Election Night is coming right up! It’s an intense time in our country right now. I am sure you have been feeling this.
So much has been brought to the surface through this election cycle — most notably the prevailing sexism and racism that still exists in the hearts and minds of so many people in our country.
The positive side of this 2016 election cycle is that it has unearthed these important issues and brought them into the light of day for all to see and hear where we truly are — the good and the bad, and ultimately offer us an opportunity to heal and move forward with more inclusiveness.
While it may not feel like we are in a place of much inclusiveness right now, I believe that this election cycle is a historic, pivotal one that is laying the groundwork for a much higher consciousness – for all.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak on USC TV (University of Southern California) on the topic of the potential impact of our first female president.
I was on a panel with an incredible group of women, including film producer and LIVE LOVE THRIVE host Catherine Gray, award-winning novelist and former undocumented immigrant Reyna Grande, Emmy and Grammy-winning producer and director Nicole Ehrlich, and Mind/Body expert and healer Brandy Gillmore.
On the show, we spoke about women in politics, feminine leadership, the effect of this election cycle on our mind and body, and of course, what’s ahead for us with the potential of our first female president.
Originally, I had not planned on this. I tend to keep my professional appearances separate than my role of mother. One reason for this is simple: I can focus better on the task at hand. The second reason is this: I have always made the assumption that it wouldn’t be “appropriate” to bring him. In other words, I made an assumption that in some way bringing him might undermine my professionalism.
But, the call time for taping this show got moved up an hour earlier. I was going to be with Bodhi at this time. My husband would still be at work. What to do?
I wrote to the Public Relations gentleman who had informed me of the earlier call time and let him know that the new time would be tricky for me as I would be with my son, but I’d try to figure something out.
He said: Bring him along!
I honestly hadn’t even considered this option. But I was relieved. It made it so much simpler. I was now going to be able to make the show!
Well that was an aha moment for me. I realized how I have fallen into an old gender stereotype and old way of thinking by assuming that being a mother doesn’t play well with being out in the larger professional world.
Oh the irony of it all!!!
Thankfully, the USC TV experience woke me up and showed me a new possibility for the future. It also inspired me further to advocate for family-friendly workplace policies. Without family-friendly workplace policies, we women have to say “no” to a lot of professional opportunities and are constantly at war between “our professional selves” and our “mother selves.” Why do they have to be separate?
Some cool things about this experience: First off, it was a man who woke me out of my unconscious slumber and suggested I bring Bodhi along. That was very cool. And secondly, it was a blast to have Bodhi there. Everyone was so nice to him, they looked after him while I was on set (probably a good thing he was in the soundproof sound studio), and he enjoyed seeing me on TV.
I felt very proud to have Bodhi there, and it was a good bonding experience for us.
With this new way of seeing and doing things, some doors of opportunity have opened up for me.
My question to you this week is this:
This might come in the form of an assumed role for your own gender, an assumption about the opposite gender, or possibly an assumption about transgender or gender fluid individuals. See what’s there for you. Once you recognize this old way of thinking, challenge yourself to take an action step that defies this old assumption and share it in our community!
Tabby Biddle 