Like the realization of self- worth, the idea that one has free will – freedom to choose, freedom to escape an unhappy life, freedom to direct one’s trajectory and the power to do so, may seem as fanciful and out of reach as the summit of Everest. Still, even such a climb begins with the first step, which is why this dialog is so important. Those of us who can think freely, speak in public forums, and reach across miles and mindsets, need to keep the wheels of change in motion, and reach out our hands, hearts, minds, and financial resources to help those who are struggling. Women need to be more equally represented in the rule-making consortium to make sure female-centric needs are addressed. 

Regardless of cultural constraints and mores, when women take more personal responsibility for how we view, interpret, assess and express our worth, the groundswell of female opinion will eventually cause a tipping point in societal reform. And this newly articulated female narrative would ultimately affect the lives of women everywhere. Tough as it may seem, we need to realize our worth in order to actualize it.

The Dalai Lama said, “According to Buddhism, individuals are masters of their own destiny. And all living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha, Samantabhadra — the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them. So. Our future is in our own hands. What greater free will do we need?”

Indeed. Perhaps as young girls and women, we will be able to express that free well once more and more of us model that behavior. I’m signing up to do whatever I can. Will you?

To read Cheryl’s entire post, click here.

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