Do you ever think of Sacagawea?  Think about her expedition with two random men (Lewis and Clark). She was just trying to get them to their destination at the Missouri River and she became someone who will forever be ingrained in history. But why did she do it? And what was her side of the story?  I mean really think about it.  Lewis and Clark are trying to find a way to the Missouri River and she already knows how to get there, which means her people already knew how to get there. Then why are these two men credited with the discovery? Yes, she is acknowledged but they get the credit. Is that really fair? And think of Marie Antoinette. That poor woman is quoted as saying something that she never said.  What kind of monarch would say “let them eat cake” in reference to the impoverished of her country? Certainly she wouldn’t but the media outlets and the gossip rags of her day assert that she did. A gossip column helped to bring about a revolution. What would have happened if she were allowed to explain things from her perspective?  They say that history is written by the winners and that is absolutely true. Sacagawea wasn’t a winner. Not really. Neither was the Dauphine of France. Their lives were radically changed by the words and protestations of others. Makes you really think about what is said of you—what will leave a lasting impression about who you were. Is it acceptable to have someone dictate how you will be remembered?

Today’s task: Write your own history. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to tell your story.  Journal. Write. Scribble. Let people know who you were in your own words and actions. No one will ever be able to speak of you as well as you can.  Words, statements and feelings in this life can be misconstrued when taken out of context. Contextualize you and leave your own lasting impression. It’s worth it.