Today we celebrate one of the bravest women to ever walk this earth, Ms. Rosa Parks. I can’t imagine anyone not knowing the story of the courageous refusal to sit at the back of the bus, when sitting in the back of the bus meant passively agreeing with the racist laws of the time. She is respectfully known as the “mother” of the Civil Rights movement for myriad reasons beyond the headlines of bus riding. And in some ways, it seems that we’ve come a long way from that day in December 1955, when Rosa refused to give up her seat. And yet in so many ways, we are still up to our eyebrows in struggles of humanity. Rosa Parks was both a feminist and an activist before society had embraced “feminist” as a power statement.

Inarguably, Rosa Parks is one of the most tenacious human rights activists of a generation. Not only did she fight for civil rights for everyone, regardless of color, she also organized campaigns around several cases of racial and sexual violence in her capacity as NAACP secretary.

So, what can we learn from Rosa Parks?

As a women’s empowerment coach, I can’t imagine many better examples than Rosa Parks for women who have fully chosen to own their voices, and to create positive ripples that continue to influence policy and politics decades later. For that reason, I wanted to send out a brief note to remind you to celebrate yourself; how have you created positive ripples? Take a moment today to honor Rosa Parks for what would be her 113th birthday. And while you’re at it, take a moment to honor yourself for your accomplishments in creating a life you truly are proud to claim. What can you learn from Rosa Parks? How are you similar? How are you different? What do you see in the mirror of Rosa Parks?

Celebrate your tenacity, courage, and clarity.

xo, Jan