Strength Like Silk

The Japanese Winter Cherry Blossom blooms through the harsh conditions of winter. Women, too, can bloom through uncertain times if they know how to reframe.

I am on a mission to inspire women to be bold enough to step into the spotlight of their own lives. 

This doesn’t mean you have to aspire to being the managing director of a large corporation. What I’m referring to is taking the lead role in your life per se, instead of being the supporting act and putting yourself last.

I love this work especially when I get to see how women are taking steps to elevate themselves from the sidelines, creating choice freedom, the antithesis of generations of conditioning which has left most women still believing they have limited choices.

Women are strength like silk, disguised in softness. Did you know that, kilo for kilo, silk is tougher than steel due the remarkable properties that hold the material together? Sounds like a woman, if you ask me.

You do not have to be a tough cookie or act like a man to leave your mark. The strength of a woman lies in subtly establishing her worth.

So, it’s time to stop asking if you are worthy of something (an opportunity, a promotion, a relationship, etc) and rather reframe the question in this way, “Is it worthy of me?” 

This life-changing mindset shift can make all the difference in every sphere of your life. Try it.

To every women who is reading this, how do you disqualify or discount yourself? These are the stories you tell yourself or those that others tell you, that don’t actually serve you or even put you down.

It’s worth exploring them so that you can release the hold they have on you. Some of them may be really, really old and holding you back. If you need a coach, counsellor or psychologist to help you unpack these scripts, don’t wait, get one.

When people know what support you need, they can give it. Be clear about what you need and you will make yourself far more easy to support. Lack of clarity, and you can come across as a victim who needs rescuing.

We don’t do life alone. Asking for help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

All the advice in the world doesn’t change anything. It’s the action you take from the advice that does.

I loved this comment from a delegate at the Marsh Women’s Day event I spoke at yesterday where I presented Which Jacket Are You Wearing Now?:

“I think this was the best talk I have been to! I loved the questions you asked us at the end. I am in HR but I am also a coach, so I am acutely aware that any change needs action. The questions left me with a sense of control and focus that no other talk has given me. Thank you so much.”

Ashleigh Larthe de Langladure, 

Senior Human Resources Manager at Marsh Middle East and Africa

Now, that made my day! Thank you Ashleigh for highlighting such an important point. No-one can do your human homework for you.

Ladies, rescripting your empowerment story starts with you. Whose permission are you waiting for? The only permission you need is your own.

Much love