IT'S MY BIRTHDAY
I am woman, hear me roar!
Born into a lower-class, uneducated family, there was no visible influence urging me to be bold or successful.
My entire life has been a journey of gathering threads—threads of hope, possibility, and faith. Even when it seemed I had finally collected enough evidence to create a beautiful tapestry and walk confidently through life, it somehow still didn’t feel like enough. I had to keep going. The journey to freedom is glorious, but it is not a straight one or an easy one.
My path toward confidence and success has been anything but easy. I nearly lost one of my sons to bacterial meningitis. My other son developed osteomyelitis, with surgery looming—and years later, he too contracted meningitis, though this time viral. I endured divorce and came close to losing my home.
No, I don’t believe I was tested—I don’t subscribe to that idea—but I was absolutely called to grow.
My muscles of confidence and faith needed deep, repeated cultivation. And when you add that to the early years of navigating a family steeped in abuse, neglect, and alcoholism… the truth is: I’m a friggin’ miracle. Yes, I am a walking, talking miracle – but not by chance, but by the sweat and tears of sheer determination that I mined from a variety of resources.
BUT NOW—even now—I have to call myself to attention. I must remind myself of who I am and make the choice again: to move BOLDLY and BRILLIANTLY forward.
Just today, I had a moment—a choice—to no longer play small or dim my light. The world does not need one more woman shrinking to avoid making others uncomfortable. And anyone who knows me—truly knows me - knows my heart—knows that every breath I breathe is to lift others up.
What the world does need is more women supporting women—embracing our power, shining our light, and boldly paving new paths—hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! April 9 was my arrival in this form. It took almost seven decades to be bold, but every step was worth it.
I want to live, love, and lead in a world where powerful women stand shoulder to shoulder. I want to be one of many who invites others to be powerful.
I want to celebrate the bold, the brilliant, the beautiful, the strong, and the successful.
Because when women succeed, the whole world benefits.
And when women lead, we lead with love, confidence, and encouragement.
COME ON LADIES, the world is seeking YOU, whether you realize it or not.
When you say, "anyone who knows me—truly knows me - knows my heart—knows that every breath I breathe is to lift others up," we know that is absolutely true. Thank you for being you, always, not matter what. You are loved, and you are love.
Happy birthday, Michelle! May it be a wonderful day and may blessings abound!