Gail Watson - Voices of the 21st Century

VOICES OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Women Who Influence, Inspire,
and Make a Difference

GAIL WATSON

Published by

WSA Publishing

301 E 57th Street, 4th fl

New York, NY 10022

Copyright 2018 by Women Speakers Association

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by in any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

Manufactured in the United States of America, or in the United Kingdom when distributed elsewhere.

Watson, Gail

Voices of the 21st Century: Women Who Influence, Inspire and Make a Difference

LCCN: 2018909397

ISBN: 978-1-948181-19-8

eBook: 978-1-948181-20-4

Cover design by: Joe Potter

Copyediting: Claudia Volkman

Interior design: Claudia Volkman

www.womenspeakersassociation.com

DEDICATION

Dedicated to every woman.
May you use your voice to influence, inspire,
and make a bigger difference.

CONTENTS

AN INVITATION

Liora Mendeloff

Our vision is of a world in which women
are empowered to authentically express themselves;
to build a thriving, prosperous business;
and feel a part of something greater.
A world in which women take ownership of
and step into being the leaders that they are;
using their voice to powerfully inspire others,
thus causing transformation in the lives of their clients,
their companies, communities and the world.

Women Speakers Associations Vision Statement

We are at a defining moment in historya time when the world as we know it is transforming into something greater than we could ever imagine. We are moving out of a survival-of-the-fittest mindset, in which control, competition, and winning are king, and into a more level playing field, grounded in collaboration and contributionone with women at the forefront... the leaders of the twenty-first century.

This new era requires us to shed our old skins, break through self-imposed limitations, and stretch beyond what feels safe, comfortable, or familiar. Its time for us to be gently honest with ourselves and invite our hearts to speak to us. Its time for us to move out of our heads and allow greater love and compassion to emergenot just for ourselves, but for the greater whole. As we find unity between head and heart, we restore harmony within and also set the stage for humanitys great awakening.

Its time to fully be the creators that we areto conceive new mindsets, new models, and new methodologies; to consciously design our destiny; and to lead by example for future generations to do the same. To accomplish this, we must be willing to come out of hiding, be vulnerable, and share our voices.

Many of us feel that speaking our truth is scary or even dangerous. Pain and suffering occurs in silence, though, and when we can find our voice, we experience a newfound freedom. Our voice is our souls purpose activated, and no longer will it be suppressed. The deep wounds and trauma imprinted into our cellular memory from eras of atrocities endured by women, simply for expressing ourselves, are asking to be healed once and for all. It is time to move beyond the fear and speak up!

I dont say this lightly. I know this takes tremendous courage, which is why, as more of us rise up to use our voices to educate, guide, and inspire, we must support and empower one another to question everything, disrupt the status quo, and break new ground. We are the mapmakers. We are the trailblazers. We are the ones shaking things up and causing serious transformation on this planet.

But... were not meant to do it alone.

It is time for our sisterhood to be a true sisterhooda safe space for women to listen to one another without comparing, without judgment so we are empowered to reclaim our sovereignty and express our essential self.

We were all born with a seed planted in our heart. That seed is our essential self. We have been nurturing, feeding, and watering that seed with the wisdom and compassion acquired through the many hardships, heartbreaks, and challenges weve experienced on our lifes journey. Now is the time for those seeds to at long last emerge, and for the radiant beings we are to be seen.

You came into this life with a message, a mission, a divine purpose. You have chosen to be here at this moment in time... right here, right now... to free yourself from the cycle of suppression, to be seen, to be heard, and to be acknowledged. Now more than ever, the world needs you! By reclaiming your voice and thereby breaking that cycle, you symbiotically empower all women to come out from behind the veil, reclaim their freedom, and become the sovereign beings they were born to be.

Your voice is your ticket to freedomfrom abuse, from seclusion, from whatever has bound you or kept you silent.

There is no one right way or better way to express ones calling. One womans message is not more significant because she has delivered it from the floor of the UN. There is no hierarchy when it comes to sharing our unique expression. So, remember... whether your stage is the classroom, the boardroom, or the kitchen table... your voice matters!

As you read the pages that follow, I invite you to stay in your heart and, without judgment, receive each message being shared. Remember that behind each story is a woman bold and brave enough to have her voice be heard. This isnt about perfection or even about being in agreement; its about honoring each of our distinct voices and the journey that brought us to where we are today...

Voices of the 21st Century is a door opener, a conversation starter to stir the pot and invite you, the reader, to look within, listen to your souls calling, restore harmony between head and heart, and set free your sovereign spirit.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Gail Watson

They say Im part of the Sandwich Generationa woman who is taking care of her kids and aging parents. Who knew it could be so destructive!

I was living a great life, no drama. I had been raised by parents who encouraged me and made me believe I could do anything I wanted to in this world. I was earning a large salary, feeling empowered and successful. While working in a fast-paced company that involved a great deal of travel, I was also managing my mothers Alzheimers. Her illness had taken a sudden turn for the worse, and her behavior was becoming violent. My father, who was struggling to care for her, often called me in the middle of my workday, and Id have to drop everything and go running. Very quickly things went downhill and I felt out of control. In May I was being celebrated as a top performer in my company, and ninety days later I was fired. I went from a hero to a zero.