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This is shocking in its accuracy and simplicity. I was blessed with a private, all-girls education, and in that environment, I now realize it was not just the content that was top tier, but it was the confidence it instilled in the girls that passed through its doors. I see this lack of confidence over and over and girls believing that their power lies in their bodies not in their minds. (I’m not talking athletic power although it disturbs me deeply to see the sexualizing of female athletes.)
That is a great summary – just yesterday I was in a store and watched a family- mom, dad, little brother and little sister – picking out a bike for the little girl. Dad picked a bike that was appropriate maybe a bit big for her – she climbed on- willingly and was making it work. Mom immediately said, ” too big, she can’t do it, get her off the bike.” The girl Said “it iwas perfect ” to her dad. The mom and little brother made her get off so she didn’t “hurt herself”.. Then the little brother who was the same size (seriously) climbed on bike and mom said it would be good for him- but not the sister. It was like watching a girl learn that she would never be able to what the son could.. Seriously broke my heart and took everything I had not to approach the family. Moms and dads be aware – this is where the confidence gap starts.. At HOME.
Miss Lori, that is a deeply disturbing event. As I’m sure you know, a single, seemingly innocuous childhood event can imprint a negative message in a child’s brain that can take decades to overcome.
Amen! Your words came just when I needed them – heading out on a work journey where my experience and insight are going to be essential, even more valuable than my usual tendency to encourage and make sure everyone else gets their “props”.
Girls rock! They just need to believe it!!!
I read this as soon as I opened my t9 catalog yesterday and promptly posted it to Facebook (with proper credit, of course). This resonated so much for me and knew it would for others as well. Brilliance! Thank You, Missy!
I completely agree we have been silent to long and I don’t think our God created us to be so. We have opinions thoughts dreams ideas that need to be expressed. If we look back in history we see great things that came forth from strong courageous women who plunged ahead and let their voice be heard. Stand speak and soar girls
A blog I enjoy which celebrates “strong, courageous women who plunged ahead” is The Valentina Project.
Hi Missy, I love your post. The world will improve dramatically as girls and women narrow the confidence gap. Although I never had a child, I do have some young women and girls in my life through relationships with friends. I encourage them to believe that the future is in their hands, and they can absolutely accomplish anything. Bravo to you for your leadership, your great products, and to girls and women everywhere as they realize their strength.
Well said, indeed. As a lifelong learner, teacher and a psychotherapist, I believe that curiosity and “not-knowing” are fundamental to the freedom to learn, speak out, and trust ourselves. If we are comfortable not knowing, we are free to ask questions, to admit what we don’t know, to get knowledge that we need in the form that WE need it, and to put things together in our minds as we want to. Then we can be confident to speak out, whether to ask other people what they mean or to say what we know. This goes for the physical world as well. If we are free to not-know how to play a sport, we are free to learn without shame, and to be comfortable with ourselves and with others.
So very true! We need to make sure we all support each other out there!!
Killin’ it, Missy! Well said!