Just Leaning

I just finished reading "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, on the recommendation of my old boss at work. I don't know that I would have read it, but she highly recommended it (and we are going to have a book club discussion on it). 

I have to say that I really enjoyed it. As I read the book, I found myself saying,"yup, I have felt like that." "Yes I have done that." It was just nice (and at the same time sad) to know that even one of the most influential women in the world has had the same thoughts and feelings about being a working Mom. 

The book cites a ton of research that is both eye opening and depressing. I know that I am fortunate to have a a flexible job. But, I know I need to "lean in"ore. I need to ask for projects. I need to get out  of my comfort zone. Because as I know, stretch assignments and projects are an opportunity to grow. You have to be willing to take risks. You have to know that you do know more than you think  you do. You have to participate. You have to stick up for and support all women in their choices - even if they aren't choices I would have made. And I have to know that a ton of work has been done, but there is much more to do.  And that having it all really is a myth. 

I am fortunate. I am lucky. According to Sheryl these are very female things to say. But, I do think I am all of these things, but also know that I have worked hard and done good work to get where I am. I just need to remember that. 

So sometimes I'm leaning in. Sometimes I'm leaning out. and sometimes, I'm probably leaning sideways. But, the lesson for me is that i need to actively do my leaning and not leave it up to others. For many, many reasons, I can  be happy that I have the opportunity to lean in any direction.