THE WOMEN GETTING BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
WORDS BY WOMEN WHO HAVE CHALLENGED, SUPPORTED AND INSPIRED ME ALONG THE WAY. |
With the fast paced world that we live in, it's easy to get caught up in our own tiny sphere of a world. We ignore the larger issues that are far worse than being late to work, or that pimple that just appeared on your forehead. It's important to raise awareness so that we can appreciate all that we have been given already as western women and to fight for and grant those SAME rights to other women around the world.
To be a woman means a multitude of things and it may mean something different to each and every woman- I think that's important to note. We are often grouped together and labeled “women” which in essence, is a very broad term. For me personally, to be a woman means to be balanced. It means to be compassionate, kind, and loving, but also strong, independent and smart. Finding beauty in imperfection allows us to appreciate the authentic, natural, raw and organic beauty of all living beings. It is important to appreciate things for what they are, even if that means being IMPERFECT. People should look outside the privileged lives we often take for granted and realize that thousands of women and girls need our compassion. If we are unaware and remain blind to the issues of those around the world, there will never be equality. It takes passion and perseverance to create a movement and to achieve equality. It takes more than just a few people, it may take all of us, and IT JUST MIGHT REQUIRE YOU.
KELLIE, 39 | Hometown Canada | Current Sydney, Australia
I think it is important to be informed about issues that affect women globally because we can otherwise think every other woman's lived experiences are much like our own. We can become the voice of feminism and set the agendas for equality with no perspective of or input from diverse women with diverse lived experiences. It's easy to think our own big battles are paramount, but a GLANCE GLOBALLY can shift the focus of feminism and invite new ways of thinking and agenda setting. I think we need to find beauty in ourselves FULL STOP. We need to critique the idea that one body is perfect and another is imperfect. Let's throw out that horrible dualism. I've got this fantastic poster I bought that says 'ACCEPT AND BE'; wouldn't it be a more interesting world if we could accept who we are and get on with doing amazing things?!
To be a woman today means so many complex and contested things. I'm part of diverse social groupings who have increased access and freedoms, have more choice and autonomy over our bodies and minds, and have rights to express our gender in so many varied ways. At the same time it means I'm still part of a social grouping who are paid less, REMAIN VULNERABLE TO VIOLENCE, continue to be sexually exploited and harassed, and who are judged against unrealistic gender norms. I'm not sure just women should get behind this movement just because they are women. I think CITIZENS OF PRIVILEGED WESTERN COUNTRIES in general should be more concerned with gender-based violence, inequalities and poverty in their own backyards and globally.
SAMIRA, 30 | Sydney, Australia
Women often underestimate their value in society and the impact they can have on the world. This ideology is more often than not INGRAINED IN OUR THOUGHTS from a young age as we are bombarded with the notion that women are less valuable to society than men. By educating people about ongoing issues that women are constantly subjected to, WE GIVE THESE WOMEN A VOICE. We allow their struggle to be heard. We provide an opportunity for change. Change that can create a positive and long-term effect on the world. Change that can provide opportunities for women who have been imprisoned by the construct of DYSFUNCTIONAL SOCIETIES. Change that will provide a platform for women to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. People should commit to reading about these issues because it’s easy for people to become caught up in what we hear from people and what the media tells us. Caring enough to SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH encourages us to read and discover facts about these issues, rather than just acquiring other people’s opinions. By reading and caring about these issues, we become more educated and play an active role in the conversations that encourage others to follow suit. The more we know, the more influential we become. The more we care, the more compassionate we become. The more educated conversations we have, the more active we become in CREATING A BETTER WORLD FOR EVERYONE. It is imperative that conversations about these issues occur above the table. The issues that women face must be addressed and dealt with seriously in order for positive changes to occur.
