Celebrating and Supporting Sisterhood

Celebrating and Supporting Sisterhood

Michelle Matthias

March is Women’s History Month – A Tribute to the Ladies

We live in a world that is fast-paced, driven, and for some – isolating. Even though we are connected through numerous virtual platforms to everything and everyone far and near, that type of connection is too often superficial and triggers loneliness rather than curb it.

I received a beautiful and encouraging message of thanks from someone, acknowledging that the month of March is being celebrated as Women’s History Month. It was very uplifting and encouraging to be recognized for my contribution to others via this blog.

This made me realize that I had this unique opportunity to lift up others with my words, with a special focus on my sisters today. I feel truly blessed for having supportive women in my life and I can say that your feedback pushes me to continue to tap into my purpose.

In recognition of Women’s History Month I wanted to remind us, ladies, that we are special, we are influential, we are valuable, we are courageous, we are warriors, yes most times we are the prayer warriors.

Today’s blog is not about women’s rights. It’s not about women against men. This is not about strong women or weak women. This is about all women. This is about support. This is about reminding my sisters that you are enough just as you are. When women support each other a platform is set for great things to happen. There is room for all of us to shine if we collectively and collaboratively focus on supporting each other rather than getting distracted with comparison and competition.

It is important that we do not buy into the strategy that to succeed we must marginalize others. That’s a setup for separation, division, and loneliness and that’s a recipe for failure that’s often felt in the C-suite.

It is essential that we create room to talk not only about the achievements and success stories but also about the challenges that women face at home and in the workplace, as we balance personal and professional life.

Yes, it takes time and care to develop trusting relationships with each other. It takes care to try to bridge some of our differences. But the effort of understanding each other’s experiences is worth it.

Most women are naturally caring and compassionate. It is a natural part of women’s nature to be interdependent, cooperative, and collaborative. It’s innate in most women to foster connections through conversations.

While we love our families, our spouses, and our children, there are unique benefits when women support each other. When women support and validate other women personally and professionally:

• We forge friendships and a sense of belonging

• We grow in confidence. When we are confident we feel more secure and generally happier

• We feel less alone in our individual struggles and better able to cope in the face of challenges

• We create communication lines with improved flow of information

• We act as a sounding board which helps to relieve tension and anxiety

• We realize that we are unique but our challenges are often similar and not specific to only us

• Sharing reassures us that though we may face challenges, we are not alone.

Of course, the list of benefits to women supporting women can go on and on forever.

To all the women reading this – you are phenomenal just as you are!

I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

You are as strong as your support system. – Michelle Matthias