As Steve Winwood says – “Hang in and do that sweet thing you do.”
“The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change.”
“Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.” ― Gloria Steinem
As I mature, this line by Gloria Steinem resonates exponentially. On its own it could be an anthem of power, an invitation of liberation. However, she originally said it because she saw women lose power as they aged. Maybe the discomfort prompted by chronic bias changes one’s perspective – makes it easier to get pissed.
Young women may be more buoyant. The patriarchy still values their youth and sex appeal – and as workers, wives and for childbearing. Not all, but quite a few lassies:
“… haven’t yet experienced the life events that are most radicalizing for women: entering the paid-labor force and discovering how women are treated there; marrying and finding out that it is not yet an equal partnership; having children and discovering who raises them and who does not; and aging, still a far greater penalty for women than for men.”
Yet, it’s heartening to hear Gloria Steinem’s observation that women today are more aware and perceptive far earlier than previous generations. They’re taking up the mantle to transform the imbalance.
Navigating the perpetual disparity of our sex and aging can be overwhelming, and move some of us to join Twisted Sister’s call to arms:
“There is a time in our lives, usually in mid-life, when a woman has to make a decision – possibly the most important psychic decision of her future life – and that is, whether to be bitter or not. Women often come to this in their late thirties or early forties. They are at the point where they are full up to their ears with everything and they’ve “had it” and “the last straw has broken the camel’s back” and they’re “pissed off and pooped out.” Their dreams of their twenties may be lying in a crumple. There may be broken hearts, broken marriages, broken promises.”
Being persistently outraged is miserable, especially when there’s so much sweet life to savor. How do I align with this cheeky paradox? A friend of mine calls herself a happy warrior. Call me envious!
Maintaining my equilibrium when hit with a wave of outrage is a work in progress. Still, I’m confident my contributions make a difference. When I left Corporate it didn’t resemble what I inherited – in a good way. I’m grateful for those willing to take the baton. The new generations have the power to take it from here.
It’s possible to appreciate my feminist roots, represent, and remain joyful.
“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés
It’s curious how difficult it is to admit that I don’t know jack. Especially when I know I don’t know jack!
I got “IT” when I went to The Forum, that “large group awareness training program” – (gentler version of EST). They worked hard to make sure I got it. The experience was designed for transformation; personal responsibility and accountability the objective. Open the door to possibility.
About Knowledge: there’s stuff I know and stuff I know I don’t know. Then there’s stuff that I don’t know that I don’t know; the melting pot of probability.
Being open to possibility – potential beyond today’s understanding drives many of my life choices. It fosters a desire for knowledge, to discover more; despite the likelihood I’ll reach any guarantees.
Exploring, learning and speculating is fun. Feeling passionate about what I know guides my voice. Applying “The Emerson Rule” invites my imagination to run riot.
“Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
New revelations occur when I’m still and hear my higher self. When I’m willing to be teachable and welcome an evolution of my beliefs I am more resilient. Not having all the answers is liberating.
“I think it’s much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong. I have approximate answers and possible beliefs and different degrees of uncertainty about different things, but I am not absolutely sure of anything and there are many things I don’t know anything about, such as whether it means anything to ask why we’re here. I don’t have to know an answer. I don’t feel frightened not knowing things, by being lost in a mysterious universe without any purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell.”
Entertaining myself on TikTok, I found a guy sharing his “Dad’s” advice. He expressly instructs said son to “Listen. Very. Carefully.” The advice is often about how to treat women better – and to FEED HER, which I find highly amusing.
Listening to experts, family and friends; getting advice from trusted elders – are excellent ways to gain knowledge and wisdom.
The phrase though — “Listen. Very. Carefully.” — inexplicably inspires me to mind my intuition and listen to my inner voice. This voice appreciates silence; rests in the bird’s song and the wind blowing. This voice has treasures only I can hear.
Routinely it feels like the outside world is in my face. Broadcasting on TV, through social media and ubiquitous marketing. All here at my invitation.
When I open my life to busy, eventful and stimulating crazy; I must balance it with sanctuary and rest to maintain my calm.
Undisturbed quiet time lets me receive the deep and intimate messages from my higher self. Extended periods of time are appreciated, but not necessary. A daily 20-minute meditation serves me well; and a simple 5-minute breather works in a pinch.
“At every step, she paused, withdrew to the inner sanctuary, and asked herself, Does this feel right? Her answer came in the form of peace or tension. If she felt tension, she stepped a different way. If she felt peace, she kept going forward.” ― Donna Goddard, Circles of Separation
Excuses diminish when I put a stake in the ground and declare an intention. Sharing can release blocks and reveal resources. My community boosts and encourages me to advance, and that momentum is priceless.
Expressing an objective also attracts advice. Some welcome, some not – it depends on the audience and sensitivity of the disclosure. Will my intention weather the input and resemble what I dreamt?
The alchemy is in knowing what to share, when to share and who’s listening.
In September 2013, Seth Godin introduced Krypton College – and I learned how to pick myself and start a project that matters. The program sunset years ago, but the know-how lives on.
KRYPTON COURSE #001; From the work of Seth Godin
Applying the coursework provided by Seth and his team, I chose my project and committed to its launch date, sharing it with my Krypton College cohorts. Using the “SHIPIT JOURNAL” (Download a free pdf from Seth here) – I fleshed out my fears, identified advantages and hurdles and came up with a game plan. Living The Emerson Rule was conceived.
My SHIP date was May 31, 2014. I gave myself 8 months – which seemed like a long time, until it wasn’t. My first post was May 29. My people supported my efforts, encouraged me when I wavered and celebrated when I hit my mark.
But what about the stuff out there on the edge of crazy? What about the dreams and desires society calls eccentric or peculiar?
Neville Goddard also counsels me to “walk in secrecy.” Doubt and skepticism can spoil fledgling ambitions. Trying to explain or defend a fanciful belief throws me off. Neville says to “tell no man of your spiritual romance” as it steeps. Protect it as it matures and grows. Trust that giddy delight and enjoy the faith that evidence will appear.
The distinction between sharing and staying mum lies within. My desire to write and create a blog was well-known; just waiting on my ass to take action – sharing gave me the nudge I needed. Newer revelations, however, are wraithlike and tender. They’ll poke their head out in conversation – at the right time to the right people. Until then they are in my care.
“I’ve come to know that what we want in life is the greatest indication of who we really are.”
