How can you be strong and vulnerable? I think it takes strength to be vulnerable and vulnerability to be strong. Looking up the definition of vulnerable, the first thing I see is “susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.” Yikes! That sounds like something people usually try to avoid! It takes strength (and wisdom) to step out in a way that allows others an upper hand, so to speak. Sharing honestly about something that made you upset, acting on something you care strongly about, an idea you have, applying to a job...those are all vulnerable things. And they can change people, change situations, and change the world. I think about those who stood up for racial justice during the civil rights era in the US. They put themselves in a very vulnerable position when doing sit-ins, bus rides, marches. That took strength! I have spoken in a large setting several times, a few career-focused and a few faith-focused. I put myself out there, shared some of my own story, shared my ideas, not knowing what the response would be. That type of risk takes strength and vulnerability.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? Life is not easy. We are not in control of our circumstances. All we can control (or at least try to control) is ourselves, our own attitudes and reactions to things. So my advice is to focus on that. Get rid of “should” and replace it with “want” or “need” or “will.” Don’t be afraid of emotions, just don’t let them control you. Be honest with yourself about what it is you really want and who you are, what your doubts and fears are, what your strengths and weaknesses are. Don’t try to hide or put on a perfect front. People are all imperfect and messy, but that doesn’t make us any less valuable. That just makes us human. Have compassion and kindness for yourself and others. In the end, we are all humans trying to make it the best we can.
What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? : Take 5-10 minutes and sit (or stand or walk) in silence, no phone, music, tv, or other people talking. And listen to yourself. Listen to your mind, heart, and body. Is there anything you are feeling or thinking that you didn’t realize before? How does your body feel? Any tension you were unaware of? Is there any action you are prompted to take, whether reaching out to someone, asking for help, praying, doing something fun, apologizing, forgiving, just resting. Things can be so noisy today that we can lose touch with ourselves and get overwhelmed and driven by things around us. I think it is important to take that time to disconnect from all the noise and just be still.
Michelle’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I gave $50 to my local Habitat for Humanity chapter and $50 to the Native American Health Center (NAHC). Having a solid, stable home is such an important thing in life, and I love how Habitat for Humanity partners with people who need a good home to get them one. I donated to NAHC because it is my understanding that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Native American communities. So, I wanted to contribute to help with the response and support effort in those communities.
What was the ‘Intentional Act of Kindness’ process like for you? It took me a while to figure out where I wanted to give the money to. There are so many good causes and people in need. These are 2 organizations we had supported on a one-time basis before and I was so glad to be able to support them again!