I’m calling for a revolution.
I’m calling for a revolution in the way we see ourselves
as more than parts and pieces
stitched together in disgust and self hatred
For every woman I’ve ever known has carried herself
As a question to be answered or an overwhelming apology
We are taught to be less in every way
tiny, soft spoken, careful not the bruise the egos of men
and never to use our voices
We are taught to be small, to be dainty, to be weak
We are taught that our first value is in beauty
and beauty by standards that are ever changing and impossibly limiting
We are spoon fed the notion that nothing matters
nothing matters nothing matters but
this.
Smile more.
Tread lightly.
Take up little space.
Hang your head in shame.
Call yourself a “work in progress”
and know, within every fiber of your being
that you will not rest until you get there.
There where you can glide through all the doors behind which happiness lives
There where you have the respect and admiration of all
There where reflecting back in your mirror is a revelation of beauty deeming you worthy of life, of love, of delicious adventure
But I’m here to tell you
There is a lie
Behind each locked door is a new list of expectations
a new definition of which you aren’t a part
A new insult, a new injury, a new reason to tear yourself apart
I’m calling for a revolution
As a woman, as a lioness, as a mama bear
I too lived this for this image
I punished myself for the never ending pursuit of perfection
I lived and died at the altar of perfection
and stuffed myself as narrowly possible into the box appropriately marked girl
I changed the most powerful thing I have
My mind.
I’m calling for a revolution where we stop pretending this is the race we belong in
For women to come together as a sisterhood
A collective of voices, compassionate listening, complete beings
We know a better way but we must walk it
Walk taller, take up space, use our voices as though we know they matter
They do.
If we want little girls to know they matter, we must behave as though we do
Care for ourselves lavishly, as warriors require great care
Show them their lives, their bodies, their unique adventure
is theirs and theirs alone.
The constant pursuit of shrinking is over
Let us be more.
However we, ourselves, define it.
I’m calling for a revolution but not for myself
I’m calling for a revolution in me
For my baby girl
I beg you do the same.