I believe our imperfections are what makes us unique and allows us flourish and transform into beautiful people. We often hear that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Similarly, our imperfections may appear to be problematic for some, but for others, they are the very things that draw us to them. Our imperfections are often related to the things we struggle with, the burdens we carry, whether they are physical, emotional, social, cognitive or spiritual. However, without those struggles we wouldn’t feel challenged and we wouldn’t grow to become the strong women we are and can be. Being a woman in today’s world can be challenging and thrilling at the same time. As a Muslim woman, I am often faced with the stereotype that I am oppressed and need rescuing. However, I am far from what the media projects. I, like many other women, am educated. I am opinionated. I am strong. I stand my ground. I have my beliefs and values, and I play an active role in modern society. I work hard. I have fun. I’m active and I socialise, a lot. But most importantly, as a teacher, I educate younger women to value themselves and the role they need to uphold in society. I educate young women about their rights and how to protect themselves. I educate young women about the importance of being open-minded and accepting of everyone, regardless of faith, background, socio-economic status and so on. I educate young women about the importance of being positive role models for the younger generations and positive members in the diverse wider society. I educate young women about freedom and ability to make choices in this privileged country. I TEACH EMPATHY AND COMPASSION, AND ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALITY. Only a week ago, my students were learning about Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream” speech. Their first response was “Miss, we’ve read this speech so many times”. But I promised that the outcome of my lesson would be different. We read the speech, and after discussing the ideas that were drawn from it, I asked them “what is your dream?” To which they replied, "WE'VE NEVER BEEN ASKED THAT" A door was opened and an opportunity arose for these young women to discover their place in the world. To share their passion and pave their path for success. To be a woman in today’s world is so much more powerful than people imagine. Society has been doing things the same way for so long, but we have the ability to PIONEER CHANGE. To shed light from a different perspective. To challenge the status quo. To discover our dreams and take others on the journey with us.
CHRISTINA, 27 | Hometown Russia | Current Manhattan, NY
IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS. Lack of knowledge is what can cause people to be unengaged. If we can generate awareness then we are likely to engage a wider audience- hopefully, this will mean people are more likely to help those in need. We need to progress as humanity. The lack of education and schooling in developing countries needs to be eliminated. This can be done if we collectively take action to bring change and provide education to those who don’t have the opportunity. People must make a commitment to learning about these issues because that is the only way that action will be taken.
Being a woman in today’s world has its’ advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, even in the United States, women in most jobs are still not getting equal pay to their male counterparts. While performing the same duties, male employees, on average, will earn more. Being a woman in today’s world comes with pressure, we have societal concepts that are projected on females, for example “what it means to be pretty” or “what qualities you should have to find a husband” etc. These projections come from society as a whole, but the media fuels them. Social media especially has affected us all. We have instant connection and instant judgment on our looks with how many “likes” we get on Instagram. What it means to me to find beauty in imperfection is to accept your flaws, “PERFECTLY IMPERFECT”. Perfection is a concept that is unattainable, there will always be things you will wish to change about yourself if you aren’t happy with your flaws. Being okay with who you are is to find beauty in imperfection. The way you are is already perfect… you just have to realize it.
MILA | Hometown Serbia | Current Manhattan, NY
To be a woman in today's world means SOMETHING GOOD. I actually think, in the history of the human race, this is the best time to be a woman. Women are really starting to get the right kind of attention, and it's not bad to "do things like a girl" anymore. It's something we can be proud of. Being a woman means to be empowered, free, beautiful and wise.
To find beauty in imperfection basically MEANS TO LIVE LIFE. Everything is perfectly imperfect on this Earth: nature, animals, countries, people... To find beauty in imperfection is to look for the good in every situation. Looking for the negative only makes US miserable. Loving your imperfections is essential to living a healthy life, but it's a challenge. I'm learning to let go of sadness and/or anger about the imperfections that surround me and are me every day. One thing I can guarantee you is that when you start looking for the good, you will receive so much more goodness back. Therefore, love those imperfections. It's important to raise awareness; otherwise nobody will know there is a problem at all! The ones who are being violated are often not able or allowed to raise their voice and fight back. That's why we, the "lucky ones" are supposed to do our best to make everybody be the "lucky one" as well. People (aka we) should commit to caring because if we don't care - who will? If we don't act - who will? If we don't fight for equal and global human rights - who will? Simple as that.
