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Each month,
I'm taken aback when reviewing entries for the Celebrating Women Contest
(http://www.womanlinks.com/contest.shtml).
Entries range from a single-word answer ("mom") to paragraphs
extolling the virtue of woman who made a difference by a single act.
Most common among entries is the use of adjectives and phrases such
as 'selfless', 'never thought of herself', "never complained',
etc to describe an admired woman. It strikes me as extremely ironic
that such qualities are a double-edged sword. While creating a supportive,
nurturing relationship where the best is brought out in others, I have
to wonder what these qualities brought to their owner. All those grandmothers,
mothers, sisters, teachers, co-workers, bosses, neighbors and friends
gave and gave without a second thought. They had a momentous impact
on many lives, but, I wonder, at what cost? After giving so freely,
was anything left over for their own hearts?
It is disturbingly ironic that the very traits we value as a society
result in discontent, broken women. How can anyone feel good about themselves
when all their energy is poured into others?
I have to wonder what it would be like for women in a world where honesty
was valued more than suffering in silence. I have to wonder what it
would be like if generosity and kindness was truly the standard for
all people.
all the best,
Catie
Copyright 2002
The above article is reprinted with permission.
About
the Author: Catie Gosselin is founder/editor of WomanLinks.com.
She is a freelance writer, a homeschooling mom of two, and an avid fan
of laughter, cats and chocolate (not necessarily in that order).
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