The world expects women to be many things - classy, confident, soft spoken, elegant, loving, sweet, nurturing, and everything in between. The most important woman in my life says above all, a woman must be dignified! This woman is none other than Dahlia Akua Elliott, my mother and a mirror to all that I am striving to be. Everything my mother has ever told me is literally stored away in my personal vault, somewhere between my mind and my heart.
I have learned that dignity is a combination of self-love, confidence and maturity. It’s a decision and a way of life, but like all things, a work in progress. Growing up, I recall so many stories, but this one stands out most. My mom and I were enjoying shopping in Lord & Taylor and in the very narrow isles, I noticed a woman standing behind my mom and waiting to pass. I nudged my mother telling her the lady needed to get by. She looked at me, then looked at the woman and softly said. “Thank you Damali, but I’ll wait for her to say ‘Excuse me.’” I remember being confused but quietly accepting my mother’s stance. I was taught to always say ‘Excuse me’ when someone was in the way, and never to expect someone else to respond to a silent request. Shortly after, the woman said ‘Excuse me’ and my mother and I kindly got out of her way.
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