Almost 13 years ago now (November 20, 2008), I met Audrey Maigre. A wonderful woman, curious, brilliant and full of energy. We felt in love at first sight, both passionate about our professional ventures and driven by strong humanistic values.
In 2017 and then in 2019, two magnificent little girls were born, just like their mother: wonderful, curious, brilliant and full of energy.
As a partner, from the beginning of our relationship, I have been confronted with every conceivable prejudice and gender discrimination:
"Audrey should reduce her working hours."
"She'd have to quit her job so you could move to San Francisco."
"Your career is far more important than her."
"Cancel your leave. You'll mow the lawn this weekend; she'll be happy."
Of course, this continued when we had children:
"You work too much; you have to make choices."
"Why doesn't your girlfriend reduce her working hours?"
"Your girlfriend should take care of your children."
"Your girlfriend should take leave."
My answer has always been categorical: Audrey's career is just as important as mine. Indeed, it hasn't always been easy. Our parents live far away, I am independent, our eldest daughter is deaf (moderate bilateral).
But it doesn't matter! Our professional and family decisions when they impact our family are made together. Always!
Living in harmony with one's values and being in cohesion with oneself will always be the most important thing.
In respect of these values, we have decided to accompany our daughters in their development.
On this special day, I wanted to share our little recipes with you:
The only limits are the ones we put on ourselves...
We support our children in their initiatives and help them to gain self-confidence. Never to limit their thoughts.
The reason as a barrier to the argument of authority
Living together means setting rules and limits. It is by understanding the reason behind them that they will be respected. The "whys" are encouraged and nurtured.
Every event is an opportunity to learn.
A fall, a failure, mistakes, success are all opportunities to develop ourselves. Learning about what we are experiencing is much more important than the event itself. It is the sum of all our experiences that makes us who we are today.
We all have the right to express our emotions.
For us, recognising and expressing these emotions is the basis for balanced mental development. Getting to know each other will allow us to understand others better and thus live together in mutual respect.
Respect and kindness at the heart of all actions
It is by respecting and always being caring that we will get the best out of others. And that starts with respect for one's own body.
By supporting the development of free, curious, open and caring minds, we will make tomorrow's world a world in this image.
On this special day, let us remember that all change begins with ourselves.
I, therefore, invite you to think about what you are going to change today so that tomorrow will be fairer, more humane. I also invite you to have a thought for your elders, your parents, your grandparents, who have contributed to making you what you are and who allow you to have these thoughts.
Timoté