“Does that sound in some ways selfish? I hope it doesn’t.”
These are some of the words spoken by Nicola Sturgeon yesterday during the press conference where she announced her resignation as First Minister of Scotland.
Wow, I thought. Selfish??
Aged 29 when she entered Scottish parliament, aged 37 when she entered government, and actively involved in political causes and politics since the age of 16.
To be clear, I personally have no opinion on her politics, though of course many will.
But I do know she’s given her entire adult life to public service and causes that are bigger than her.
And yesterday, as far as I could tell, was less about her politics and more about her declaring that she now wants to experience life outside of the constant pressures of high office and to have more freedom, spend more time with family and friends, and do ‘normal’ stuff.
Like the rest of us.
She explained “I’ve done this all my life. Maybe I just want to spend a bit of time on Nicola Sturgeon the person, the human being…”
There’s nothing selfish about that. Zilch.
She also said “when you know in your heart it’s the right [decision] for you…” then it really doesn’t matter what other people think, especially when she has so unselfishly given so much of her time, commitment and energy to the people of Scotland for so long.
It takes courage to admit that the pressure takes it’s toll, and to know when it’s time to take care of yourself and move forward to something else.
She hasn’t served me, but I still acknowledge her commitment and dedication, and years of putting herself last.
Something that many women do, in many roles, across the globe.
I’m glad she’s found her way significantly closer to the front of her queue.
It’s a great example for the rest of us.