LIZ, 25 | Manhattan, NY
Finding beauty in IMPERFECTION IS LOVING YOUR FLAWS. The media tries to jam this image of the "perfect woman" down our throats with these photo shopped images of these 6 foot goddesses with their bleached straight teeth, washboard abs and thigh gaps. Standing at 5'2" and 125 pounds, I love that I'm short and curvy! I have cushion on my body, SO PEOPLE WANT TO HUG ME and not feel like they could break my bones. I don't have "perfect" teeth, but I can still light up a room with my smile. Loving and forgiving my body (stretch marks, cellulite and all) gives me confidence. I'm also not a perfect friend or daughter. Obviously, I try to be a good person, but sometimes it's tough and I end up hurting the people I love. I'm really stubborn and frequently wrong. I HAVE THIS STRONG DESIRE TO FOLLOW THE RULES AND RIDICULE THOSE WHO DON'T. A wise friend used to say, "not all rules are meant to be followed but it's up to you to know which ones to break". We are all works in progress, but these imperfections make us unique, and that is beautiful. I will be the first to admit, I'm fairly ignorant about most of the world's issues. I try to stay informed, but unfortunately if it doesn't make headlines or the nightly news, chances are I've missed it. I think many can agree the "out of site, out of mind" saying is true. But how can we change this? We raise awareness until change comes. People in third world countries continue to struggle for the basic necessities; food, clean water, clothing, and shelter. Additionally, women aren't getting the nutrients and feminine products they need to be able to take care of themselves to have a higher quality of life. In many countries, those lucky enough to attend school miss a week or so every month because they don't have the proper means to ease their periods. Consequentially, many fall so far behind they aren't able to complete their education. Women all over the world still struggle to be treated as equals, or are too afraid to take a stand. Child marriages, domestic abuse, and the effects of war are very real and very much swept under the rug. If we make all of their issues known, perhaps we can help make a change. It's crucial to stay informed and do whatever we can to help others. One selfless act can mean the world to someone who was never given a chance.
Being a woman is today's world is tough! We have to be strong in the face of adversity, and constantly prove ourselves. Young women today have this disturbing idea that they need to hide their intellect and just look pretty or slutty to get by. Why is this still happening? Ladies, we are in an age of opportunity! Women are running corporations, hospitals, law offices, farms, businesses of all sizes, charities and volunteer programs because they are using their knowledge and drive to better themselves and the world. Luckily, we have these really strong role models who continue to make strides for us all, like Michelle Obama. She is fit, fearless and principled. As an artist, my passion is in storytelling, to teach and get others to think and feel something, to try to spark a conversation, and hold up a MIRROR TO SOCIETY TO PROVOKE POSITIVE CHANGE. If we continue to guide each other to be our best, we can achieve anything.
ALEX, 29 | Gold Coast, Australia
In our hectic lifestyles today, it becomes somewhat simple to only focus on issues that DIRECTLY IMPACT OUR LIVES. It's so easy to switch off - to not turn on the TV, to stop reading, to turn your back on things that are REALLY happening. In a bizarre contradiction, the world is becoming such a smaller place but we are also becoming somewhat small minded. We need to educate and re-educate. We need to keep having those conversations with our mums, our girlfriends, and one day, our children, in hope of awareness leading to change. To find beauty in imperfection means to recognise that a "FLAW" IS A MATTER OF OPINION. A perspective; that a "flaw" is something society has mass created by way of technology, media and an unrealistic view on what constitutes perfection. Beauty in imperfection is appreciating our individuality - MIND, BODY & SPIRIT - and that of the people and world around you. It's recognising we each have our own "cracks" and it's those cracks that tell our story. As they say, "wrinkles merely indicate where smiles have once been".
