What’s the deal. With this Feminism stuff? January 15, 2012

What the hell does that mean? To be a Feminist?

 

While driving to a meeting over the weekend, I all of sudden had the strongest urge to crack open my laptop and start looking into what feminism really is, and why it had such an icky reputation.  Or maybe not.  Maybe I perceive it to have a bad reputation in my small little corner of the world, but I decided to investigate anyways.

 

I have been often times, told, that I am a feminist because of my views relating to relationships, and a woman’s role (there shouldn’t be a pre-determined woman or man role, in my opinion, by the way), but I always got the sense that when I was told I was a feminist, that this was coming from a place of “Typical.  She can’t get a man so this chick is on this rant” OR “Because she’s having difficulty with this situation, she’s blaming society for her incompetence”-

 

…you get my drift.

 

So I went straight to the inter-webs and looked up the definition of what it means to be a feminist:

 

Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights for women.^[1][2] In addition, feminism seeks to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment. A feminist is a “person whose beliefs and behavior are based on feminism.”^[3] 

^{Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism#Culture}

 

It doesn’t sound so bad, I don’t think it’s a lot to ask for both women and men to have the same level of respect.  That both men AND women work ALONGSIDE one another.  Why does this term still need to be used? I mean, didn’t we go through all those feminist movements already? And why, when it is used, does it have to be put in a negative context?

 

I mean, are people annoyed that women were successful in the movement? Or is because we’re still talking about it despite being able to, I don’t know, vote…? Or is because there are dedicated people and organizations working towards giving women in other parts of the world the same amount of access as Canadian women?

 

Whatever you want to call it though:

 

Feminism.  Girl Power.  Spice Girls.  I don’t know.

 

I just want to remind all those “skeptics”:

 

• There are more women in the world
• There are more women graduating from educational institutions
• …and..well..we’re better looking

 

And personally, if my views of relationships and the role of women initiates a reference to a powerful movement.  Then YAY me because frankly: a woman.  A Real Woman.  Doesn’t need a term to define who she is.  She simply does what she does and lets the world take notes -

Actions speak louder than words December 29, 2011

 

Anyone who is close to me will know that I have the tendency to jump from one idea to the next but I’d like to think that all of the ideas I have had exhibit a link with one another.

 

I tend to get really excited about something, start working on it, talk to people, and then realize: nope, that’s not it.

 

Although for now I’ve remained committed and dedicated and confident with Ed-Tech and believe I’m on route to where I need to be, my message and point to all those who are nodding their heads because they exhibit the same behaviour:

 

That I would have never been able to iterate and filter my ideas to where they are now had I not begun to talk to people and make a commitment to doing.  Admittedly, it has come with a slight side-affect: now, many people will just give me they oh, she’s got ANOTHER idea.

 

To which I tell myself: your skepticism is valid, but I know in my heart I’m actually going to follow-through with this one.

 

My point:

 

Just do it.  In any way/method that works best for you.

 

What are you doing here? November 28, 2011

 

There are the obvious benefits attending an event with friends.  You have your security blanket with you.  Guaranteed conversational company and not having to worry about eating lunch all alone.

 

But there’s also a problem: you stick with them.  And don’t end up meeting as many people as you could’ve because you already had company–you weren’t forced to talk to anyone.

 

Attending an event alone, however, is a whole different ball game.  One that I’m still not accustomed to but I’m certainly trying.  I can tell you, you try much harder to find that vital eye contact to get the go ahead to approach someone because you’re going to feel foolish standing all alone watching other people meet other people.

 

I find I get a lot more awkward when I don’t understand my place or reason for attending the event/conference.  I’m now a lot more thoughtful about which events I attend.  This may seem like common sense to you but its a recent revelation to me.  I’m more cognoscente of the events not because of time or money reasons, simply because I want to make sure I have relevant and logical reasons for attending and being there.

 

It also makes it easier when I have a goal in mind for attending.  It makes it easier for me to strike up conversation because I’m looking for something.  I don’t mean to sound like a shark.  Most of the time, I’m simply looking to meet different people and I want to have a conversation with you because I’d like to get to know you.  But other times, let’s be real, sometimes you’re at an event for a very specific reason and you have to get your hustle on.

 

If it’s an event that really speaks to you, don’t worry about whether your friends are available or not.  Register for it.  And if you end up attending alone, remind yourself every second you’re there as to why you’re there.

 

Keep on keepin on.

Get over yourself November 15, 2011

You are never alone in your efforts.

 

Although there may be a long period of time where you have to hustle and grind in a journey that seems to be filled with loneliness, you’re really not alone.  I’m sure there’s at least one person around supporting you.

 

There also has to be at least another person to have given you time to point you in the right direction, connected you to the right person, or better yet, have been the right person.

 

All of those things do not mean that you were alone in your struggle.

 

Don’t forget the people who helped you, don’t forget the people who donated time, and recognize that you weren’t alone from day one.

 

That is all.

One of the most difficult characteristics to attain November 1, 2011

 

I’ve been working at trying to develop more patience for years and haven’t been doing so well (sue me).

 

That being said, however, I am currently in the middle of gaining another life lesson.  I’ll give you 10 bucks if you guess correctly

 

As you may, or may not know, I changed jobs.  In the beginning, I wasn’t happy about it.  Mom kept telling me to be patient.  Not to jump ship so quickly.  Just hang in there and give the opportunity a chance.

 

I’m happy I listened to her.

 

…maybe this post should be about listening to your mom rather than about being patient.

 

Either way though, I’m glad I did both.