There are some things that seem uniquely American. The “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” fantasy is one of them. The American Dream we’ve been sold is predicated on the idea of individuality – hard work, self-sufficiency, and self-made success. Britannica defines the American Dream as the ideal that the United States is a land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom, and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed.
Of course, there are thousands upon thousands of people who have been able to elevate from a life of poverty to extreme wealth. Of course, there are thousands upon thousands of different races and ethnic groups with family trauma, criminal pasts, academic disabilities, or physical illnesses that have been able to succeed despite those circumstances. What is not factored into the success equation is the fact that even people of the same race, socio-economic status, city, and family composition all start from a different place. None of our journeys are the same. Our lives are as unique as our fingerprints.
Tying our worth to our work has led us down a path of self-destruction. Another fallacy of the American Dream ideal is that self-made success is possible. Absolutely no one succeeds alone. The notion that success is more respectable is achieved independently has left many Americans struggling financially, burned out, exhausted, and ashamed. The reality is that everybody needs somebody. We are born into families. We live in communities. We are educated in groups. We perform work in teams. No one achieves success alone.
I’m unsure how you commemorated America’s Independence Day, but I want to encourage you to create your own definition of the American Dream. Not everyone wants a marriage, a job, a house with a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog. The way to truly rewrite the narrative is to strive for interdependence. Community, collaboration, teamwork, cooperation, and partnership will lead to success much faster than denying yourself support, encouragement, accountability, and mentorship.
Don’t let the workshop title fool you! One of the areas we discuss in “You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup: Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self-Preservation for Women in Social Work” is how to honor and prioritize yourself so that you can show up for those you love and care for. I invite you to join the virtual workshop on Thursday, July 27th.
Workshop: You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup: Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self-Preservation for Women in Social Work
Date: Thursday, July 27, 2023
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Virtual Workshop
Registration: $49.00 Register on Eventbrite
Nicki Sanders, MSW, supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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