August 4, 2024

Let's dive straight into a crucial topic that deserves our thoughtful consideration: how we, as women, treat and perceive one another, and how we let societal stereotypes confine us to narrow expectations.

Recently, I came across a post on Instagram about Blake Lively being a "girl's girl." She is someone who lifts others up, supports them, and genuinely encourages those around her. That post inspired me to become a “crown fixer” in my own life, reaching out to the women I interact with—whether they’re my kids' teachers, co-workers, friends, or family.

We’ve made significant strides as women over the past decades, gaining opportunities that would have been unthinkable 70, 80, or 90 years ago. Yet, we often overlook how easily these gains could be undermined. Whether it’s out of fear of someone else succeeding, jealousy, or simply feeling overshadowed, we’ve started neglecting the importance of celebrating each other’s achievements and making those celebrations truly meaningful.

Take politics, for instance. We now have a Black woman running for president—a milestone that would have been inconceivable just a century ago. Regardless of your political stance, this is an achievement that deserves recognition and respect. Unfortunately, there have been disparaging remarks, regarding this milestone in history, not just from men, but from other women. Why is it acceptable to immediately question one's success and imply she "slept her way to the top." It’s disheartening to see such undermining comments coming from within our own gender. We need to reject this path and start supporting and uplifting each other instead.

In pop culture, there’s a young female artist who is not only incredibly talented but also shows genuine care for those around her. Yet, instead of acknowledging her hard work and dedication, some criticize her with baseless claims like she “worships the devil.” Such absurdity only perpetuates the problem. If you can take these criticisms seriously, your part of the issue.

Reflecting on my own career, I’ve faced situations where my competence was questioned simply because I’m a woman. I’ve had to fight hard to earn my voice, only to have it sometimes dismissed or undervalued. This isn’t about avoiding merit or proving oneself—it’s about addressing the unacceptable tendency to undermine women’s success and knowledge.

I recently had a discussion a family member, where we discussed the views of women by one-another, and simply put it was presented to me as "that is how it's always been." Well, just because that is how it's always been doesn't mean that this is how it should always be. We must stop accepting this behavior, as simply being part of it. We need to stop making self-effacing jokes about it and stop feeding into these negative narratives. Let’s strive to be like Blake Lively in our own circles.

So, if you have daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, wives, mothers, or grandmothers, I challenge you to adopt this approach. Think about your words, actions and approach when criticizing a political figure (even if you don't agree with their politics), celebrity (even if you don't

like what they do), or woman you know in your own life because I can guarantee you there are little ears listening and they hang on your every word; and simply put you can't tell them they can take on the world and cut someone else down for trail blazing.

With that, this week, make it a point to “fix someone’s crown” and support the women around you. We are all simply trying our best most days and a little grace, love and encouragement goes a long way.

Much love on this Sunday!

-Mariah