Photo Credit: Lara Cores
So, I’ve noticed a bit of a trend lately. Something that I think establishes a whole set of crazy expectations for women like you and I.
Backstory:
I am a reader. I will devour anything and everything I can get my hands on that is even remotely related to women – magazines, blogs, editorials, cereal boxes…I don’t discriminate!
Lately, no matter what I’m reading, I keep being sold this idea that I can have it all.
I can work full time and be a superstar parent and volunteer and be a social butterfly and a perfect lover and learn the tuba. Lucky me…right?
The more I think about it, the more I am troubled by the idea of having it all.
I don’t know what planet some of these writers are living on, but clearly it’s one where sleep (and TV) don’t exist.
I get that the idea of having it all is meant to be about empowerment and opportunity. And I whole-heartedly believe that you can design your life to have all that you value.
What we forget is that having it all means different things for different people. For some, it’s flashy cars and money. For others, it’s work life balance and spending time with family.
To me, the way that having it all is often written about is too one-dimensional, and frankly feels like a whole lot of pressure. It encourages women put too much on our plate. We feel guilty if our values don’t align with the superwoman image of having it all.
So, I’m putting my foot down – to hell with this impossible idea!
I’m shifting my focus to having more.
More we can work with. It’s tangible. It’s achievable. It doesn’t set up an impossible standard.
More means saying “yes” to yourself – whatever that means to you.
Yes I deserve better. Yes I can feel more fulfilled at the end of every day. YES I want more chocolate!