To be a woman in todays world is liberating. I feel, in the society I am lucky enough to live in and with the support network I have around me, I CAN BE ANYTHING I WANT TO BE WITHOUT MY GENDER BEING A HINDRANCE. In fact, I look proudly upon the developments I make in my personal life and my professional life because I AM a woman... I am not saved by a man. Some days the weight of the world gets on top of us all but for the most part, I "HAVE" ME and I get a real sense of satisfaction in that. THAT, in itself, often shocks the people around me. I am my mother's daughter and that makes me a woman who CAN have it all, a woman who appreciates a good man by her side but it's certainly not vital for her survival. So, you'll pick up the paper to read about some celebrity wedding or sports stars infidelity scandal but you don't WANT TO HEAR ABOUT REAL TOPICS HAPPENING REAL TIME? ... It's time to get REAL! I want my children's children to not be brainwashed by sensationalism. I want them to have emotion... empathy... education... empowerment. I want them to see the imperfections of the world and want to touch it, in some way.
EMILY, 23 | Manhattan, NY
For so many women like myself, who are fortunate enough to live in a country that provides freedom and safety, sometimes it’s hard to comprehend how many women around the world are living without such liberties. It is vital to NOT IGNORE THIS FACT. Instead we must increase our awareness of the global issues women are facing everyday, and spread this knowledge globally. If every woman reached out in even the smallest way to help another woman in need somewhere in the world – we could have a GLOBAL IMPACT.
To me, finding beauty in imperfection can mean something different to everyone. It can mean seeing your partner’s flaws as exactly what you love about them, or realizing your own beauty and self-worth as a woman despite all the FLAWS SOCIETY TELLS YOU THAT YOU HAVE. Finding beauty in imperfection is all of those who find a reason to smile each day despite their circumstances. They’re the people who find happiness in the sun coming up each day, and in simply being alive no matter what life throws at them. Every woman around the world feels love and pain, goes through life’s many ups and downs, and knows what it’s like to be belittled and underestimated. We are all connected as women of the world, and we should stand by for each other and for those who may not have the chance to stand up for themselves. As women we should care about the issues other women are facing and be COMMITTED TO EDUCATING OURSELVES on these issues and spreading awareness in order to spark a global conversation about the changes needed to take place.
The world is smaller than ever before, making it easier for each voice to be heard and have an impact. This should compel everyone to speak out about what he or she cares about and SEEK TO INSPIRE CHANGE. Change starts with having a voice and making it heard. As a woman in today’s world who is fortunate enough to have rights in society and freedom of speech, it is important to me to make my voice heard by lending it to issues that matter to me as a woman. Being a woman is a beautiful and powerful thing, and it is up to us to fight for women’s rights NOT JUST IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT GLOBALLY.
LORETTA, 79 | Tasmania, Australia
There is an old saying "BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP" and therefore you need to get to know the person without regard to their appearance whatever the "imperfections" might be compared to someone else's standard. A world where everyone looks and thinks the same would be very boring and dull, so it has been the differences that have provided us with the diversity and "beauty" in those imperfections.
A long time ago women of the Western world protested and brought about the right to have a vote providing an ALTERNATIVE VIEW to the all male dominated world, and the need to raise awareness of the plight of not only women, but children, refugees and others who could not bring about changes to improve their lives. We should commit to taking an interest in global issues, because if we do not, all of a sudden it’s too late and society will change for the worst and change all our lives to a subservient existence.
I love being a woman of today in Australia having experienced the wonderful journey from romance, marriage, children, grandchildren and mature age, all of which have contributed to the person I am AFTER SIXTY YEARS OF WOMANHOOD. Women of today have available so many opportunities in career, travel, partnerships and family. This has been brought about by so many women over the past century being dedicated to improving society's understanding of what women have to offer. I greatly appreciate all that women do to highlight areas of further improvement.
VICTORIA, 25 | Sydney, Australia
The world is full of INDIVIDUAL, UNIQUE SOULS discovering life and experience every day differently. When did we feel it was okay to define what is perfect or imperfect? This discovery is different for everyone; this discovery is beautiful (whatever that means to you). So to find beauty in imperfection is to live freely, authentically and embrace what is. Human nature is beautiful, and if you are reading this, you are part of it.
