My brother, not so eloquently, recently pointed out that I have lost all the power in my life. He came to this conclusion after I tore a few ligaments in my ankle and couldn't run for an extended period of time. Without running, I was at the beck and call of everyone except myself. I did things for the school, I did things for the kids (tie your shoes? for god's sake you are 8!), I cleaned the yard (for the neighbors), and I cleaned the house (definitely not for me). It got me wondering, what does all this mean?
You don't give up your power just by doing things for others right? Is it okay to give up your power? Am I devaluing women as a whole because I do too much for my sons? What the hell is power anyway? According to Websters' it is " The ability or capacity to perform or act effectively" Okay well, I do that, I effectively neglect myself in order to provide for my family. Ugh, This is all so complicated.
I want my boys to recognize women as strong individuals, respecting their differences from men and believing in their value, is that so much to ask? Can I achieve this just by running, going surfing with my girlfriends, and making them clean their own rooms.... I don't know but, i am sure going to try.
