What Are You REALLY Fighting For?

I wanted to start this off by saying that this is about no one in particular, but written for everyone (myself included). This thought process started out as one conversation with one friend months ago, and then stemmed to more conversations, with more friends.

I have been blessed to know many MANY strong people in my life. They are nurses, teachers, business people, volunteers, activists, and advocates for a variety of causes. They are fighting for a cause, they are fighting for themselves, they are fighting for their familes, and they are fighting for others. They are fighting the government, they are fighting legislation, they are fighting colleagues, team-members and they are fighting pre-existing stereotypes, labels, and misconceptions.

It's clear to me that each of these people have taken up the cause because they've believed in it. Something about it has implanted deep within them. I, for example, am an avid advocate of breastfeeding.

It can be exciting to take a stand and fight. To share the information, educate others, break down barriers and push through. It's awesome to see minds change, and people impacted by your actions, by your taking a stand. And it's a responsibility. I am a nurse, consultant, and educator - it's my JOB to be passionate about this topic.

But I think deep down every one of us need to take a pause and contemplate exacting what we're fighting for, and exactly who we're fighting against. Do you actually know what you're getting into? Do you actually know the other side of the argument? Educate yourself on both sides. Your argument is a million times stronger if you already know what they're going to say. Do you know your sources? Do you know theirs?
And do you know who you're up against? Are they the attackers or the uneducated? Are they the unjust or the uninformed? There are times and places for the bullhorn and picket-line, yes. But don't forget that actions can also speak louder than words, and sometimes respect begets respect. Are they people you know, or strangers? The high-powered, or the person on the street? Are they people like you, or polar opposites? Do you know their background, their resources, what led them to where they are, and why they believe what they do?

It's disheartening to see people get disrespected by the bullhorn, or turned off by someone's on or off-podium actions. And it's frustrating to get painted with the same brush. In all the fighting, where's the compassion? Where's the respect? Just because you're right (or think you're right) doesn't make other people automatically wrong.

So I beg you to take a moment and think about how you take up your cause. Because your actions don't just impact you. They impact us all.

When the "Transitioning" Become the "Transitioned"...

I'm officially coming out of the closet. At least here. I don't know exactly who reads this or how often, so this is kinda a big deal, but it's a smaller deal than let's say facebook or the entire world.

I'm a lactation consultant.

That's right. I wrote my exam. I am officially an IBCLC. I have an official card and pins and everything. And a certificate. That's right. I have a piece of paper and a PLASTIC card (no paper nonsense like my RN membership) with my full name on it. And 2 metal pins. All of them say that despite my procrastination and baby-brain and 2 children, I did over 1000 practicce hours, 75 hours of education, and passed a day-long exam and have now joined the ranks of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. I could be hired at a hospital, have my own private practice, or work with doctors, midwives, or doulas.

But I am in hiding, mostly.

Why am I hiding? Because it feels safer. Because while this is a passion of mine, and a longterm dream, I think it's easier to not acknowledge it. At least not yet.

I look at other lactation consultants that I know (both with formal and informal training, both with formal and informal titles) and they're SO knowledgeable and SO smart. And I know all of my shortcomings, and I know all the things I don't know.

But I also understand that I will always be learning, and I will always be growing, and it takes time and practice to become who I see these other women as. And now, I'm just as qualified to do the job as any of them.

So I'm out of the closet. But don't tell your friends. At least not yet ;)