Woman First
“I am a woman above everything else.”
~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
When it comes to the question “How do you take care of yourself?” I love the clarity of Jackie Kennedy’s quote. With a focus on this year’s intent, which is to connect and give in to the power of feminine presence, specifically the inner woman, I believe it helps to differentiate womanhood from childhood, adulthood, motherhood, and personhood.
Recently, I have been asking the various women I meet how they define themselves as women, or what it means to them to be a woman separate from all of the other roles they have in their lives. The responses I have received are interesting, in fact, fascinating. To start, most women let me know how much they love the question. Then I notice that they pause and think. Many have said, “You know, it’s been such a long time since I’ve really stopped to think about it… myself as a woman separate from all of my responsibilities and other roles. Apart from sex, and being in relationship with a man, I would like to take some time to think about it…”
For myself, I have found the exercise of contemplating what it means to me to be a woman a wonderful way to reconnect with the part of me that often takes a back seat to everything else that is going on in my life. So far, what I have come up with is …stay tuned.
The truth is I’m not trying to be coy by not completing my thought. I would just like to engage you in a journey of self-discovery, as well as have you take a moment for yourself to think about what being a woman means to you separate from what everyone else thinks. What I can share with you is that I found the question itself to be a turning point and that answers have not come readily which surprised and intrigued me.
Oscar Wilde said, “Getting to know yourself is a lifelong romance.”
When it comes to the question “How do you take care of yourself?” I love the clarity of Jackie Kennedy’s quote. With a focus on this year’s intent, which is to connect and give in to the power of feminine presence, specifically the inner woman, I believe it helps to differentiate womanhood from childhood, adulthood, motherhood, and personhood.
Recently, I have been asking the various women I meet how they define themselves as women, or what it means to them to be a woman separate from all of the other roles they have in their lives. The responses I have received are interesting, in fact, fascinating. To start, most women let me know how much they love the question. Then I notice that they pause and think. Many have said, “You know, it’s been such a long time since I’ve really stopped to think about it… myself as a woman separate from all of my responsibilities and other roles. Apart from sex, and being in relationship with a man, I would like to take some time to think about it…”
For myself, I have found the exercise of contemplating what it means to me to be a woman a wonderful way to reconnect with the part of me that often takes a back seat to everything else that is going on in my life. So far, what I have come up with is …stay tuned.
The truth is I’m not trying to be coy by not completing my thought. I would just like to engage you in a journey of self-discovery, as well as have you take a moment for yourself to think about what being a woman means to you separate from what everyone else thinks. What I can share with you is that I found the question itself to be a turning point and that answers have not come readily which surprised and intrigued me.
Oscar Wilde said, “Getting to know yourself is a lifelong romance.”
February is the month of love. Why not take a moment to turn the spotlight on the woman within and give her the loving attention she needs? Please let us know what you think being a woman means to you.
Joan Shaver, LMFT
Be Bold Be Beautiful Be True to Yourself
What you are not aware of can hurt you!
