Cheers to a Future Where Women Can Run the World

There was a time not long ago when I really struggled to find myself as a mother. I harbored a lot of hidden resentment, because deep down I believed that I had to give up all my dreams in order to be a good mother. These feelings absolutely contributed to my post partum depression. Like many women, I am ambitious. I have a lot of ideas. I have a lot of goals. I want to be creative. My career has always meant more to me than “just a job”. I want to feel fulfilled while also feeling like what I do matters. The problem is society has historically shamed women and mothers for having these qualities. If you work a lot, it doesn’t matter how good you are at your job, because it means you don’t care enough about your family. I grew bitter wondering why men could so easily have successful careers AND kids while it was such a huge battle for women. It seemed impossible to pursue everything I want and give my family the attention they deserve. So I was told. ⠀
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But the heart’s capacity for love is infinite. You can love your partner, your kids, your dog, your work, your hobbies, and your best friend a lot and equally. There’s no need to choose, but the fact is you can’t give all that love without getting it in return from a support system — whatever that may look like. I’m so grateful for a network I’m a part of, called Fashion Mamas – a community that feels truly safe and nonjudgmental. We love our babies and our work equally and unapologetically. They are not mutually exclusive. The International Women’s Day event I attended this morning reminded me of that and warmed my heart. It was the epitome of women lifting each other up. I was able to fully enjoy the experience because I had one mom hand me wipes when Romare spit up all over me, while another mom held him so I could eat breakfast. I nursed him through the entire event and no one flinched. I watched @eliserpeterson speak on a panel with her babe on her hip. Representation matters, and it’s been so important for me to witness other mothers chasing their dreams as much as their babies. Cheers to future jobs where we don’t have to pretend we don’t have feelings or families. Cheers to a future where women can run the world. Image: Katee Grace Photography

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