On Being a Woman of Power

You may have noticed that I went to the Massachusetts Conference for Women a couple weeks back. I've been percolating on some of the messages that I received and honestly, I've been pregnant to the point where motivating myself to write a motivational blog post has been a struggle... but here I am, wanting to share how this year's conference really resonated with me, not on a professional/career level but on a personal/woman of power level. Be forewarned that there's the possibility that I was affected, in part, by pregnancy hormones but I firmly believe that for the most part, I was moved by the incredible women that I had the honor to hear speak at this year's event.

I'd like to think that I am capable of keeping it together first thing in the morning, but I have to say that I teared up quite a bit before the clock struck 9am. The breakfast keynote speakers were uplifting but also told stories of strength, perseverance and ultimately, on being a woman of power. A woman who takes control of her own business and pushes her life on the trajectory that she was meant to be on. If you have a couple of minutes. I urge you to take a listen to both Anita Hill and Carla Harris' keynote speeches from the morning. I dare you not to be inspired to take some notes and to bring out your woman of power. Anita Hill, a pioneer against sexual harassment in the workplace and Carla Harris, a Wall Street banker, Gospel Singer, Author and motivational speaker started the morning by really, just making me proud to be in that room with 11,000 other women. Whether you need to hear the words or be moved by the emotions, I love to go into conferences or talks open to taking in what I need to hear, if that makes sense. You have to have a "game plan" but I also like to be led where I think I need to be on that day... and that instinct led me to some amazing sessions.

Marla Aufmuth/ Getty Images for The Massachusetts Conference for Women

Marla Aufmuth/ Getty Images for The Massachusetts Conference for Women

I knew that I wanted to get it on Glennon Doyle Melton's session. I was introduced to her site and writing by my friend Laura, who recommended her when I needed to feel somewhat uplifted. I know that there are a lot of women whose lives have been changed by Glennon and her writing, and that's nothing to sneeze at. Glennon talked about us all having pain and a lot of the time we run away from the battle because we think that we can't handle it... but news flash, we can handle it. Again, it was a part of the theme that I was building in my day, that we can and should take charge of our personal stories, be women of power and drive our own destinies in our decisions, big or small. Glennon had a nugget of truth that I completely appreciated. She noted that no matter what we do as women, we are going to be criticized and it's because we're likely doing something right. As a "people pleaser" who sadly, really hates being criticized, this was pearl of wisdom that I tucked away from the day because #Truth.

Marla Aufmuth/ Getty Images for The Massachusetts Conference for Women

Mallika Chopra was my treasure of the day, you know that one lady you didn't know you needed to hear from. I had sauntered/waddled over from Glennon's sesh and sat down front and center to get in on Mallika's Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy. I'd not experienced any of Mallika's previous talks nor had I read any of her writing, whether in books, her site or on Intent.com.  I think this "blank canvas" of sorts helped me take the sweet, humble, friendly words that Mallika spoke and molded them to the current state of my life. It's easy to say that we want to live with intention, with purpose but it's a completely different animal living that in our everyday lives. I find myself struggling to keep on track, not getting mired down in the negativity and self imposed stress that can sometimes overtake my days. Mallika gave us some exercises, led a group meditation and overall inspired me to, yet again, take control of my business and move it in the direction that I want it to go. I snagged her book, got that bad boy signed obviously and told Mallika in the calmest manner that I could muster that I really appreciated her message and that it was something that I needed to hear. She seemed to genuinely enjoy that feedback and I went on with my day, gushing to anyone who would listen to me, because when you crush on someone immediately, it's usually for good reason.

Marla Aufmuth/ Getty Images for The Massachusetts Conference for Women

At the end of this long day at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, I was certainly glad that I went, despite being completely exhausted (hello, 8 months pregnant over here!). I didn't attend necessarily to further my career, get help with my resume or any of those professional tracks (which are great, don't get me wrong)... I attended with my personal development in mind and I left with a better sense of self and my inner woman of power. We all have the power to move the needle, whether it's in our careers or our every day lives. It's up to us to feel empowered and to do things that will keep us empowered to make a difference not just in our own lives but in those around us as well. I sincerely recommend attending events like this one, local to you, or even online because personal development is an awesome thing. I promise you that. Next on my woman of power to do list? Having this baby!

What's your favorite way to call out your "woman of power"?