Celebrating the Strong Woman, Generation to Generation

written by

MONICA BANDINI

Women, I ask you this; what female influence has shaped you into the woman that you are today?

Alongside cultural traditions, we learn from our mothers and their mothers. As we evolve and embrace our individual- ity, pieces of our ancestors never leave us. We become wiser and more grounded within that evolution, and eventually discern what to take and what to leave behind in order to become the woman we are meant to be. This is healing, of- ten subconsciously.

Women are evolving into independent beings. We do one of two things; 1) blindly take on trauma patterns passed down from the women before us, or 2) obtain the strength and knowing to create anew. The blindfold has been removed and we can clearly see that the time is now to release what’s been surpressed for generations. Generational legacy is core to who we are. We want to honor the lives of our ancestors, respect those who precede us, and mentor those who will remain here when we’re gone.

"Together, and each time we gather in our healing circles, we heal a little more. All things grow when we drown them with love."

As women, we have been taught resilience against oppressors, while also maintaining our silence. Our voices were muted and our bodies used all in the name of governed religion and society standards. I am here to say; we have found our voices! Collectively, we are whole. Individually, we are whole.

We stand straight, chin up leading our daughters to an eternity of freedom. While there still is work to be done, there’s peace in knowing our daughters are better than we could ever be - from generation to generation, we grow. When we heal our traumas and wounds, we break the patterns for the next generation. This is our work. This is the greatest gift we can ever give our children.

We own our independence, as both married and single women. As mothers, we teach our daughters the graceful dance of strength and softness. Our strength is our softness and is a million times more powerful than moving in fear. We rebuild broken hearts, we bandage a warrior’s wound, we nourish an empty stomach. The woman is the most powerful of all forces, born from shame, guilt and degradation. Yet, she finds a way to nurture the world with her heart and tongue.

When we are deeply connected with our ancestors and the collective female force, we create a foundation of radical love. Pain travels through family lines until someone is ready to take it on.

Together, and each time we gather in our healing circles, we heal a little more. All things grow when we drown them with love.

I leave you with this; what is one thing that you want to pass down to the women of the next generation? Be thought- ful with your answer and even more mindful with your action.