Self-Love Reflections: An 'I Am' Poem for DEI Leaders

When my father turned 90, we asked him what his secret to becoming a nonagenarian was, and he?said love yourself more than you love anyone else. As DEI leaders and talent managers, we must learn to love ourselves more than we love the job title, process, people we work with, and even the family structures we support.

Every time I fly, I am reminded to put the oxygen mask on myself first. That simple statement reminds you that you are the most crucial person in your life; if you take on the total stressors of building an inclusion initiative and do not include yourself in the process, you not only do the organization a disservice but also undervalue yourself.?

You do not own the organization. Your role is a conduit to remind them that they have a gap - how that gap is filled is up to the organization. While we can care about the impact poor policies have on people, we cannot sacrifice our mental wellness to prove that we can survive within an organization that has no intent to move toward equity and equality.?

Understanding the boundaries of our roles as DEI leaders is essential in maintaining a healthy balance between our professional commitments and personal well-being. We serve as catalysts for change, highlighting areas for growth within organizations, but the ultimate responsibility for bridging these gaps lies with the organization itself.?

While deeply invested in the transformative impact of inclusive policies, it's crucial to remember the importance of self-care. As we navigate the complexities of advocating for equity and equality, let us not lose sight of our own mental and emotional health.?

This journey towards creating a more inclusive environment is not just about empowering others; it's also about nurturing our inner strength and resilience.?

I Am Poem For DEI Leaders

With eternal blessings, my father will turn 95 in March. I asked him again what the secret to a long life was, and he said less stress, less caring about what others think, and more focus on yourself. Loving yourself first is not narcissistic; it is self-survival. If you die fighting the battle, you won't be around to see if they won the war.?

With this in mind, we turn to the affirming words of the following 'I Am' Poem, a reminder to all DEI leaders of the importance of self-love and personal fortitude in our ongoing quest to build a more equitable world.

For Black Women doing the work of DEI, always remember you are enough.

I am empowered,

Championing diversity with every step,

My voice is a beacon in the quiet depths.

I am resilient,

In the face of adversity, I stand firm,

Anchored in the belief that this is where I belong.

I am compassionate,

Understanding hearts, embracing minds,

In the tapestry of humanity, connections bind our journey.

I am a listener,

Attuned to the whispers of the unsaid,

In every story shared, my empathy is displayed.

I am a learner,

Open to the lessons each day brings,

In every experience, my knowledge springs.

I am an advocate,

For equity, inclusion, a relentless quest,

Striving for justice, giving my best.

I am reflective,

In moments of stillness, I find my guide,

With introspection, I walk with pride.

I am courageous,

Facing challenges with an unwavering will,

In the journey of change, I will never stand still.

I am hopeful,

Envisioning a future bright and fair,

In every action, hope fills the air.

I am loving,

Embracing myself, my role, my path,

With self-love, I create my future.?

I build for their future.?

This poem serves as a reminder that self-love is your journey as a DEI leader. Love yourself first.

Other Articles You Might Like:

• DEI Leaders Struggle to Cope with Burnout (Read Article)
• Bias At Work: “Bias” A Dirty Four-Letter Word (Read Article)

As we all continue to fight the battle for equity and equality, your enduring spirit can transform and impact everyone - never forget who you are.

About Margaret Spence, Founder - The Inclusion Learning Lab

Margaret is a visionary leader and advocate for transformative workplace inclusion. With her extensive experience and passion for inclusivity at work, she has established herself as a catalyst for change in organizational cultures. Her work empowers HR leaders and organizations to create inclusive environments where every individual thrives. Listen to Margaret's podcast, Inclusion Unscripted Live on LinkedIn every Friday at 3 pm EST or on your favorite Podcast App and on YouTube. Visit The Inclusion Learning Lab Immersive Learning and Development Platform for HR and DEI Leaders