Women's History Month and My Year of Yes
This year seems to be zooming by and I can’t believe that’s already March, which means that Sesame is turning 4 next week. March is also Women’s History Month and I’ve been trying to think about how exactly to celebrate it here on the blog. I’m of course continuing the #BlackHistory365 Book of the Day challenges, but I’m wondering what longer pieces I should write. Any suggestions?
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In the meantime, I thought I’d share part of a new journey I’m on with you. At the end of last year, I put together a book list to get me started for my goal of more non-academic reading in 2016. After recommendations from multiple people, I started reading Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. If you follow me on IG or FB, you know that this book hit so many different nerves. I am of course a huge fan of Rhimes television shows and in many ways feel like Grey’s Anatomy saved my life, but that’s a post for another time. However, I’ve never really read memoirs, but this one kept coming up and I’m glad that I finally read it.
The shortest way I can explain my experience reading the book is that it feels like I was just given permission to do and be everything I’ve always wanted to, but I was too busy hiding in the pantry. If you’ve read the book, it will totally make sense. If you haven’t read it, Shonda spends a year saying yes to opportunities that scare her. When she says no, it’s because someone is taking advantage of her and she needs to stick up for herself more.
Halfway through the book, I decided that I needed to go on personal Year of Yes journey. There are so many things that I want to do with Mamademics, but that I haven’t because I’m afraid. My fear is obviously keeping me from going to the next level in my life and writing. So, I said yes when the Huffington Post asked me if I was interested in being a contributor. I said yes when I finally pressed submit on the post that was published on their parenting channel. While terrifying those two things were not the biggest things I needed to conquer.
At the end of January, I auditioned for Listen To Your Mother-Atlanta (LTYM). I wrote an original piece and walked into an audition for a live show. I did not know if I would be chosen, but I knew that I needed to at least try. Confession: I hoped I wouldn’t be chosen because I do not like talking in front of crowds. In early February, I found out that I was in fact selected and I agreed to do the show. On Saturday, April 23rd along with 12 other women, I’m going to stand in front of a large crowd and read a piece of my writing. Not just any piece of my writing, but a piece that I cried while writing, so I’m sure I’ll cry while reading. I won’t tell you what piece it is, but I will tell you that it’s on the blog, so you can go ahead and try to figure it out.
I am a huge bundle of nerves as I prepare for our first rehearsal this Sunday, but I am incredibly proud of myself for quieting the voice that says “you can’t do it.” LTYM is only the beginning. For more information about LTYM and to purchase tickets go here.
I decided to talk about this during Women’s History Month because I’m on a quest to leave my mark. What better time to discuss it than the month we honor so many other women for leaving theirs? Anyone else on a Year of Yes? Let’s talk about your experiences…