It is important to raise awareness about issues that are often not publicized. We live in a controlled society and the information that is readily and most available are often delivered by money and power – and a high percentage are men. How do we expect to cover female issues when most of the powerful decision makers are male? We live in a world of ignorance because it makes us feel better about ourselves. We, the people, need to give a voice to those who cannot be heard.
These issues should be as available and public as any other issue. We are so constantly slammed with information that scares us that we are made to think in black and white. We let those who speak on our behalf compromise our voice. Being a woman comes with a lot of responsibilities. Obviously the world has changed dramatically over the last century, especially for women, however, I am still treated differently because of the way I look. I am underestimated constantly by both sexes yet given opportunities for the same reasons. We have fought to hold an equal place in society and we are still fighting, so to be a woman in this day and age means a crazy amount of strength, determination and courage.
SAMI, 23 | Sydney, Australia
To me, finding beauty in imperfection means being happy with who you are and having the confidence in today's world to step outside and not worry about what others think of you, because who and what is perfect? The differences in physical features and the small 'imperfections' of WOMEN (AND MEN!) are, what I think make a person beautiful, rather than all of us looking and acting the same. This can sometimes be easier said than done though, but I once read something along the lines of how when we're all old and grey, we're not going to remember the specific days we felt beautiful or not, but THE DAYS THAT WERE SPENT MAKING FANTASTIC MEMORIES. So that's what I think of when facing the world each morning, bad hair day or not!
Being a woman in today's world is quite a challenge with what seems like all of the pressure put on to us to be 'perfect.' Perfect in looks, abilities, thoughts and beliefs. With the intense feminist movement sweeping across the world at the moment, I think that even puts pressure on women to act and conform in a certain way. As an example, I know that women in some industries in Australia are now judged by fellow women if they choose to be family-driven, rather than career-driven. If women are judged by fellow women, how are we meant to work together TO CHASE THAT DREAM OF EQUALITY? But on the other hand, how lucky are women in privileged countries if all they get for a choice they make is a bit of judgement!? So many women around the world aren't provided with the option to choose different paths for their lives; rather they are forced into whatever fate it is.
I WANT TO BE A WOMAN IN TOMORROW'S WORLD, where men and women, despite what part of the world they come from, care for the quality of each individual's right to be safe and happy where options are provided and women are encouraged to make choices. But for tomorrow's world to begin, we need to equip people with the information about the issues women face around the world, because lack of knowledge, or even ignorance, will not lead to change.
RALEIGH, 25 | California | Manhattan, NY
Finding beauty in imperfection means not only accepting, BUT ALSO TRULY, DEEPLY LOVING WHO WE ARE AS INDIVIDUALS. I believe that perspective is all we have to combat the constant berating of society’s “ideals”. As women, we are continually being force fed an image of perfection that we are encouraged to desire AND aspire to. This image has become so widespread that our peers, our significant others and our friends are either expecting it of us, or pursuing it themselves. While I believe in the idea that we should continue to better ourselves each day in whatever way makes us happiest, the idea that we should strive for perfection is TOXIC. We are all unique individuals. What makes us beautiful is that independence, that uniqueness, and most importantly, those imperfections.
It is important for women to have a voice and to stand up for those WHO CANNOT STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES. More importantly, we must carefully listen to those who do stand up, and understand what it is they are trying to say. The more people who know, the more likely it is that we will stand together and begin the change that is needed. A commitment to caring about these issues is simply a commitment to bettering the overall quality of life. If we continue to allow women to be mistreated, beaten, shunned, and held back, we will continue to short-change ourselves as a whole. Each person should have the same opportunities to develop personally and professionally, because we never know who will be the next “great”. We may have stunted our advancement into the medical world because we are not offering women the same educational opportunities as men. We may be holding ourselves back from achieving greatness because as a society we do not believe that women can achieve. Women are dying or being beaten everyday at the hands of men who believe they are somehow better than those they choose to violate simply because they were born with different sex organs. Until this inequality is recognized and we commit to making permanent changes both in LAW AND THOUGHT, we will remain held back.
