Rising Together

Mary-Anne Murphy

I am privileged to be part of a Hood...a Sisterhood. It is a sacred community and one never to take for granted. At 53, I look back on my experiences so far and consider, what legacy I would like to leave other women coming through the generations. What lessons have I learned, that might support their journey?

From my own experiences, I wish to share a few learnings that I would pass on:

• You are already worthy. You were born worthy, with nothing to prove.

• Asking for help is a sign of strength.

• Boundaries can lead to breakthroughs, particularly those we place on ourselves. Keep stepping forward.

• Our strength as women, is not devoid of the strength that men also bring. We can both co-exist and call upon both the yin and yang within each other.

• At the core of being a woman, is being human. No matter what orientation, we are, at the heart of it all, one.

• You do not need to have power over or give your power away to be heard or acknowledged. You just need to hold space and stand beside.

• You have much more inner strength than you might believe.

• You are part of a hood, a sisterhood. Being part of this sacred space comes with the responsibility to support each other to rise and be our best selves. When another Queen's crown is crooked, help them straighten it.

• You can be strong in your softness, and soft in your strength; we need both.

So, as we celebrate International Women's Day, I ask what would you say to the generations of women that are to come?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.