FINDING YOUR VOICE

My Mama died on Dec. 29th of last year.

Me han inspirado muchas mujeres, desde pequeña mi madre y por suerte me he rodeado de mujeres que admiro y quiero. Mujeres creadoras, emprendedoras y que contagian buena vibra.

I think one of the people who has inspired me the most is my maternal grandmother. I consider her to be an extremely intelligent, sharp and responsible woman. She taught me to read at a very early age, before I was even in school. She taught me to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and she always managed to transmit her knowledge through play, in a fun way. Her sentences were never too long, but concise and she always encouraged me to be honest and to always have a book in my purse. She used to say: “Whoever has a book in his bag, will never be bored”.

My mother always told me to believe in myself. She has the best advice whenever I feel overwhelmed.

My mom was my rock and always knew how to help in any situation. She always told me how strong I was and that I could always rely on that strength to get me through hard times.

One amazing woman who has inspired me through her words is Maya Angelou. Her quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” really stuck with me. It is very true, you won’t forget how someone makes you feel. You will always remember how you felt in that moment and will take those feelings with you as you go on in your life’s journey. Those moments help you grow and become who you are today. I like to remember all of the happy moments in my life- including the day I first came across these lovely Momiji dolls. They bring joy, happiness and inspiration to those of us who keep them for ourselves, and to our loved ones and friends whom we gift them to. And being able to write messages for the dolls to hold makes them even more special. These are the kind of feelings that we will never forget.

My grandma always said that comparing yourself to others is never positive and that “Comparison is the thief of joy!” It’s been a very true quote to live by, each person has their own individual journey and comparing yourself to others can only be damaging to ones mental health ✨💛 and also heard recently “Happy is the new rich” and I’ve been really feeling that lately!

I have been inspired by my children. They are always there if I need them.
I do not meddle in their lives, but I am there if they need me also.
My daughter has two biological children and 2 adopted children. And my Son and his wife live a couple of states away. But, we are best friends .

I have been inspired by the inspirational words of so many people, some famous and some not. But the voice that has inspired and encouraged me the most belongs to my daughter, Lexie. As a single mom, we have always been close and now that she is an adult, she has become my best friend. I wouldn’t have finished college without her support and encouragement. She has been there through all the late night study sessions and deadline break downs of the last two and a half years. She has also talked me through depression, anxiety, burnout and disappointment. I’m so excited that I will get to share the accomplishment of finally graduating with honors, with her on May 7th!

My Mom always encouraged me to get through college and do something with my life rather than just getting married.

The wisest words my Mom ever said to me were “Always help others. No one ever went broke helping others.” To this day, I will help anyone.

I have been (and continue to be) inspired by my high school guidance counselor; she taught me that while the city I grew up was good, there was a world beyond it worth exploring. She helped me find help when she recognized I had an eating disorder in high school. She has seen me graduate college and graduate school; seen me through life’s joys and pains; and watched me marry the love of my life with the love of her life by her side. Her advice and wisdom (from when I was younger) transcended beyond the usual guidance. She is like a second mother to me and she is someone I will always treasure as family not connected by blood.

I have been inspired by many women in my life, everyone from my mother to teachers to friends. But recently, with the increase in violence and hate again Asians, I have been reminded of how much I admire the actress and performer Awkwafina. A couple years ago, I watched her give an interview and she said “When we’re in charge of our own stories, amazing things happen.” This resonated for me back then and her words are even more important today. As an Asian-American woman, I’ve often felt marginalized and out of place. Awkwafina is young, accomplished, beautiful, and strong and she doesn’t shy away from her heritage, but rather uses it as a way to write her own story. I’m much older than she is, but I don’t think I have ever been as wise.

I always love listening to Dessa. Her poetry, music and talks are always inspiring.

My mother has always guided me with her words of wisdom, strength and love. She is always telling me that I Am Enough and to believe in myself. Without this brave, strong, selfless woman I would not be the person I am today.

My daughter’s inspire me to be a better person, it’s because of them that I went to college and, last year finished my Bachelors at the age of 45.

I was taught to make a change myself if I wanted results instead of waiting on others to do it for me. Thanks Grandmother for the words of wisdom that encouraged me to start my own business and the determination to make it successful even through a pandemic.

My grandma once told me “comparison is the thief of joy” she also always said “be happy and you will always be rich” two very important quotes I love and live by each and every single day. Especially since she passed away 20 years ago, this reminds me of so many special memories.

My daughter’s inspire me to make my voice heard. To teach and raise them to be strong, confident women. Learn from the past to grow a better future.

