Here's to strong women.

Stop asking for permission to be who you already are. 

The use of "softener" words has been something I am working to edit out of my writing.  The "could," "maybes" and "mights" are all weakening my message and I'm tired of playing small.

This softening came to mind when I saw this quote on Instagram for the 43rd time.

Here's to strong women.

May we know them.

May we be them.

May we raise them.

- Unknown

Sure, it's an inspiring quote...or else it wouldn't be so popular.  But the softened "may" got under my skin.   It's almost like we are asking permission to be who we are.  Might as well add question marks.

May we know them?

May we be them?

May we raise them?

NO.

Your life is not a game of "mother may I?"  Stop waiting for permission to be who you are.  It isn't coming. 

So, here's to strong women.

I know them.

I am one.

I'm raising them.

- Celeste Holbrook, Ph.D.

STOP SOFTENING THE BRILLIANCE OF WHO YOU ARE.

Love,

Celeste