I’m writing this post in real time the morning on January 20, 2021. I wanted to wait to write this post until this morning because even though I intellectually knew today was coming, I was still scared that something terrible might happen to mess it up. I’m so so grateful that this morning is here. There will be a woman in the White House officially at noon today. For the first time in our history, our daughters will see a female Vice President. Our sons and daughters will know what a woman in the highest levels of leadership looks like. I am filled with hope.
Most of all, I am so grateful for the empathy at the forefront of our new presidency. For me, empathy is the strongest and most important leadership skill. Our best leaders surround themselves with experts in any and all policy areas. Because of that, the best leaders are able to focus on the bigger picture and in the case of a President, are able to have empathy for every human being in our country. I do not believe that there is anyone with more capability for empathy than our incoming President and Vice-President given every experience they’ve lived. It just feels like a huge relief to know that my children will see that empathy on display on a daily basis.
I’m so grateful for all the women, specifically Black women because they are the most influential voting bloc in American, who made today possible. We white women have a lot of work to do to vote for leaders who will act in our interest. Many of us voted for the outgoing president and must grapple with the fact that they supported and scaffolded white supremacy. While today is filled with hope and celebration, it’s also a call to continue the work of dismantling white supremacy. It is on us (let me be clear, us white women) to do the work. If we become complacent, we become complicit.
My words lack eloquence this morning because honestly, I’m just in a state of relief. Of true deep breathing knowing that help is on the way to help stem the tide of COVID deaths in our country. The collective loss and grief in our country is heavy and the incoming empathy entering our leadership fills me with relief. The incoming trust in science helps too. I’m grateful for a plan. I’ve written before about my love of plan making and whew, it feels so good to have a leader with a plan y’all.
I am grateful for Vice President Kamala Harris. She is an incredibly intelligent, warm, empathetic person. So many children can look at her today and for the first time see a woman who looks like them in the White House. I think of all the girls and women today who get to experience this moment, but also all the little boys who will grow up in a world never knowing what it was like to lack women at the highest levels of leadership. This next generation will only know that of course, a woman can run the world, because that will be all that they’ve seen. My goodness, what a long overdue gift to our children.
I’m gonna go do some yoga since today’s a rest day for me exercise wise. I kept it short today because I want to get straight to soaking up the ceremony and symbolism of today. That’s what putting myself first looks like right now. I hope you are well and Happy Wednesday!
Put Mama First 
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