I sincerely believe we are living in an era of progress. People are opening their minds to differences and learning to love those around them. Now, more than ever, I believe in HUMANITY’S ABILITY to embrace and overcome prejudice. Social medial and advancements in technology are exposing those who violate our rights everyday and they are no longer able to hide in the shadows. We are SHEDDING LIGHT on issues that 10 years ago were too far buried for significant change. Being a woman in today’s world is exciting. Although we have miles to go, we are progressing. As long as we are determined to continue that progression, being a woman will only get better and better.
KALI, 25 | Tasmania | Melbourne, Australia
AWARENESS IS THE START OF AN EDUCATION PROCESS. I don't think people know how bad these issues are, and they need to be educated. Unfortunately, we aren't raised to think globally. Through reading and caring about these issues, people should commit to helping make a change. These issues aren't created by nature, geography or natural disasters, they have been created by people, so its only people who can make a difference. People can choose to do bad things, it is of their own free will and they may choose not to educate themselves. BUT THIS SHOULD BE BY CHOICE, not by lack of opportunity or through an environment where things are forced upon them. Being part of WABI-SABI The Movement is about MOVING FORWARD AS ONE WORLD, rather than separately as individual countries. Finding beauty in imperfection is a difficult question for me. Unfortunately, being a perfectionist (yes I will admit that out loud) I rarely find beauty in imperfection. But when I do, it is much more beautiful than anything perfect.
I LOVE BEING A WOMAN! I am very fortunate that I have far less challenges than women did 50 years ago. I feel very independent and driven to achieve what I want for myself in life and believe that I have the freedom to make this possible. I don't feel like I am defined by the fact that I am a woman. But I know this is not the case for all women around the world. I believe everyone, REGARDLESS OF GENDER, should have the right and opportunity to make a choice.
It’s only when you start discussing these issues that you realise how insignificant some things we complain about are. As I am writing this article I have learned new things about myself, most of all that anything is possible for me, and I am reminded of how lucky I am. I am also reminded of the suffering, heartbreak and hell that other women around the globe have to go through. I am writing with a SPARK IN MY HEART, A FIRE IN MY BELLY and I really want to do something to help. I’m glad I have the chance to write about something of significant importance through the WABI-SABI movement.
Finding the beauty in imperfection is simply finding the POETRY WITHIN A STORY wherein the beauty lies. Everyone has a story, and whether we like it or not, it has moulded us into the person we are today. Finding the beauty within imperfection to me is CHOOSING TO SEE THE POSITIVE. It’s about embracing what has happened to you in your life (events have affected and changed you), and deciding whether you you want to accept that as part of who you are – or not. As an example, you may have been treated badly in the past by an individual for no apparent reason. This was due to their inner turmoil or imperfection; they may have been having a bad day, or may not have had the ability to react in a positive way to the situation at hand. Recognising that it’s not about you and not taking it personally is finding the beauty in an imperfection situation. Similarly, if you look at a situation that you were in and you feel like you deserved the punishment bestowed upon you by that person, choosing to do an inventory of the situation and think about why you may have reacted a certain way, then choosing to accept this as part of your character - or not. This is another way we can find the beauty in our own imperfections. From your past, if you have the ability to see how it has affected the way you react to certain situations, you can choose, to accept this, and decide how you wish to act or react next time; thus finding the beauty in the IMPERFECT PERSON YOU ARE.
I think it is important to also look at these situations above in the greater scheme of things, and where they fit in. What may seem a big deal to you may be minor in comparison to a many other women. When you actually take a moment out of your busy day and think about it, what actually makes you different? Not much biologically! Put simply, perhaps just the fact that you were lucky enough to be BORN IN A COUNTRY WITHOUT GENOCIDE. Sometimes we ‘westerners’ take for granted even the smallest things. The fact that we can get up out of bed at night and grab a glass of fresh water because we’re thirsty. We can decide what type of career we want, or what we would like to eat for breakfast. I mean how important is the decision of LATTE OVER CAPPUCCINO?
