15 Feb 2021
I have just received a charity calendar from a fantastic organisation called Women Out West. It is packed full of beautiful and original drawings from artist, Emma Hunt, and they have been coupled with inspirational quotes chosen by friends of the charity. All proceeds go towards funding the brilliant work of this West Cumbrian organisation that works tirelessly to empower all women to reach their full potential.
I was honoured to be asked to submit an inspirational quote from someone I admire, so off I went, dutifully searching through the corners of my brain, trying to come up with something simple that summed up the work of the charity, and was also a little bit fun…
Suddenly, I found it: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” By Dolly Parton
Perfect, I thought. Short, snappy, empowering.
I duly submitted it and promptly forgot.
Last night, while proudly showcasing the calendar to my husband and daughter, my other half piped up. “I love how everyone else picked philosophers, political activists and changemakers and you plumped for Dolly Parton.”
Hmmmmm.
My first thought was to doubt my choice. What would people think of me? Would anyone else have noticed the disparity. I know I go on about cowboy boots all the time and often act like I’m my press age, rather than my real age, but does this make me look bad? Do other people think of me as a professional? Am I the joker in the pack?
My thoughts were interrupted by my daughter dancing round the kitchen singing Hamilton songs into the sauce bottle. When asked whether that was absolutely necessary at dinner time, she replied “But mum, I’m just being my authentic self.”
Double hmmmmmm.
I went to bed, ruminating. I even texted a friend to share my perceived faux pas. (Over think things, me? Never).
After a bizarre dream about a Skechers shoe shop (don’t ask) I awoke ready to face the day ahead. I had a shower (where incidentally I do my best thinking) and in true Hamilton style, I realised 3 fundamental truths at the exact same time. (If that phrase isn’t familiar, look the musical soundtrack up on Spotify. Ear worm guaranteed.)
Inspiration can come in any shape or form. You don’t have to be a politician, or a philosopher, a freedom fighter or the Dalai Llama to lead by example. People find inspiration in unexpected places. Sometimes it is dressed head to toe in rhinestones. We should all look regularly outwards to see what other people are doing and allow ourselves to be inspired by their achievements and actions. At the same time, we should all be mindful that other people might be looking towards us and taking inspiration from our own actions and behaviours. Sometimes it’s rhinestone clad country and western singers. Sometimes it's 11 year olds singing into sauce bottles.
We should always be true to our authentic selves. If we are inspired by something, we shouldn’t be afraid to admit it or share it. We should like what we like. We shouldn’t try and be anything other than ourselves. Live it, own it and be proud of it.
But let’s not forget the really important bit here. The calendar is raising money for women who are going through a tough time. Women who haven’t got the luxury of wasting time worrying about choosing an inspirational quote on a wall calendar. Reality check, people. Time to give myself a shake.
As I drink my morning cuppa, I’m reminding myself how lucky I am to be walking my path. I’m sticking by my choice and I’m grateful to be in the position in which I find myself.
I’m toasting all the inspirational women who I have looked up to – whether they know about it or not.
I’m toasting my 11 year old daughter who never stops reminding me about the important things in life.
And finally I’m toasting all the women out there who have either paved a new path already, or who have yet to start their journey.
Believe in yourself. Be true to yourself.
There’s a paver hiding in all of us.