Love Thyself First!

" One is not born but rather becomes a woman"

Simone de Beauvoir

Enough ink has been spilled on discussing what it means to be a woman. For centuries human experiences have been synonymous with masculine experiences which made the collective image of humanity one-sided and incomplete. The constitution of our country gives equal rights to women yet there is some unequal music. Though the situation has changed drastically in the course of time yet there are miles to traverse till we can herald the advent of free will for women. Not to be expressive, not to be assertive in terms of strength, not to be dominant in thoughts, not to be aggressive in day-today affairs. This is what is expected of a woman always. We as a society know that socially constructed myths exist and put women in a marginal position.

A baby girl is a bundle of joy. Then why her wings are plucked when she wants to fly high? Performing the roles of a daughter, sister, mother, and daughter-in-law she endeavors hard to fit into these roles and cuts off bits and pieces of herself which protest. The glass ceiling may trigger passion in the elite class and society may have some superwomen but there are many women who are quietly fighting the odds, displaying resilience, and working tirelessly to make their lives worthwhile.

I know many of my friends and colleagues who find it hard to balance motherhood and professional aspirations. Yet they work hard to be superwomen. I am one of them. Earlier I found it difficult to manage but gradually I myself learned and made my family learn that all of us as a family need to work so that I can pursue my hobbies. Now I feel pride in my achievements and love myself, my "me time" I remain calm, content and confident, and at peace with myself.

So all the women who place their families before themselves and place themselves as the last priority, spare time to catch up with friends, dance, paint, read, write, dress up, pamper themselves silly, indulge themselves, and then see with greater self - esteem, and confidence, how you can be more giving. Love thyself first!

Be the heroine of your life, not the victim!

Rise and shine leaving behind a caravan of the drudgery of dependence and despondency Climb the steps to reach the horizon and write your own destiny.