Thank you for this important point of view. I felt the description of your assault in my body — hairs standing on end, fists clenched — because, of course I did, most women will. I’m so sorry this happened to you. And yes, hoorah! Midlife is the time to reconcile the conflicting parts of ourselves — especially for Gen X and Boomers raised to be “good girls” by our mothers and told we could “have it all,” “lean in” and so on by 2nd wave feminists , but still look sexy doing it (because marketing). Sigh. What I struggle with now, especially in the remaining days ahead of a pivotal election, is the burden we carry in this sea change from patriarchy to equity. I wish it wasn’t all up to us. To bust the myths of midlife, menopause, and women in power. Wouldn’t it be lovely, if we could feel lighter now? Spend our time making art, creating spaces for love and connection, perhaps lingering in the garden? ❤️
Thanks Catherine, and I hear you so loudly! I wish that too. That it all just felt a bit easier by now. And all I can say is its the making of the art, creating spaces for love and connection and perhaps lingering in the garden that will keep pushing us further towards the equity. It'll take time - maybe generations... and we will play our part by calling out the discrepancies and keep fighting for us not to be good girls but being good at being us. Good luck in the election... am watching behind the sofa from here in Ireland
Thank you for this important point of view. I felt the description of your assault in my body — hairs standing on end, fists clenched — because, of course I did, most women will. I’m so sorry this happened to you. And yes, hoorah! Midlife is the time to reconcile the conflicting parts of ourselves — especially for Gen X and Boomers raised to be “good girls” by our mothers and told we could “have it all,” “lean in” and so on by 2nd wave feminists , but still look sexy doing it (because marketing). Sigh. What I struggle with now, especially in the remaining days ahead of a pivotal election, is the burden we carry in this sea change from patriarchy to equity. I wish it wasn’t all up to us. To bust the myths of midlife, menopause, and women in power. Wouldn’t it be lovely, if we could feel lighter now? Spend our time making art, creating spaces for love and connection, perhaps lingering in the garden? ❤️
Thanks Catherine, and I hear you so loudly! I wish that too. That it all just felt a bit easier by now. And all I can say is its the making of the art, creating spaces for love and connection and perhaps lingering in the garden that will keep pushing us further towards the equity. It'll take time - maybe generations... and we will play our part by calling out the discrepancies and keep fighting for us not to be good girls but being good at being us. Good luck in the election... am watching behind the sofa from here in Ireland
Next week, behind the sofa is where you'll find me too!