Before the new year began, I wrote an article about shifting energy. You might have made some resolutions, too. Now we’re going on March (already, really?!), so we get to evaluate what’s working (or not) and how we’re each showing up this “new” year.
Personally, I aim to show up concretely instead of just theoretically. For instance, if I’m going to call myself a writer, then I’ve got to write (in a variety of ways)! And if I’m going to identify as a dancer, then I’ve got to attend classes (plus practice choreography)! If I say I support the arts, then I should continue to do so by donation, through sharing invites, and in person. Also, I think this mindset models goal setting, care, courage, and commitment for our kids.
I was talking with a friend who is a fellow dancer and active community member. We decided that while we can’t make it to every fundraiser and cool or creative event, we can show support for cool, courageous, and creative people! Additionally, we can cheer causes that count. For example, every February, our dance group participates in One Billion Rising, a global campaign to curb violence against women.
So, how else can we show and share support? That might look like: attending a function, applauding the organizer, cheering the participants, getting involved, saying yes, or simply sharing information with interest parties. We could make kind comments on posts, forward emails, respond to texts, acknowledge work, send cards, or write letters.
Okay, let’s talk politics: Some folks are activists in outgoing arenas (by participating in protests, council meetings, marches, rallies, or demonstrations), and others show up in less public (but still valuable) ways by gathering info (I read Ms. Magazine), signing petitions, contacting congress people (and other government officials), boycotting retailers, or making phone calls.
Furthermore, creative resistance includes collecting inspiration (I like listening to podcasts, including Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things), generating ideas, displaying art, speaking up, and presenting poetry. All of this counts as showing up for ourselves (as individuals, teachers, or community members) and causes we care about (such as Mothers Against Media Addiction).
March is Women’s History Month, which began in 1987, and I’m inspired by historical figures who showed up in important ways. These women enabled progress, encouraged inclusion, honored diversity, expanded human rights, and broadened understanding. They made a difference through leadership and legacy, which took courage and compassion.
Examples include women’s suffragettes (like Susan B. Anthony), influential writers (such as Dr. Maya Angelou), rights activists (Dolores Huerta), cultural advocates (Suzan Shown Harjo), justice keepers (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), female heroes (Tammy Duckworth), educators (Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune), changemakers (Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan), peace promoters (Leymah Gbowee of Liberia), humanitarians (Dr. Joanne Liu from Canada)…and those who went first (like Shirley Chisholm). A children’s book that details this information and more is She Spoke by MacMillan and Bernardi (2019). There is a sequel (2024) available for sale, too!
Modern moms motivate me as well. This collective is full of wise women who are showing up in meaningful ways. Also, I wear a two-heart themed bracelet from my mom with an inscription that reads, “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.” March was her birth-month.
Not everyone will understand, applaud, or care how we show up as parents, spouses, friends, relatives, pet owners, environmentalists, health enthusiasts, artists, professionals, shoppers, or voters. It is our own prerogative in this democracy (as long as it doesn’t harm others) and for each of us to decide where and how to show up this month, year, and beyond.
How are you taking action for your concerns, commitments, goals, and values? Are those decisions making a difference for yourself and others?
May we live up to our theoretical selves, make an impact, and lead by example for our children.
