Go Forth and Drown Oceans

It’s International Women’s Day.

This morning, I came across this excerpt, that resonated with me, from Rupi Kaur’s poetry anthology Milk and Honey.

I’ve spent extra time today quietly reflecting on the women in my life who have raised me, taught me, inspired me, challenged me, and made me better. I’ve thought about the feminists who call me to act and my fellow nasty women who won’t stop fighting. I’ve thought about the countless times I’ve personally been made to feel ashamed as a woman and how I’m proud that I no longer allow this type of treatment. I’ve considered how I can be the best aunt to my niece and help her to grow up to feel limitless. I’ve also thought about the men in my life who proudly call themselves feminists, support me, and don’t ask me to apologize for the independence that is such a huge part of my being. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many humans who embrace the same ideals as I do. My support system stretches far and is filled with wonderful women and men who stand up and fight injustice in their own ways.

As I reflect today on others, I’m also reminded of my own strength. I’ve come a long way. I will always be finding my voice, but I’m learning to accept empowerment and use it to be heard. This is the role model I want to be for young women – someone who can be generous, kind, and caring, while being equally fierce, independent, and courageous.

I want to be a woman who can drown oceans, but leave no disaster in her wake.