According to Webster, INFLUENCE means power,
persuasion, inspiration, affecting change.
I believe that this is
the basis for all we are in this world. It's about relationships. And it's
about sharing “me” and all the mysterious, odd, frustrating, delightful things
that make me me.
I guess it took me 40 to 50 years
to unlearn what I thought I knew about me –
·
as a girl
growing up, I knew how to cover up pimples, how to avoid folding the clothes or
cleaning my room, how to be “cool” –
·
as a woman, I knew how to shade my long nose
with blush, hide cellulite, keep my mouth shut and know my place –
…how many women can you think of that, like
me, knew they would never be president; knew they would never make as much
money or have as much “clout” as a man; knew they would never be as thin,
pretty, tall, or glamorous as they’d hope; knew how to feel guilty about
choosing to raise a family instead of running a company…
I am so fortunate to do the work of
Chrysalis, which is all about influence –
it is about inspiring and encouraging – it’s about helping girls and women unlearn
what they may know:
· to teach girls to be themselves instead of worrying about what the media – or
their peers – say they should be…
·
to
teach young women to reject the notion
that to be liked and accepted, they have to look and act like Britney Spears,
Lady Gaga or (in my day) Madonna…
·
to
help other women understand they are not
objects and will not be treated as such…
·
to
help girls and women celebrate their
strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.
I’ve found in our work that the
more limited the financial resources, the more abundant and creative the human
resources are.
We say the
work of Chrysalis is to “inspire to aspire” – it’s all about influence, and
it’s been on our radar for decades. It continues to lead each of us to
influence – to make change. And change is certainly not difficult if you are
open to it.
So, here
are my suggestions to you to continue to be a person of influence: treat people
kindly, pay attention, respect others, offer assistance, ask for help, do good
deeds, practice solid values, be a good friend, listen-listen-listen, volunteer
in the community, and mentor the next generation.
Don’t just follow the rules. Follow your heart.
I'm
grateful to continue this important work and appreciate the passion we all
share.
