07/27/2021
Great read.
When my three daughters were younger, I was all about highlighting role models who were beasts in their respective fields. I was all about shattering glass ceilings and pushing limits and breaking barriers.
Don't let anything stop you, hear me roar and all that stuff.
Now that I'm a little older and wiser, I am so grateful for role models that show my three teen daughters how to be successful, but also how to take care of themselves, to follow their hearts and gut instincts, to speak out, and who are brave enough to know that nothing--not a tennis grand slam or movie role or Instagram following or even a gold medal--is worth destroying your mental health.
Thank you Simone Biles. Thank you Naomi Osaka. Thank you Michael Phelps. Thank you to the athletes fighting for changes in antiquated dress codes or for pay equality or for improved safety standards or for protection from sexual predators.
Thank you for showing us common mortals that sometimes being the GOAT means stepping back. Thank you for showing kids that achieving greatness often comes with a cost. Thank you for being brave enough to share your stories so the next generation can talk about mental health and other issues more openly.
But most of all, thank you for demonstrating that putting yourself first isn't weak, isn't selfish, isn't wrong--even if it disappoints others.
Thanks for changing the game in the best way possible.