Being a woman in today’s world is everything. SHE IS BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE. She is strong and capable. She is equal to a man and should be allowed to do whatever she wants. The view of a woman changes all the time, but in order to keep the momentum, we as women need to make it happen. WE MUST ALL FEEL EMPOWERED TO MAKE A CHANGE. We must also remember that this is only one point of view; my point of view. If only all women around the globe could DO WHAT THEY WANT. Together, we can make it happen.
People become consumed with their own day to day lives. It becomes difficult to imagine what life is like for the less fortunate. OUR LINK TO THIS KIND OF INFORMATION IS THE MEDIA. The media today is filled with too many fluffy pieces. Networks focus heavily on what they think people want to hear for ratings rather than the UNPLEASANT TRUTHS. I’d be lying if I said I knew all the issues and how I could help. Education is key. With more knowledge we could understand what the real issues are, and how we could help. GIVE THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A VOICE A CHANCE TO BE HEARD. But it isn’t just knowledge, it’s money, time and resources, these three points alone are so big that it’s hard to know where to begin but, you have to start somewhere right? This is our world, and we need to change it.
The debate is what is a “Real Beauty”? I guess the most common saying is beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Some people like blondes, some like brown, others like short, tall or Channing Tatum look a likes. We as humans go with our feelings and attractions, and why not? In saying that, our views on beauty and perfection in the western world is heavily influenced on the media and the beauty of models and celebrities. You can’t turn a page in Vogue magazine without seeing an impossibly perfect skinned, long legged, caramel girl that makes your eyes widen with envy. The aim is to make you think these girls are perfection. It’s all a lie. An imperfection, a flaw, a limitation, whatever you want to call it, THAT’S WHAT MAKES HUMANS DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER. The imperfection of a girl’s nose can give her face a perfect balance, the uncontrollable stutter in someone speech can teach them the bravery to overcome and stand up to others. Have you ever noticed, once you get to know someone and they have a personality that brings a smile to your face, they suddenly become even more attractive?! That has always amazed me, that EMOTIONS CAN CONTROL BEAUTY. We can lean so much from others “imperfections” – what a wonderful thought.
It’s difficult for me to answer the question “why should people commit to caring?”. I don’t believe in forcing people into feeling or believing in issues. However, I DO BELIEVE IN HUMANITY and the compassion and empathy we carry. As a woman when I see a broken situation my instincts tell me help, love, nurture. It’s a choice that I believe more people would choose if given the correct information and opportunity. When a situation is right in front of you or you put yourself in their shoes, it’s hard to not have a human emotion of response and action. Knowledge is power, and if we know how to help we should. I have been lucky enough to have lived in 3 major cities over my 25 years and have met some incredible women along the way. Many who have inspired me with their wisdom, SURPRISED ME WITH THEIR BRAVERY and captured me with their charisma. All of this has almost left me lost as to where I stand in this world. Not depressingly lost, I just feel there is more I could be doing. It could be career change, experience more cultures, where I want to live or how to help more people. I’m sure I am not the only woman who feels this way. We have so much freedom today as western women. We all have a path, but I don’t believe it’s yet written, we have that power. Today we are a strong, talented, driven generation of women. If we look at how far women have come, there is nothing stopping us from achieving anything we desire in the future. I know I’ll find my place in the future, but if I don’t, I know I’ll have fun trying to find out along the way and continuing on my path meeting and learning from other INCREDIBLE PEOPLE.
♡♡♡
As you can see, we all think differently. If you would like to be part of THE WOMEN BEHIND THE MOVEMENT or THE MEN BEHIND THE MOVEMENT I would LOVE to hear from you. Please email your submission to wabisabithemovement@gmail.com and attach a photo!
Love and smiles, WS x
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miss mustapha!
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