Phenomenal Woman, That's You.

As we step into March, a month dedicated to celebrating women’s empowerment and contributions to society, I find it to be one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a period that prompts us to reflect on the strength and resilience of women throughout history and in our own lives. Women's History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible achievements women have made, often in the face of adversity. It inspires us to recognize and honor the strength we possess as individuals and as a collective force.

One of the most compelling literary voices celebrating female strength is Maya Angelou. Her poem "Phenomenal Woman" not only encapsulates the essence of womanhood but also serves as an anthem of empowerment, encouraging women to embrace their unique qualities with pride. But how can we take the empowering themes articulated in the poem and apply them to our personal lives?

Here are several ways to embrace self-worth and confidence, inspired by Angelou’s iconic words.

Recognize Your Inner Strength

At the heart of "Phenomenal Woman" is the acknowledgment of inner strength. Take time to reflect on your unique qualities and talents.

Finding Your Inner Strength

There are moments in my life where I really had to dig deep to identify my inner strength. Whatever life was presenting at the moment, made it difficult to remember that I was capable of overcoming and tapping into a power that exists within me, whether I feel it or not. In those moments, it was criticle for me to take a moment to sit quietly and think about what has helped me navigate difficulties in my life. Reflecting on who I had to be in those moment, and where I demonstrated resilience helped that inner strenth to resurface.

I encourage you to try this as a journal prompt if you resonate with being disconnected with your inner strength. Journaling about these moments can help solidify your understanding of your own fortitude. What qualities did you exhibit during these times? Was it bravery, patience, empathy, or determination?

Pursue Personal Growth

As Phenomenal Women, we should be in continuous pursuit of personal growth, recognizing that this journey is not only essential for our own development but also serves as an inspiration to those around us. Continuous learning and self-improvement reinforce our sense of self-worth, enabling us to embrace our identities with confidence and grace. Engaging in diverse activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit is crucial for holistic growth. This can include pursuing a new hobby that sparks joy and creativity. I recently got out of my comfort zone and went salsa dancing, it was such a fun experience and a reminder that when we do things that allow us to express ourselves in new creative ways it allows us to explore new facets of our personalities.

So, I've got a little challenge for you: when was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new?

Seriously, think about it! When did you last let your creativity shine? If you’re struggling to remember, then guess what? This is your sign to make it a priority! Let’s shake things up a bit! And remember, if all else fails, just put on some music and dance like nobody's watching! Because nothing says "I'm getting creative" quite like a spontaneous moonwalk in your living room… just be careful not to knock over the lamp! 💃🕺

This commitment to lifelong learning not only empowers us intellectually but also opens doors to new opportunities, both personally and professionally. Each step you take towards personal growth is a testament to your resilience and strength, showcasing your ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. Embrace the challenges that come your way, for they are often the catalysts for profound transformation. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to strive for greatness, and never underestimate the power of mentorship and collaboration.

Remember, the pursuit of personal growth is a lifelong journey, one that is filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for self-discovery. Celebrate your progress, however small, and remain committed to evolving into the best version of yourself.

Brunch & Board'n 2024

Build Your Tribe

If there is one thing that has truly impacted my journey the most, it has been the connections I have made along the way. The relationships I have fostered throughout my life and career have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I guarantee that some of you even reading this blog post right now have contributed in some way, shape, or form to my personal growth and development. Each interaction, whether brief or profound, has left an indelible mark on my path. Surrounding myself with other phenomenal women has been THEE game changer, providing not just support but also inspiration and motivation that I often draw upon in challenging times. These connections have come in various forms—friends, mentors, colleagues, and even acquaintances who have shared their wisdom and experiences with me.

Each woman I have encountered has brought her unique perspective and strength to our interactions, enriching my understanding of the world and enhancing my resilience. From late-night conversations filled with laughter and vulnerability to collaborative projects that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, these relationships have been a source of empowerment. Moreover, the sense of community that we have cultivated together has been invaluable.

It has created an environment where we uplift each other, celebrate our successes, and navigate our struggles side by side. I have learned that there is immense power in collective support; when women come together, magic happens. We share resources, offer guidance, and hold each other accountable, all of which contribute to our individual and collective growth. As I reflect on my journey, I can pinpoint specific moments where the support of these incredible women has propelled me forward. Whether it was receiving constructive feedback that helped refine my skills or simply having someone believe in me when I doubted myself, these connections have been pivotal. They have taught me the importance of collaboration and the strength that lies in unity. The relationships I have built with other remarkable women have not only transformed my personal journey but have also inspired me to give back and foster connections for others. I am deeply grateful for each person who has crossed my path, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth together as we support one another in achieving our dreams and aspirations.

Let's prioritize connection with other women to foster a sense of community and support, just as Angelou did through her poetry. Sharing stories, celebrating achievements, and supporting one another can create a network of confidence and mutual respect.

Shameless plug.... if you're looking for a way to connect this month, join me for my Brunch & Board'n women's vision boarding event March 29th here in NYC. Click here for more details.

You are Phenomenal

This is your reminder that you, friend, are truly phenomenal. Maya Angelou’s "Phenomenal Woman" is a powerful reminder that self-worth and confidence are intrinsic and should not be dictated by external measures. By exploring and applying the themes of the poem in our daily lives, we can foster a deeper understanding of our value and cultivate a strong sense of self. This Women's History Month—and beyond—let us all embody the spirit of the phenomenal individuals we are, celebrating our unique strengths, supporting each other, and confidently claiming our place in history.

photo by Whit Hawkins Photo

Phenomenal Woman

BY MAYA ANGELOU

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.