Earlier this week I had the privilege of attending a luncheon honoring 14 young women. They had completed a nine-month Leadership program.  This, in addition to other studies, full-time jobs, and in some cases children.  They were an impressive group.

Their varied and obvious career skills were on quiet display.   And yet, what especially caught my ear was how often they referred to ‘discoveries’ we more senior women take for granted.

Their discoveries included, Bet On Yourself.  Know Your Worth. Raise your hand. Give credit to others. Show Up. Ask for help.  Courage is not the absence of fear-it’s the ability to act despite our fear.

 The big gift each of these extraordinary young women seemed to take away was: What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters – compared to what lies within us

For senior women, our gift was the realization that – in many areas of life, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Which means – because we know something doesn’t mean everyone does.  Risk it.  Share the lessons.

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