I cannot stop thinking about THIS ARTICLE that I read yesterday in The Atlantic. As I sat at my desk, letting my lunch get cold and my head cloud over with (worry/ sadness/ connection?) I was overwhelmed by Anne-Marie Slaughter’s words. “Finally!” I thought, “a woman admitting that women can’t have everything, women don’t always want to have everything and whatever it is she wants, we need to work for a world which supports her decision.” (The author says this and so much more with eloquence I cannot even pretend to possess. The article is long, but a very worthwhile read).
As I’ve mentioned before, I spend a lot of time angst-ing (I can’t help it, I’m an angst-er) about pursuit of a fulfilling career and family life. Dr. H and I recently found ourselves falling asleep at the dinner table, in a restaurant, at 10pm, on a weeknight (there is so much wrong with that picture) because I INSISTED on spending a meal together that didn’t involve an open laptop, television or couch. Even without children (or the dog I so desperately desire:) at times I feel the balance is already slipping. And I have also noticed, as I develop my professional self, that the work world doesn’t have much interest in the “loves to cook/craft/write” Merry Meri that is ultimately the truest reflection of who I believe I am. Just because I love my hobbies doesn’t mean I don’t love to work; just because I dream of many babies doesn’t mean I’m not going to have a kickass career… sometimes it just feels like the world isn’t ready for a lady who gets to pursue all of those things, however she chooses. To quote Slaughter, “last I checked, he [Thomas Jefferson] did not declare American independence in the name of life, liberty, and professional success. Let us rediscover the pursuit of happiness, and let us start at home.”
Holy whoa, that was hefty shizz for a Friday wasn’t it!? How can I make it up to you..?
 |
| A witty joke? |
 |
| A totally rad sea lion? |
 |
| Whatevs yo, I'm OUT! |
Meri - that was a great article! I read the entire thing - not really eye-opening if you are a career woman/wife/mother/crafter already :), but put together really perfectly with lots of examples. I think her opinions and suggestions are spot on (having a great husband, modified hours, make-your-own-schedule) and to have it all, you really need to carve out your own way that works for you. I like to think that people will respect you for it (hopefully :)!!). You go girl!
ReplyDeleteSo reassuring to hear that it's possible to find your way and be satisfied by it!! Cheers to you Jade :)
ReplyDeleteLove so much to see other women in our generation looking at these issues and approaching them with an honest look at what the "new feminism" means to us! I love your blog and I love the Merry Meri that I met many moons ago as a summer associate and I think that the greatest gift you can offer us is sharing that woman with us...so I thank you for keeping this awesome little blog going and for being the amazing woman that you are!
ReplyDelete