Brave, Linked Women (That's You!)
Hey there,
Tomorrow is International Women's Day, which is simultaneously a time for celebration and action. It should certainly be both.
I want to share two recent quotes from women I admire that have been rattling around in my head as I think about this day. The first is from Gloria Steinem, who stopped by The Assembly last month. While here, she said the shortest way she's ever been able to summarize her beliefs is this:
"We are linked not ranked." - Gloria Steinem
I spend a lot of time trying to debunk the "ranked" part — we are not fighting a zero sum game of success as women. Another person's win is not my loss. But, I would also like to focus on our links and the systems both visible and invisible that tie us to women around the world.
We're fighting for the same things: safe communities, equitable seats at tables literal and figurative, a world that will be around for generations to come, space to take care of ourselves. In doing this, yes, we should honor the work of the women around us. We should remind others why we admire them. We can never have enough praise for each other.
And moreso, we must listen to the stories coming from far away and recognize our connectedness. We must examine how our behaviors affect marginalized women and people around the world. It's there when you look for it.
The second message, is from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who knows the value in modeling conversations, even if they're not perfect. Showing each other what it looks like to actually talk out loud about our beliefs gives others permission to do so.
"When you decide you want to just be brave, it opens up way more doors than trying to be perfect ever does." - AOC
Bravery is a big word, but it doesn't have to be a big action. Digging into the links, foregoing the ranks, learning from and listening to women. This is all bravery. When one of us finds the courage, it ignites courage. So tomorrow, let's be brave in looking at our links, our responsibilities, and our platforms.
On International Women's Day and all the days, thank you for your bravery and I appreciate the ways we are linked.
xo,
Molly
Permission Granted
…to write that letter
Frida Kahlo's letter to Georgia O'Keefe after Georgia's nervous breakdown.
Emma Thompson's letter full of valid questions for businesses who hire back the men of #metoo.
How to write a condolence note.
"We, the young, have started to move. We are going to change the fate of humanity, whether you like it or not." A letter to the world from teen climate activists, a conversation started by one young woman in Sweden.
This short podcast series, Julie: The Unwinding of the Miracle, is part of Julie Yip-Williams' chronicling of her death for her daughters. It's the companion to her memoir and a clear letter to all of us on how to live while we're living.
The stunning documentary film Minding The Gap is about friendship, skateboarding, and coming of age in the Rust Belt. It's also one young man's letter to his mom. Truly recommend.
How we want to end the email vs. how we will end the email.