams. For. Governor.

Inspiration

I’m getting all the feels from a few social media posts I’ve seen over the past few weeks. This one from Lorena (@STEMpreneurlife) calling folks out on perforative allyship.

And this one from Ozzy (@ozzyetomi)who suggests that we need to be paid what we’re owed.

I’ve been listening to good music and am reading good books as well. To see all that I’m reading, you can always visit the InclusivelyHer Bookshop. I believe in supporting small businesses. And if you’re so inclined to dig a little deeper, here are a few women-ran organizations that could use your help right now.

SisterSong is dedicated to achieving reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights. Donate.

Aspirations In Computing (a NCWIT program) - right now we’re reviewing 10k scholarship applications from high school girls and could use the help. I do this once a year, it’s fast, it’s intense and I get to read about some incredible young women. The future is bright. Join me. Volunteer.

Taking Up Space sends Native American girls (ages 9 to 11) to NASA Space Camp. Can’t say enough great things about this organization. I was and continue to be impressed with the founder’s passion for this work. Donate.

Thanks so much for supporting InclusivelyHer. As always, thanks for reading. It’s my hope in sharing stories and other bits of information, you’ll be inspired in your own journey.

Happy Holidays, friends!

Cynthia