A Working Mom's Secret to Success on Valentine's Day: Manage Expectations...

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Lady celebrating Valentine's Day at Eddie V's "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." - Oscar Wilde  Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. The roots of Valentine’s Day roots go back to St. Valentine, a priest in the early Christian Church known for his compassion and commitment to love. He was a defender of faith, hope, and kindness, reminding us that love is not just a feeling—it’s an action. And, this year I have learned that being free on Valentine's Day is better than living a lie. Valentine's Day, like Christmas, comes every year. However, unlike Christmas, Valentine's Day is about romantic love an...
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Oscar Fashions, Lessons and Angelina Jolie

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I may never have Angelina Jolie’s money. I may never have her notoriety. And I know that I will never sleep with Brad Pitt.  However, after watching the Oscars I have decided that I am committed to trying to acquire her confidence.

A lot of people mocked Angelina after the awards.  But I was in awe. I admired her style. And I thought she was completely bad ass.  

That night she looked into the camera, cocked her right leg and said to all of us, “I am Angelina. Y’all better recognize!” And I had a serious case of confidence envy.

Sometimes I worry that my style, manner of communicating, and ideas might make others uncomfortable. When that feeling comes over me, I retreat. I become a little more quiet. I become a little smaller. I become a little less of who I am.

I have achieved some success, but this practice of “shrinking” has interfered with me living my best life. I have done this at work. I have done this in social situations. And I know that I did it when I was in front of Donald Trump during my “Apprentice” tryouts in 2006. That’s I was never on the show.  
Angelina seems to embrace who she is.  However, I think that there are other women out there like me.

I am not the only woman who is sabotaging her success by failing to embrace the fullness of who she is. For a lot of us, sometimes it is easier to blend in that it is to shine.
But I no longer want easy. I want to be strong. I want to be bold. I want the confidence embodied by Angelina the night of the Oscars. She didn’t stutter. She didn’t stumble. And she didn’t shrink.

I was inspired.

I may never be on the red carpet or present at the Oscars.  However, during my next presentation, I may just stick my right leg out!

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Comments

Thriftanista in the City said…
Do it!

I'm a shrinking Violet myself but through blogging and posting pictures of myself I become bolder and more accepting of who I am everyday.

I just think about the Marianne Williamson quote "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world." and go for it!
11:50 PM
KiaD said…
What a great post! I often feel the same way about downplaying my true self so that others are comfortable. Professional women do that far too much to avoid being labeled a B###h but all it does it keep us from living life to the fullest. Hats off to you for recognizing your inner Angelina and vowing to let her shine. Powerful ladies--stick your legs out!
12:09 AM
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