Bossy Women

Hello All,

The excitement continues! This week there has been an earthquake and the potential for more named hurricanes (aiyiyi -we have already had a record number of hurricanes). The Midwest experienced a derecho – which I had never even heard of! (I had to look it up! A derecho is a “line of intense, widespread and fast moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that move across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds”!) And, much to the chagrin of poor Bob, a nationwide shortage of Fresca and Dr. Pepper!

If you are a woman, regardless of what your political affiliation may be, you should be excited about this week. For only the third time in history, a woman has been chosen as the running mate of a major party’s presidential candidate. Even more exciting, it is the first time an African American, Asian American female has been chosen. Kamala Harris has made and will continue to make history!

Frankly, it is about time that women will be represented in such a wonderful way. I told Bob today that I had recently read that across the entire world the countries that have done the best in this pandemic have been led by women leaders! Strong, intelligent, resilient, decisive – all tempered with compassion.  In other words, “bossy women”!

Before you get excited about me calling women bossy, let me share Amy Poehler’s definition of a bossy woman:

“I just love bossy women. To me bossy is not a perjorative term at all. It means someone is passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn’t mind leading.”

Don’t you love that definition? I have been blessed to have many strong, “bossy” women in my life. My little mom is the perfect example of a warm, compassionate woman with a backbone of steel. Bob’s mom was a chemist in a time where that profession was unheard of for a woman – she trailblazed for others to follow. Carol taught me how to lead with compassion and grace (though she is far more graceful than I am!), while always maintaining the highest standards. Golden was the first African American chief nurse executive I had the privilege to work with – she was an extraordinary mentor and taught me how important the health of an entire community is, and that we could have an impact on health outside of the four walls of the hospital. Pat and Ginger are my best cheerleaders…..while always willing to kick my butt when I need it! My “daughters” are independent, fierce and engaged in life – and I love that about and for them!

Be excited for women. Be excited for change.

Be bossy!

Phyl