My sister is always full of wisdom and wise words. She has helped me so much in my life that hasn’t always been the easiest.

I used to work in retail and cant anymore but i had a few customers that loved me and would come in only to see me to help them. They would uplift me when i was down and out. One said that to keep going, keep my head up and be out spoken and not to let anyone pierce my heart and hurt myself and my girls. I have had so much of my heart broken by family and friends.

My sweet friend, Sherry Frymire has a 13 year old daughter who is fighting cancer. They are both so strong in their belief in God….they never fail to praise Him and thank Him everyday and for everything He does for Autum. They are both inspirations in my lufe because I am a Registered Nurse of 30 years just about to loose my vision and haven’t been able to drive nor work since last May, and almost gave up my belief that God is here…He is helping anyone who gives to him and asks fir His help…..It is a blessing to have Sherry and Autumn in my life and for the inspiration they gave me! Thank you God.

Stand up for what you believe. Don’t let anyone discourage you that you can’t do a task or be what you want. Listen to your inner voice.

Follow your dream and make it happen.

My mom is my inspiration. She doesn’t have an easy life but she always looks the positive things in life. She always tells me that no matter what, try your best and be nice to others.

If I’m going to be honest I never had one person I could call my overall role model, but there has been countless quotes and speeches by many different people I’ve heard or come across. I would collectively gather those sayings and try hardest to imbed them in my brain; using them as the fuel to continue my own growth. But I don’t see that as a bad thing. Taking inspiration from more than one source has steadily made me more confident in my standings and morals.

What inspires me to become the best person I can be as a woman was watching my past self suffer, break down, and lose. To not give up on me was to watch myself grow.

My mom has been my best source of inspiration. Her words are kind and wise, providing me with guidance for a better self.

I am inspired by my friend, Crystal A. She had raised a smart, beautiful daughter, who had everything going for her, a college degree a fabulous job, that allowed her to travel, but it all came to a halt when she suffered a brain hemorrhage. She’s had to learn to swallow and eat, and recently learned how to walk again a year later. Through the pandemic, Crystal has been by her side, through it all. Her courage, faith, and endurance all make me aspire to be more.

I am truly inspired by my wonderful cousin Natasha Benjamin who after watching her own mother go through Domestic abuse has set up he own charity called Free your mind to help the children who are the unwilling witnesses to Domestic violence. So much rather than acting out or becoming a victim of her circumstances she puts all her time money and efforts into making sure that the children who have no choice but to be part of this abusive world have someone to talk to and a place to go that understands and can help process what has happened , and more over to make sure that they to can grow from their experiences instead of giving into them!

I am truly inspired by my wonderful cousin Natasha Benjamin who after watching her own mother go through Domestic abuse has set up he own charity called Free your mind to help the children who are the unwilling witnesses to Domestic violence. So much rather than acting out or becoming a victim of her circumstances she puts all her time money and efforts into making sure that the children who have no choice but to be part of this abusive world have someone to talk to and a place to go that understands and can help process what has happened , and more over to make sure that they to can grow from their experiences instead of giving into them!

I would love to have the Courage one for my granddaughter. She was born with some birth defects and has already had a few surgeries will need to have more.

When Amanda Gorman recited her poem at President Biden’s inauguration this year, I was so incredibly moved. She had such presence and I was mesmerized at the ideas she spoke of. And at the end, when she said, “If only we are brave enough to see it, If only we are brave enough to be it”, I felt inspired to continue to try always being better – a better citizen, a better neighbor, a better voice of kindness and acceptance. She gave me such hope that this generation of young adults will continue to hope and create change.

I absolutely love courageous you. My daughter who is now 30 was a cheerleader I. High school and voted most spirited several years in a row. It reminds me of her. Last February was the last time I saw her, as she lives in England and covid hit. In early March she was diagnosed with MS. Being a mom, I was devastated I could not be there for her. I know she needed her mom hug from me. It’s been a tough year for her as her wedding was also cancelled because of covid. We are hoping for this July. Any way she has been the most courageous person I know being 4000 miles from her family and having been diagnosed with this horrible disease. She has had several relapses, yet still assures me she is ok. She is the strongest person I know , giving me strength by telling me she is ok. I need that hug and hopefully come July we could all be there for her wedding. I am going to give her the longest tightest hug I can. I know she’s got this and I know she will prevail. Her strength is amazing.

