Sometimes people confuse a light touch and soft voice for… ineffectiveness… shallowness.

We’re so used to the big hammer and bright light—the hard line, the go-go bro culture.

All those movies with the fast cars and suitcases stuffed with cash…. James Bond style.

All those rah-rah coaches sweeping over the stage, telling you how to live. We think that that’s playing the Big Game.

So if you show up softly or as just quietly efficient, you’re passed over.

And while we talk a whole line about the power of “feminine” energy, we still look to those who are stronger, bolder, and harder, and we frankly run after them for guidance, forgetting ourselves and our own unique inner power.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.

I’m not a hard energy. I’m a soft, rounded, consistent, and quietly forceful energy. You look at me and think, “Oh she’s just a nice mom.”

You have no idea.

I carry more weight on my back than a hundred pack mules.

I run more daily details than Santa’s elves.

I push myself to get deeper in and get exquisitely uncomfortable as a daily rite of being. 

I am obnoxiously persistent, never letting go of a desire until I choose to.

I’m lovingly candid when I know someone needs the truth.

I’m a dog with a bone, a teacher with a mission. I will gladly kick someone’s ass if they need it, and be the shoulder to cry on when that’s needed too.

In short, there’s a forceful little package inside that sunny exterior. Yet you’d never guess.

I’ve discovered that there is nothing wrong with being the steel hand in the velvet glove.

Know who else is like that? Stevie Nicks. Yep, I’m listening to her as I write this. Soft lovely flowy skirt outside, molten core interior.

Some of you are just like me, and we need others around us who also see, understand, and validate us.

We need to cultivate our own culture of quiet crusaders, and we need to follow and support one another in this culture.

We need to stop comparing ourselves to the faster burning stars: the Insta influencers, the top managers, the person in the office who keeps getting promoted when we all know they’re a total dufuss.

Even to the best friend who always seems to outshine us somehow.

My point is, you’ve probably felt the sting of not being good enough or seen enough, and you wonder if it’s going to be like this forever.

Well, it will be, as long as you and everyone you surround yourself with and only look up to those other types.

Instead, we need to see you. You need to see you. You aren’t alone, so stop listening to people who demean your existence or your power. They just don’t get it.

Remember: the “bright city lights” always obscure the Milky Way.

But who’s more powerful…Los Angeles, Shanghai, New York, Mexico City….

…or the Milky Way?

P.S. Has your power been overlooked because you aren’t flashy or brassy? Leave me a note!