On this International Women’s Day, I suggest to you, my sisters, that we need to stop worrying about being liked. I stopped some time ago.
I can think of many times when I ought to have hiked up my big-girl pants and told my truth. But I didn’t. I was afraid to challenge or offend with my differing opinion. For me, that worry ended long ago. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable but discomfort isn’t always something we should avoid.
That’s why this Q and A with Morning Joe’s Mika Brzezinski resonated with me. It’s from Time Magazine, published last fall. I recently found it in my doctor’s office where months-old magazines go to die.
Mika explains why being liked ought to be the least of our concerns. Be effective. Get respect. It took her until her 40s to figure this out. It took me a little longer on a consistent basis. So, Happy International Women’s Day! And I like you just as you are, sister, uncomfortable opinions and all!
I’m afraid I’m not as evolved as you. But I AM learning….for example there were 4 comments on a recent PostMedia story on my book and journey but I opened only the first one: it was from a Toronto Sun reader who said that Mourning Has Broken shouldn’t have been named after a song written by a guy who supported the fatwa on Salman Rushdie. Talk about a stretch – I hope he didn’t hurt himself! So, no more comment reading for me. We learn a bit, day by day, don’t we? And the people who don’t like you, don’t know you. I know that for a fact. xo Erin
I like you and I love reading your musings and thoughts. Thank you for always have something meaningful to say and for always making it entertaining. You are a gem my friend!
They say little girls start self-limiting thoughts when they are five years old. Thank you for being a strong role model for girls and boys!