by Allison Rapson

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with one of my great mentors, Patricia Smith Melton, founder of Peace X Peace. It was through our conversation that my inspiration for this blog was born. We were talking about a vast many things when she said something that propelled me into action.

I would like to share her wise words with you here:

I would advise all young women to really look for a mentor. Study some of the women who inspire you. What do they say? What is their wisdom? What have they done?

The trick is for you to realize that what you are giving is also a gift. Like right now, as you sit here with me, I am receiving a gift. I am seeing your youth, your beauty, your passion. I am hearing your goals. And I am thinking to myself, “The world is going to be safe. Look at this young woman. Look at what she is doing. Look at the women rising, at how they are taking responsibility.”

I can know that there is not just a hand-off to be done—it is already well, well, well underway. That, to me, is such an immense gift. Because this work can be difficult, and so the more connection that you have, the more you realize the power of women rising. — Patricia Smith Melton

We are the women rising, and I look forward to gathering the wisdom of women and sharing it with you here. Get ready to shine brightly, beautifully and boldly.

CLICKABLE INSPIRATION:

Read my entire interview with Patricia
Check out Peace X Peace