My beautiful daughter Grace is all of the above. She’s come through so much adversity both socially and privately. She was there for me as a young 8 year old and she saved me . She’s a beautiful soul . Battling through her own issues to always help others . She’s is turning 21 in September and I would love to win A momji to show her how much she means to us all . 🧚🏽‍♀️

It’s not a specific speech that has inspired me but years of kind words, genuine interactions, and the unconditional love of my sisters. Despite the self doubt that undoubtedly arises, they are always there with words of support that make me feel better and build me up. While we’re no longer kids and have followed our own paths, we’ll always maintain a close bond that I’m grateful for. This is worth more than fleeting words from someone famous or well known.

I love the fact that Momjii has created “Courageous You” – what an awesome, affirming and aspiring gift especially for young girls and teens who are navigating their journey into adulthood. Being confident in using your voice is an excellent way to contribute and give back to others, your community and the world and being able to use your voice without fear of rejection or criticism is an invaluable trait for each of us.

Good Job!

Mother Teresa has inspired me in all ways! What a kind and gentle woman, with many words of wisdom. To humble ourselves and to be good to all: the poor, the sick, the hurting. We need more of this in the world, don’t we?

“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is a deepening faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”

Malala Yousafzai has inspired me ! After what she has been through, her voice still rings out with her courage and ideas. She is an amazing young woman !

As a young child, my father said that I could be what ever I wanted to be! And because of that, I went on to pursue many goals and achievements in my life.

My father. Honest, funny, optimistic, hard working men that always have the right advise for me. He is my best friend.

My grandma always told us to wear clean under garments because you never know when you will be in an accident and you never what a man to see your dirty garments.

Recently, I’ve been so inspired by Kate J. Baer. I don’t know the poet personally (I’ve never even met her), but her book “What Kind of Woman” came out during the pandemic and has encouraged me so much as I was trying to work and parent and survive in these weird times. I love so many of her poems, but one line comes back to me again and again: “You may be a woman of commotion and quiet.” And every time I remember those words, I want to weep with relief. It feels like permission or something. She found a way to voice, so beautifully, the wreck of feelings I have these days, and it feels like she is telling me in a way “it is ok.” The line is from “Moon Song”—-here’s a little more of the poem (not the whole thing):

You do not have to choose
one or the other: a dream or a dreamer, the
bird or the birder. You may be a woman of
commotion and quiet. Magic and brain.

Her story is inspiring too—a mother of four, convinced she was not “A Real Poet”—and now she is! I love, too, that she regularly takes the hate-mail she gets and turns it into poetry. She has a wicked sense of humor, and I’ve appreciated so much her realness about being a woman, a wife, a mom, a writer, a poet, everything.

What can I say my daughter Jade marie 5 years old has been quite lucky not to have alot of negativity she is a very happy outgoing personality is kind to everyone always making everybody smile or laugh she is very unique child I lover her so much and so thankful to have her as my daughter .

I had a college professor to tell me to do the best I can and that that would always be good enough.

I hope to win Thanks

My Auntie’s great words of wisdom “Think before you speak. Once those words have been put out to the universe, there is no taking them back”. Those words are so powerful to me, it continues to stay with me through my adulthood.

My only grandchild, my granddaughter Audrey is all of the above. She is my princess, a superhero and my cheerleader.

My mother always has the right words of wisdom when I need a pick me up. Two things I take with me as an adult and to pass on with my kids. One is “LOVE YOURSELF before loving someone else.” She talks about loving oneself and to know how to be confident to make your own choices without someone else making choices for you. To also be comfortable within your own skin because you are special in your own unique way. Loving yourself means you will never lose yourself or question yourself, it’s to be confident with love to be able to give the same love to your partner. Second she believes and repeats “EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.” When life doesn’t go my way, she always reminds me that something new and good will happen when something doesn’t seem to go my way. Staying positive and knowing that it wasn’t meant to be when life doesn’t go our way. These are words of wisdom that I will always cherish and teach my kids as they go through life.

My mom flew halfway around the world to take care of me in the hospital. I was in South Korea and she lived there snd stayed in the hospital with me.

The people who I listened to the most were probably my bullies in fourth grade— I made a friend and another friend became our friend— I ended up working on a poetry book by illustrating the poems with that friend and we won the elementary school contest. She had said that after we won, I would stop tagging along with her and her friend and stop being their friend. Afterwards her and another classmate made a club against me and met behind a tree on the far side of the playground. I protested by going to the library and checking out some picture books to take and read under another tree near the classrooms… I eventually married a friend that would stay by my side.. we’ve made two books together so far… and I just came out with my debut children’s book…