The Power of Women

Hear me roar? That is so not me. Yes, I like to consider myself a confident and strong woman but never felt the need to represent or defend women specifically. Having said that, I recently embraced a more eco friendly lifestyle for my family. One journey that is leading me to open my eyes to the force of the female.

Last night I attended a meeting with the EcoMom Alliance- an amazing organization empowering women to help reduce the climate crisis and create a sustainable future without judgment. (How rare is that!) Aside from the sheer conviction I could feel in the room, I felt a sense of solidarity. I am impressed. Confident in their roles as women and leaders, I didn’t sense a clique within the group or any attitude. Just a group of women eager to learn and make better decisions for their families.

And I realized that is what changed me. Not giving birth, but raising children. It is the day to day reality of them. These precious little human beings with complex thoughts and sometimes brutal, sometimes beautiful raw emotion. Their development and ultimate potential rests in not only in what I feed them physically, but what I feed them emotionally. It depends on my responses to their (at times relentless) questions, my non verbal communication and my attitude towards others. It’s like looking in the mirror. And what do I see?

Women make choices everyday that affect the well being of the family. What an awesome source of power and responsibility. Melissa Graham owner of Monogramme Events and President of Purple Asparagus inspired me with a discussion about simple things that make a difference - using convection ovens, getting food locally when possible, checking Seafood Watch when choosing fish, and learning about pesticides. The idea is bringing families back to the table and I love it. By being committed to environmental issues, I feel I can nourish my children's bodies with healthier food and their minds with a well balanced perspective.

My husband always says "We're olive...not quite green but getting there." And it's true. My journey isn't about judgment or perfection, it is about empowering myself with knowledge and seeing where it goes.

Original Chicago Moms Blog post. Jennifer also blogs at The EcoChic Urban Organizer.