Simple reminders

I've written before about female empowerment. It's easy to get on a soapbox and talk about how fantastic I believe our gender is, but lately I've been tested in believing and living what I believe. I am currently 5 months pregnant and therefore super emotional and pretty exhausted most of the time, especially trying to keep up with a 3 and 2 year old. And remembering that I'm not inferior to others because I'm so tired and so emotional is an immense task as of late. BUT life (or Disney) has a way of reminding you that you are strong and worthy.

Yesterday, I took Roselynn to see Disney's Aladdin and first and foremost - Well done, Disney! Jasmine has always been one of the more rebellious princesses but this time they took her to a whole new level. I was so proud to have my daughter watching such a positive spin on a woman.

Jasmine didn't need any man to tell her what to do or how to do it. She knew she could run a kingdom and her life without the help of anyone but those who supported her. She embodied that women should be heard and not just seen. Everything from the costumes to the dialogue to Jasmine's solo "Speechless" pointed to a confident and more empowered female lead.

My voice drowned out in the thunder But I can't cry, and I can't start to crumble Whenever they try to shut me or cut me down

I can't stay silent Though they wanna keep me quiet And I tremble when they try it All I know is I won't go speechless

These words are a reminder that whenever anyone intentionally or unintentionally tries to make me feel inferior, I don't have to remain silent. I can speak up and not just for me - for my daughter who will hopefully be able to look up to me one day. For her to know that we are not some lower sex; we are smart, strong, worthy, or anything we want to be.