There's Only One Way to be a Woman

The Motherland: is defined as "One's Native Country." 
     I am so grateful for the rich feminine soil from which I came. I have so many incredible women in my life.
On this International Women's Day, I am thinking of them. and how they have blessed me.
Hi, I Am Lyndy Butler.
I am a Singer-Songwriter. I am a Mother. I am a Woman. and Today is International Women's Day 2019  "International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity." (You can learn more about it here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About) 
(Gender Parity = providing equal opportunities to both boys and girls)

Today and Everyday,  I believe the "only one way to be a woman" is to stop judging other women.  
Womanhood is complex and extraordinary. We are Vast, We are Eternal, We contain Multitudes (literally), There is no pin that could place us. No box to encase us, only our own attitudes and belief systems, our own actions and efforts can tell you who we really are. We are constantly evolving and growing and shedding our skin. Today we are celebrating and raising our voices, (writing our blog posts), to acknowledge the
Great things accomplished by women around the world and around the corner.
GO GIRLS! 
 
On March 22, I will be releasing a new album of original songs. 
Some of the songs are based on my own story. Some of the songs are fictional.
or only partially connected to my journey. Pouring out my deepest thoughts and
ponder-ings can feel scary. vulnerable. 
But its important to me, so I muster up the courage and do it anyway.
Even when it's scary.
Even when I know others will judge me.
I also believe that the ONLY ONE WAY to be the WOMAN you were meant to be,
is to stop fearing judgement from other women. 

Being my authentic self has led me to others like me. So when I do scary, and vulnerable things,
I cling to them. Because they get it!
Also, I have found others not like me, living equally beautiful and brave lives that I respect and admire.
​and perhaps now we better understand
where different women come from, and know that we are equally deserving of love
and equally deserving of the lives we choose. 

GO GIRLS!  

The funny thing is, the new song that I am most timid to share isn't even that controversial. Its simply a song about being a mom. Being a mom is my greatest achievement. and that feels weird to say or type, because anyone can do this thing...make a baby, or raise a baby...or love a baby. Its not new. Its the oldest job in the book. but for some reason the phrase "just a mom" well, thems fightin' words to me. Not to every woman though. Some Women are so confident in their mothering they can express their decision and purpose as Mother with grace and ease. They know it is their sacred calling, Their Identity is complete in this sacred role. Me on the other hand, It has taken time to find my bearings in my motherhood. . . I still add a tag on my job description as a mom AND a music teacher. Mom AND a songwriter. Like that makes me more credible and interesting and worthy of attention. I know that it doesn't. I know that in a few short years, my children will be grown, and my job description will change again. I won't be this kind of mother any longer. (this is hard to process.) We are all More than just one thing. We are More than mothers, but being Mother - means more than anything. 
 
One of my heroes is The Queen, Dolly Parton. I've read many of her books.
(and once she winked at me, and I almost got kicked out of Jay Leno's audience because I wasn't supposed bring any attention to myself, but I waved at her and mouthed "I love you". Then Jay angry glared at me, yikes) Dolly helps me connect to my sexuality in a way I was never taught by my own mother (this thought should be a whole'nother juicy blogpost). She is an inspiring philanthropist who has blessed the lives of countless children and humans, also she plays the guitar with 6 inch, hot pink glitternails like a badass and I ----eee---I , Will always love her.....but it seems like every chance an interviewer gets to ask her about her decision to not have children, they take it, and try hard to dig a knife deep in a non-existent wound. I always admire Dolly's response. She doesn't regret her path. She is true to herself and true to her own story,
her own style and brand of womanhood.
The only ONE WAY to be a woman,
Don't Judge Other Women. 
Happiness looks different to different people. 
"Find out who you are, and do it on purpose"
 - Dolly Parton 

When we know who we are, We know what we need. 
Daring to acknowledge sparks of interest, isn't selfish. it doesn't take away. it only adds to. 
  "It is on purpose."
Our dreams are interwoven in our psyche; in our spirit. It is intuition.
and I believe intuition is our God Given, POWER. 
 I believe we can be and do anything. and we can choose to be mothers. or choose not to be,
We find joy in raising our children and we find joy in other places. Then we bring that joy back to
live under the roof of our motherhood. adding depth and beauty to our children's lives. 
  or any one we love and care for.
So here I am, releasing my fourth album. I'm doing my thing with the support of so many of my loved ones. Especially my Aunts and cousins, My Grandmothers and moms and sisters. The women
(and so many wonderful men) closest to me. These women truly understand the place I come from.
They believe in me. They love me, and they know that I was always meant to be this person.
This Woman.

... Its a big ol' job to be a woman, and a creator. Im grateful for the chance to do it "all."
(of course I don't do it all, but I can do what I can and love it.)
Today I am celebrating on International Women's Day!

Thank you for All you are doing, Women of Earth.