Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” Margaret Mead

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” Womens History Month.Gov

What does Women’s History Month mean to You? When I was little girl, I had aspirations to travel the world and accomplish goals that were not available to women of my mother’s generation. My parents never discouraged me even though some others around me were not so enthused by the utterings of a child.  When we tell all children, not just our own, by our words and actions that they are worthy and can achieve their dreams if they apply their talents to a task, we become champions of the future and of the pledge for parity. We are our children’s first engagement with the outside world, and the messages we feed our kids are very important… but we can’t limit our encouragement to our kin alone.  If we work towards gender parity and encourage every child to view members of the opposite gender as equals instead of as inferior or superior, we would be planting seeds that will flourish in the years to come.  There is a phenomenal woman in every female and I have chosen to share Maya Angelou’s powerful poem as part of my way to honor all women out there; known and unknown.

Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou via PoetryFoundation
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. Contd Below

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” Marian Wright Edelman

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note

National Women’s History Month 2016 Theme: “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government” *
The National Women’s History Month theme for 2016 honors women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their public service and government leadership. Although often overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country. National Women’s History Project

What Motivates Women to Act? Since 1987, the National Women’s History Project has celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of women from all walks of life by honoring a handful of women for their superlative service. Each year, they introduce a theme that serves as a guiding light to selecting and honoring women motivated to create change for our gender and, ultimately, for everyone. The theme for 2016 is: Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government, and it honors 16 women who have made a difference in the public sector. These women come from varied backgrounds but what they share is a dedication to improving the lives of females in their fields and communities. They stand up and speak out because they believe in being proactive instead of waiting for someone else to fight injustice; they feel compelled to act especially on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves.

We can all make our mark on society but it must begin in our hearts and our homes. As an Educator, I’ve taught Women’s Studies and Literature to young, impressionable college students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. My students were from different countries around the world and all had high hopes for a better life. I supported their aspirations because I believed, and still do, that the sky is the limit. As a mother, I’ve done the same for my kids and I trust that they will continue to follow their heart’s dream by working hard and making choices that help them get there. Am I perfect? No, but I make the best of the challenges and grace that comes my way and I believe we all can. When we discriminate against women who are not like us, we are closing the door to a tremendous opportunity for engagement and growth. As Edelman says above, even making a small difference has power because it can become the impetus for greater change. Please take a moment to visit the link above and read about the 16 women being honored this year.

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. Contd Below

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” Mae Jemison

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note

From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. President Jimmy Carter, first Presidential Proclamation, March 8th 1980 declared National Women’s History Week/ National Women’s History Museum

Does Women’s History matter? Of course it does. You might wonder why I ask … I do so because some of us don’t understand or agree that it’s important. Women’s history month matters because it reminds us to take a closer look at our journey and collective history, and to consider where more work is needed.  We celebrate to honor all those unsung women who fought for women’s rights globally, to encourage those women who continue to fearlessly made a difference, and to bring attention to issues/areas where women remain marginalized; such as wage parity, access to education and economic opportunities globally.  Women’s history matters because it is a reminder to share our experiences with our daughters, sisters and everyone.  So, let me reassure you that celebrating the accomplishments of our gender is NOT a negation of the accomplishments of the opposite gender.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month in our homes and communities, let us not forget to pause for a moment and consider the bravery and determination of all those women, activists, mothers, sisters, leaders and teachers, who paved the path before us. For every woman who gets to choose a career path that was once dominated by men, there were pioneers who opened those doors, sometimes at great cost to their relationships and lives. As women, we can encourage each other to live our best lives by opening our doors, our hearts, and our minds to the power of our community. We can make a difference by mentoring other women  and by respecting our differences. When we start to applaud the humanity that resides in every woman, and step away from petty conflicts and exaggerated slights, we will achieve much more.

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. Contd Below

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for February and March 2016 are:

02/01 – VALENTINE’S DAY–
02/08 – CHINESE NEW YEAR –
02/15 – PRESIDENTS DAY – third Monday of month –
02/22 – PAIN –
02/29 – LEAP YEAR –

03/07 – 8 International Women’s Day –  3/1-31, Women’s History Month
03/14 – 13 Daylight Savings Begins at 2:00 a.m., 15, Ides of March, 17, St. Patrick’s Day, –
03/21 – 19 International Earth Hour –  20 International Day Of Happiness, Palm Sunday, Spring (Vernal) Equinox, –
03/28 – 23 Purim begins at sundown Yin and Yang, 25 Good Friday, 27 Easter Sunday

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?

– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab

More Below!
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Michelle Obama, First Lady

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note

Throughout history, women have driven humanity forward on the path to a more equal and just society, contributing in innumerable ways to our character and progress as a people … This May, the White House will host a summit on “The United State of Women,” to highlight the advances we have made in the United States and across the globe and to expand our efforts on helping women confront the challenges they face and reach for their highest aspirations. We must strive to build the future we want our children to inherit — one in which their dreams are not deferred or denied, but where they are uplifted and praised. We have come far, but there is still far to go in shattering the glass ceiling that holds women back. This month, as we reflect on the marks made by women throughout history, let us uphold the responsibility that falls on all of us — regardless of gender — and fight for equal opportunity for our daughters as well as our sons. Excerpt from Pres Obama, Presidential Proclamation — Women’s History Month, 2016

We celebrate Women’s History Month because we can’t afford to forget the struggle for women’s rights. To forget our collective history would mean to forget the key point of our struggle for gender equity, the right to vote, and the right to an array of freedoms that are still not available to all women globally. We celebrate our history for so many reasons but, we can start by thanking the phenomenal women who matter in our lives. Go do it!

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. (Maya Angelou 1928–2014)
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues 

“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” Anne Frank

Source: Zen Antics All stories via Goodweb.cn

Positive Motivation Tip: We have Women’s History Month for many reasons; start by thanking the phenomenal women who matter in your life.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Stories via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn  Quotes via BrainyQuotes, All Photos: Women’s History Month via Lib of Congress, Library of Congress on Flickr, Smithsonian on Flickr, Struggle for Women’s Suffrage, First Ladies Portraits, First Lady Michelle Obama, & Other Female portraits via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet