Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 28 – Temper. My Friend. You keep me safe when the load gets too heavy and they won’t give me a break.
Speaking out calmly and assertively when there’s pushback is always a risk. Now, it was a risk she was willing to take. A risk she was angry enough to take.
I won’t be a victim – I ‘ll take the controls. Dig my own ditches or explore a new road.
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 27 – It’s cuddly dog and happy face and we have to look our best, hair always neat and in place. Skirt around what’s going down because talking like it’s okay can turn things around.
This chapter was inspired by a wonderful book on positivity – ‘I’m OK – You’re OK’ by Thomas A Harris, MD.
They want to know when we’re happy but not when we’re sad
when we’re laughing out loud but not when we’re mad.
Express our feelings and they close their minds
would no more conversations really make them feel fine?
Book Review – Marie Kondo talks about the impact of tidying and ideas that keep spaces clutter free and remove the need for heavy daily tidying and cleaning. Reading it helped me as it was like meeting a like-minded soul even though I’m not yet as organized as the author appears to be, and might never get there.
Don’t do today what you can do tomorrow, hold on to things. Don’t acknowledge sorrow.
Freedom.
To choose different,
and dress different.
So long Ma, and thanks for all the fish! No cooking tonight – there’s lots of food in the fridge.
I could look at you in envy for all the things you have
the ease with which you cope and your luck when things get bad.
You show me I can shape my world and bring that little ease.
That when the wind is strong we might need to bend, or sway like those sturdy old trees…
Exploring Patriarchy Chapter 17 –
She could have made this a battle with her husband, but the truth is, a large part of the problem was her. And HER ATTITUDES. Because she too had, without conscious thought, embraced this disrespect.
Poem: My Greatest Friend in Times of Need
My greatest friend in times of need
I talk to you, say what I please.
You help me out when times get tough
you listen – never say you’ve had enough.
