08/03/2021
We can do hard things.
I don’t just see a degree on my wall. I see a decision. A belief. A determination. A will. I see strength.
I see a woman who decided to risk it all. Leave her career and pursue her dreams. When not all believed in her nor understood her decisions.
I see tears, rage, hopelessness. I see all-nighters, empty eyes, a tired soul. I see moments of doubt and fear that crippled her some days in ways that words can not define.
I see ambition and greed and ego mixed with brilliance, effort and status. I see a woman who questioned whether she could live up to all of the scholarly minds that surrounded her space day after day.
I see white lab coats, textbooks, cadaver labs, doctors with judging eyes and clipboards. I see long hallways and abandoned coffee cups.
I also see a woman who stood on a stage. Accepted her degree. Gripping that piece of paper that held so much. I see a woman who looked into the crowds to see her beautiful daughter and newborn son in the stands - watching their mama reach her dreams. Held by my husband who used those very same hands to wipe my tears in my darkest moments and high five me after each passing exam. My parents and sister who always believe in me.
I see love. I see passion. I see that we can do hard things.
Don’t ever settle for less than your hearts desire.
Today, being International Women’s Day, reminds me now more than ever - that we are bold, we are brave, we are brilliant. But this does not come without scars, nor does it come without a tribe of love.
Today, we celebrate strength, change and ... a belief.
We can do hard things. 🤍
