As we saw demonstrated by the Women’s Marches – the largest in history,  we are witnessing people unifying for unity, equality, rights and freedoms FOR ALL.  The word, Revolution, was tossed about during the Presidential election process. I believe that we’re going to see a lot of individuals and groups taking actions to disrupt the corruption that exists and eliminate oppression. My hope is that we embody a Revolution of Consciousness where compassion and inspired action are guiding forces or there will be no lasting change.

As I sift through the emotions that I’m feeling with all that this New Year has brought, I lean into the wisdom of elders for guidance and strength. Change is upon us and we are in labor. For those who have given birth and been present at a birth, labor is messy. I leave you with the timeless wisdom and proclamation issued by Maya Angelou and the speech of Alicia Keys at the Women’s March on Washington.

Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

#STRONGERTOGETHER #FEETONTHEGROUND #TOGETHERWERISE #WOMENSMARCH #HEAROURVOICE