The Wisdom of Women’s Mags
I spend a lot of my time regretting and feeling like I’m letting myself down. My recurrent self-flaggelation comes from feeling I have not achieved enough. It’s a constant, even comforting theme in my life and it allots for many hours of my day.
I don’t think that’s what the feminist pioneers wanted for us, but I do think it’s the condition of many women, especially well-educated, over-privileged ones.
Tonight, instead of watching the Superbowl, I read Elle Magazine. Mostly, I felt bad about myself reading about hot young female entrpreneurs who make makeup for a living…what a dream (my dream is to own a nail salon).
Then, in full throttle, I came across this pearl of wisdom. It lies in that old chestnut of a woman’s magazine article, “How to be fabulous and fulfilled even if you’re single,” or some such variance on the title. I’m not single (I’m completely, 100% happily ensconced) but I liked this passage. To paraphrase: the writer sits home one night eating Lean Cuisine, watching Law & Order and she thinks, this is it. This is my life. I am going to die alone in my tiny apartment. If I did, and that was my life and it never became anything more, would I kill myself?”
NO. No, she wants to live even if it’s cats and frozen entrees. She ends with a quote from eternally wise (yes) Sheryl Crow:
“It’s not having what you want. It’s wanting what you’ve got.” I think the Rolling Stones said it better but I buy it.
I love my life. I can beat myself up every day for not being Marcia Kilgore. Or I can love my blessed, wonderful life, and use that energy to get what I want, and love what I have.
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About Me
Morra Aarons-Mele utilizes social media strategies to help employers, employees and communities connect. She also consults with leading organizations on how women can use the internet for professional and personal development. In her spare time, Morra enjoys blogging about women and politics. Read her full bio >>
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