to continue 'doing your thing'
when the odds seem stacked against you.
It takes determination and great strength
and a circle of empowering friendships
not to be sucked into a vortex of negativity and self-criticism.
It is counter-cultural to bless those
who have aggrieved us,
who discourage or dismiss us.
Grace and blessings to all those women
who persist in letting their voice be heard,
who enable others to let their soul sing.