Recognize Hard Work, Success
I recently heard a woman who has significant civic and professional leadership responsibilities begin her presentation by saying, "When my grandfather was president of this organization, you would not have found five women sitting on this platform. When my father was president of this organization, you would not have found five women sitting on this platform. It was an honor to have been president of this organization myself and now to chair another civic organization." She's right; it's an honor to be appreciated and a responsibility to mentor other women.
The Peoria Woman frequently referred to "the glass ceiling" in the late 1990s, as the issue had just been tagged and publicized. I've framed an e-mail my 18-year-old daughter wrote to me a few months ago. "As I am sitting in the library studying for my Sociology exam, an important thought crossed my mind. We are learning about the disadvantages that women have compared to men in the workplace. This glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that keeps women from achieving their full potential, no matter how hard they try to improve. As I was studying the statistics, I realized you are one of the most determined and successful women I know. Sometimes I forget and don't appreciate all that you have accomplished. I just wanted to remind you that everything you do far surpasses the standards for women in our country and I am extremely proud of you!"
After I wiped away the tears-nothing is more gratifying than having your children tell you they're proud of you-I knew my daughter had achieved a "light bulb" moment in her young life. I felt an overpowering sense of comfort because she identified that hard work results in success.
The many times I've felt remorse for leaving the house early to get to the office or for bringing work home to finish while she was doing her homework was alleviated a bit knowing she understood and had forgiven my absence at times. I've shared with her my dreams, fears, frustrations, and the satisfaction when people would stop and say, "I really enjoy the magazines. Keep up the good work." I also shared how very fortunate I've been to have so many wonderful friends, business mentors, and even life coaches who believed I could continue the business by myself. I'll always remember the gift of support and encouragement they gave me.
I believe I successfully relayed the message that if she chose to be a stay-at-home wife and/or mother some day, that should be her choice. But it's critical for a woman to have an education and a profession to financially support herself so she never feels trapped in any situation. I remind my children that I've worked as a bus girl, cleaning lady, grocery store clerk, cafeteria lunch lady, and clerical assistant when the time and situation warranted it. And as owner of my own company, I still deliver magazines and clean the office when necessary-not to mention put in long hours. Positive and healthy self-esteem comes from within, and leadership can be as evident in the lunch line or at a CEO meeting.
In this issue we include the annual YWCA Leader Luncheon nomination form. Take the time to submit a nomination. Encourage one another. Pat a girlfriend on the back. Tell a business associate how much you really appreciate them. We'll see you at the luncheon. TPW
The Peoria Woman frequently referred to "the glass ceiling" in the late 1990s, as the issue had just been tagged and publicized. I've framed an e-mail my 18-year-old daughter wrote to me a few months ago. "As I am sitting in the library studying for my Sociology exam, an important thought crossed my mind. We are learning about the disadvantages that women have compared to men in the workplace. This glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that keeps women from achieving their full potential, no matter how hard they try to improve. As I was studying the statistics, I realized you are one of the most determined and successful women I know. Sometimes I forget and don't appreciate all that you have accomplished. I just wanted to remind you that everything you do far surpasses the standards for women in our country and I am extremely proud of you!"
After I wiped away the tears-nothing is more gratifying than having your children tell you they're proud of you-I knew my daughter had achieved a "light bulb" moment in her young life. I felt an overpowering sense of comfort because she identified that hard work results in success.
The many times I've felt remorse for leaving the house early to get to the office or for bringing work home to finish while she was doing her homework was alleviated a bit knowing she understood and had forgiven my absence at times. I've shared with her my dreams, fears, frustrations, and the satisfaction when people would stop and say, "I really enjoy the magazines. Keep up the good work." I also shared how very fortunate I've been to have so many wonderful friends, business mentors, and even life coaches who believed I could continue the business by myself. I'll always remember the gift of support and encouragement they gave me.
I believe I successfully relayed the message that if she chose to be a stay-at-home wife and/or mother some day, that should be her choice. But it's critical for a woman to have an education and a profession to financially support herself so she never feels trapped in any situation. I remind my children that I've worked as a bus girl, cleaning lady, grocery store clerk, cafeteria lunch lady, and clerical assistant when the time and situation warranted it. And as owner of my own company, I still deliver magazines and clean the office when necessary-not to mention put in long hours. Positive and healthy self-esteem comes from within, and leadership can be as evident in the lunch line or at a CEO meeting.
In this issue we include the annual YWCA Leader Luncheon nomination form. Take the time to submit a nomination. Encourage one another. Pat a girlfriend on the back. Tell a business associate how much you really appreciate them. We'll see you at the luncheon. TPW