Ep. 20: My Homage to the Feminine

Welcome to the Finding Forgiveness podcast, hosted by Susan Gibson. In today's episode, Susan delves into her family tree, uncovering the stories of her female ancestors. She shares how the feminine strength and courage woven through her lineage empowers her. Additionally, Susan discusses the importance of slowing down, embracing moments of relaxation, and simply being human amidst our busy lives. This episode is an excellent reminder for all of us to stop being busy and enjoy life. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:35] Looking back into her family tree, Susan discovers her connection to the feminine

• [3:44] Discussion of the process of reclamation

• [7:42] An homage to the women in Susan’s life who worked hard to provide for their families

• [15:19] Susan reminisces about her mother and how the apartment complex she lived in was her community

• [21:47] Susan has high regard for her mother and all of the women who have come before her

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• In our society, rewards come from doing something, not being who we are

• Everyone has the feminine in them, we all come from generations of strong women and men

• Looking back on your family tree will enlighten you about your roots. You may find you have the strengths of a loved one long gone

 

QUOTES: 

“Learning how to be instead of always doing, giving time and space for this reclamation to happen, is essential and hard. especially if you've been rewarded for doing, and we are. We live in a culture of doing, and we are rewarded for doing. You know, hard work is an ethic in our modern culture, and being isn't so much a reward.” Susan Gibson

 

“I didn't realize how much I wanted and needed the practice of being until I had the chance to stop doing so much all the time. I didn't know I wanted and needed this until I could be discerning in my relationships and make intentional decisions

about who I wanted and needed to spend time with. I didn't realize this was something I wanted and needed until I could reduce my distractions, dampening the noise around me, allowing me to hear what the universe was saying to me.” Susan Gibson

 

RESOURCES:

Susan Gibson - Email

Susan Gibson - LinkedIn

 

ABOUT THE HOST:

Susan Gibson grew up in a small town in Northern Maine, the only surviving child of parents who married young and divorced young. From the influence of their shared experiences, Susan has learned two things that are core to who she is: the value of community and the power of having a voice.

Susan has spent her entire academic and professional career as a woman in tech. She started as a developer in the mid-80s and continues today as CEO of Temenos+Agility, a management consulting company she co-founded with her partner, Siraj Sirajuddin. Together, they help enterprises transform organizationally and personally to find a more meaningful way to deliver value to their customers.

Susan frequently contributes to the Women in Tech (WiT) Regatta and speaks worldwide at public and private events. She uses her voice to grow communities of women, mentors and allies in tech. 

Susan has many lifelong pursuits - healthy eating, fitness, yoga and meditation, music, theater, opera, reading, movies, travel, family and friends. She is also rebuilding her family’s 110-year-old homestead in Northern Maine, a true labor of love.