Post 6: Shoutout to my peeps

Post 6: I’m not even sure I could express in words how much your support and kind words mean to me. Thank you. ❤️ You know, I don’t feel any different. Still just Holly who decided to close her eyes, take a deep breath, and share her story. In fact, I see words like “courage” and “inspire” and I feel like this is not me to you, but you all inspired me to do this with YOUR courage. I watched Facebook friends post live videos of themselves – COURAGE. I saw friends post and promote their businesses – COURAGE. I read every inspiring post by someone excited about their new adventure and how they feel about themselves – COURAGE. Every time I watch you share or overcome your stuff, I am awestruck by your courage. I think too often we sell ourselves short. I’m not sure if it’s a woman thing or we’re trying to be humble? At the beginning of this hockey season, I was chatting with a hockey mom. Her: So what do you do? Me: (pause to think) Um, you know, I just work from home. Her: Cool. That must be nice. Me: Yeah, it’s nice. (walk away being like WTF?!) First of all, I didn’t even say what it is I do at home. I thought maybe it was because most people don’t know what I do, and then I’d have to explain it and it becomes a whole big thing where I feel like I’m talking a lot, and people are still like “work from home, sweet.” THEN – then I realized I still don’t embrace what I do or have done. I don’t “just” work at home editing transcripts… I co-own two very successful businesses; in fact, we’ve just expanded one (big, huge, awesome-and-scary-at-the-same-time move). I’m currently building an empire and planning my world takeover (no big deal; I just work at home). Then I started to think about when I was a stay-at-home mom. Someone would ask you what I did, and I would say embarrassedly, “Oh, I’m just a stay-at-home mom.” I cringe today at the word “just.” Actually, I am a project manager running a multifaceted project. What do my duties include? Budgeting, estimating, scheduling, projections, training, transportation, purchasing, planning, time management, problem solving, organization, custodial, volunteer, culinary “stuff.” I’m the counselor, the motivator, the shoulder to cry on, and the kick in the ass when required. It does not matter that my “employees” are little people or a husband. I mastered the running of my project. I took pride in it, even if I said words like “just a stay-at-home mom.” You think I’m inspiring, but you inspired me to get here. You because you changed careers after 25 years in – INSPIRING. You because you went back to school when your kids were young to live your dream – INSPIRING. You because you are at home taking care of your kids – INSPIRING. You because you went through or are going through separation or divorce and it’s difficult - INSPIRING. You because after being a project manager at home you decided to start killing it in the “working world” - INSPIRING. You because you shared your experience with depression and/or anxiety - INSPIRING. You because you work in a field with all men and it’s amazing -INSPIRING You because you started your own company and are living your best life - INSPIRING. You because sometimes being a mom is difficult and you talked about it - INSPIRING. You because you shared your heartbreaking loss - INSPIRING. All of that (and all things I didn’t mention) took immense courage and was so inspiring that I am here today. Don’t sell yourself short because you are amazing. My jam this morning: I am Here - P!nk

Feb 27, 2020, 7:37 AM