Bring Back the Village

We have mistaken Women's ability to bear heavy burdens to be proof that she should bear them alone. Women have always had a lot to carry but in todays society we see that women are expected to take care of the home and work and be ambitious without help. Many Women do not live in proximity with family and friends and find that they are bearing the brunt of the household chores, school tasks, raising kids and sometimes raising husbands!

Bring back the village!

We need to prioritize finding people that we can collaborate with in ways that make our lives more manageable. Yes, we are strong, but does that mean that we have to carry the heavy load? Yes, we are more reliable, but does that mean that we have to have the final say-so on everything? Just because She can figure it out doesn't mean that she should have to figure it out all alone.

Sometimes the exhaustion isn't from the tasks but the mental load.

Thinking about the house, the kids, the marriage, the parents, the job, our own schooling and advancement can be overwhelming. The village is more than having people around you. It is about having people who are invested in your life, people who show up and show out!

There are people who ask to babysit for a date night, take them up on the offer. A friend checks in and asks how you are doing, tell the truth instead of saying "I'm ok". Your husband/partner/friend asks to help with something, say yes! Some things may not get done the way you want them to get done but take the help that is extended to you.

Finding peace means letting go.

Support is not weakness, it helps to build a more solid foundation and infrastructure for your life. We don't have to choose between living our ambitious life and a life of peace and contentment. With support and a village we truly can have it all.

Take an audit of those around you. Which relationships are you the dependable one vs. able to be yourself. Where can you let go of mental load and stress? How you support another Woman who needs help as well? We never grew up dreaming to be the one who did it all.

What is your definition of success?

For me, its not about being the one who can hold the heaviest load. I want a life that can find rest and peace. I want a life that is balanced and has love. I want a life where I can fulfill my purpose in a way that propels me forward while holding on to the hands of my sisters. Let's build communities of Women who are willing to help each other carry their burdens and give them spaces to rest. Together we can truly take on anything.