it’s about the stories we tell

Route 12’s ninety-nine evergreen-laced, winding miles that hug the Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers before ascending to 5,200 feet and crossing into Montana were some of the most beautiful ones Mother Nature gave me during my ride across America. 

They are also part of The Lewis and Clark Trail, and if my mind got lost in the surrounding beauty, there was a sign every five miles to remind me of their Louisana Territory exploration. However, I never saw a mention of Sacagawea, who, as a teenager – let that sink in – was essential in helping them complete their mission. Without her, their story is different. 

“Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” is the theme of Women’s History Month. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the stories and contributions that women from Sacagewea to Greta have made as they continuously fight for recognition, equity, and equality. 

Marginalized in history books, the workplace, political representation, reproduction freedom, and throughout time, women find a way to recruit their tenacity, compassion, intellect, and resilience to create history. 

As young men seem to care more about virtual reality and gaming and older c-suite guys cling to how things used to be, women are, despite systemic headwinds, seizing this moment and writing powerful stories of change. 

During a silent meditation retreat in 2021, I asked my teacher, “Where are the guys?” Of the fifty attendees, there were three of us. He said, “Women are just smarter, and they know this is a moment to embrace a mindful way of living.” 

This month, and especially this week with International Women’s Day, there will be plenty of social posts applauding women who have survived and thrived, without having institutional power over men, by tapping into their strength, but, like plastic recycling, those posts make us believe we are doing something, but they change very little. 

Here’s the thing, unless you’ve been living under a rock, we already know better, so let’s stop blaming inequities and inequalities on unconscious bias. 

I have nothing against sending flowers. I’m on Team Flowers, but we also need to act. In the words of Maya Angelou, it’s time to “do better.” We can begin by writing a story about being better humans.

Here’s a one-minute listen to get you started. 

Until next week, have fun storming the castle! 

Michael 

p.s., And speaking of next week, it’s the start of March Madness in The States. I’m hosting a women’s bracket this year because the men’s tournament shouldn’t get all the attention. It doesn’t cost a thing to enter; all you need is a willingness to celebrate female athletes, and if you finish in the top three, you will win PBR app memberships that you give to your friends, colleagues, and family members. Click PBR to participate. 

Don’t forget to download your Pause Breathe Reflect app now and discover how to stress less and live more.