Friday

On Friday, I saw the news. I sat with my daughters as we watched President Biden address the Supreme Court’s decision to take rights and autonomy away from women. I answered their questions about what this means for women and girls in our country. 

I sat in my car and cried.

And then I put on something sparkly and coached women who were also reeling from this news, women preparing to march and women determined to fight back.

When something like this happens, the goal of coaching isn't to feel better or good. It's not about finding silver linings or staying positive. The goal is to act from our emotions in a useful, constructive way.

On Saturday, I put on my lawyer hat and read the full majority opinion. I read the Court thinks banning abortion is no big deal because "babies can be adopted or given up at fire stations". The complete disregard for women woven throughout the opinion was frightening. I cried again.

On Sunday, I charged a garnet (red for feminine power) and spent time thinking about how I could use my  emotions to do the most good.

On Monday, I donated to the National Abortion Access Fund for Survivors, signed up for Operation Save Abortion, and checked out volunteer opportunities with Midwest Access Coalition. 

Times like this reinforce my belief that as women we must ask for what we want, value ourselves, our desires and contributions, and take up space. This is how we become more powerful.

This is how "women's rights" and "women's issues" become permanent rights and everyone's responsibility.

Today is the day you stop selling yourself short. Stop believing the lie that what you want isn't important or doesn't make a difference. It is. It does. It changes you and it changes the world.