Do Something Extraordinary

Many people joke about not wanting to turn out like their parents. But the older I get, the more I appreciate the solidified parallels between my parents and me. My beautiful mother, at the age of (just kidding! I’d never do that to her) â€¦the age of ‘radiantly retired’, took the stage as Clairee in a community production of Steel Magnolias in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

This was her first. time. acting. EVER. When she called to tell me she had auditioned for a play — a level of vulnerability I’ve yet to reach — I was speechless. I told her how proud of her I was for trying, regardless of the outcome. When she got the part she wanted, I couldn’t stop bragging to anyone who would listen, that my mother had decided to be an actress simply because she could. (side note: wondering if this what parenting feels like, bursting at the seams with pride and excitement for something you’re witnessing, not doing?!)

To say she jumped right in would be an understatement. Endless hours of memorizing lines, becoming her character, rehearsals…preparing for the 15 performances essentially consumed her life for six weeks. I was fortunate to be able to see her in action this past weekend and, of course, she absolutely killed it!

Like many women, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this last year about how we communicate our value and the areas we sell ourselves short. I was beguiled by this article I read last Mother’s Day, recognizing the truth in how we tend to overlook the depth of our mothers in the midst of their roles as caregivers. I began to notice how often I attributed my qualities that are commended in professional settings to my father. I think I’ve always done this because there is truth to it, but also because we’re conditioned to associate those traits with men. I adore my mom and have always bragged about her, but I fear I may have unintentionally withheld due credit when it comes to my professional life.

She’s told me many times that she admires my fearless attitude towards all things. While she may believe she couldn’t do some of what I reach for, I feel the same about what she’s done since she retired two years ago. I see now, more than ever, that our individual accomplishments may have different shapes, but the underlying substance is the same. To quote one of her favorite movies, I am my mother’s daughter.

Everyone has a list of things — possibly regrets — they wish they had done during a previous time that feels long-passed. To everyone who has already figured out the secret, CHEERS! To those who have previously faltered, please take a page out of my mother’s book. Say yes, take a leap, and figure it out as you go. It’s never too late to do something extraordinary.

And to my fabulous mother: thank you for exemplifying such grace, strength and tenacity. You are an inspiration for many, and a tremendous part of the fuel behind everything I strive to be.