“I love bossy women. I could be around them all day. Some people hate the word, but for me, a bossy woman is someone to search out and to celebrate. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody’s passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn’t mind leading.” —Amy Poehler
I am a bossy woman myself. A leader myself. That does not mean I do not love to be led around by another bossy woman. I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving many bossy women and they are among my favorite people of all time, in the whole world.
Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, I celebrate the bossy women in my life:
My bossy childhood girlfriend, the original bossy lady. She taught me the importance of good study habits, was my accountability partner in Bible study, and inspired me to reach higher when it came time to apply to college. She also tried to get me a boyfriend wherever we went.
My bossy high school girlfriend. Let’s face it; she is the bossiest. She believes in herself. There is no obstacle she cannot overcome. Whatever she sets her mind to, she achieves. She is a citizen of the world. Nobody shops or fights in bar like this bossy lady.
My bossy graduate school girlfriend. She has firm and clear boundaries. She states them often and enforces them consistently. You had better call her back!
My bossy co-worker. She gets it done and brings cheer while doing it. You can try to resist, but you will eventually enjoy it.
My bossy parenting mentor. She has sass. “I don’t know who you think you’re talking to, but it isn’t me.” Demonstrate and expect respect. Drink as often and as much as needed to do so.
I can call any one of these women anytime day or night. They will answer. They know what to do when I am seeking counsel or advice. I rely on them for their candor. They are open to making mistakes, admitting them, learning from those experiences and sharing this. They know me well enough to be brutally honest and love me fiercely enough to have the courage to do so. No matter the time or distance between us, we can pick up where we left off.
These bossy women have mentored me through each decade of life. They have taught me how to flirt, shop, fight, and stand up for myself more than I ever could prior to knowing them. Because of them, I expect more from myself and from others.
Today, I hope you will take a little time to celebrate yourself and the women, bossy or otherwise, in your life.
