How does family shape your perception of strength? My definition of strength changed drastically when I had my two daughters. While I grew up thinking strength was complete independence and suppressed feelings, I quickly realized that is not the message I want my daughters believing. I want them to know it is ok to endure emotional pain and grow from it. I want them to be brave and confident to do things on their own and know that they can ask for help when needed. Most of all, I want them to believe that they can grow through challenges and to continue moving forward despite risks.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My mom has always been my role model for strength and determination. She had a very challenging upbringing, with an abusive father, frequent moving and food insecurity. She decided at 10 years old to get a paper route and save money to make a better life for herself. With no support, she went to college, married my dad and went on to create a beautiful, stable home life for my brother and me. I have never heard her complain, she simply works hard and perseveres through whatever happens in life.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? Being strong isn't about being tough and independent, it's resilience. Being vulnerable isn't about being weak, it's about being authentic. To me, strength is being able to admit when you are going through a challenging situation and resilience to persevere even in the hard. Ultimately, the difficult experiences make you stronger.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? Lead with empathy. I am constantly encouraging my 4-year-old daughter to find ways to support her younger sister, befriend someone who seems lonely, and be patient with those having a hard time. Empathy and compassion can bring people together and make the world a better place.
Kim’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I gave the $100 a young college student who is expecting a child to use to purchase a car seat for her baby boy. I am so impressed with the bravery and strength of this student to continue her pregnancy. She had limited support from her family and was working two jobs on top of school to provide for her little one when he arrives. Giving her money to purchase a car seat felt like a very practical way to support her in her time of need.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? The Intentional Act of Kindness opened my eyes to ways that I could meet a need for someone I knew. Without this process, it would not have crossed my mind that I could make a difference in this girl's life by this simple act. It has opened my eyes and heart to other ways to love my neighbors. You actually inspired me to do another act of random kindness for a coworker in Serbia. She is running a marathon in honor of her late dad this weekend and I sent her flowers yesterday. Turns out her dad owned a flower shop and it was more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.