People who have known me for a while can attest to how much my beliefs have evolved over the years. Embracing growth is crucial for anyone striving to be a well-rounded adult.
Before I welcomed my third child—a daughter—my mindset was already beginning to shift. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to be a feminist, and, as a result, I didn’t consider myself one. I had a misguided notion that feminists were the ones making life difficult by burning bras and insisting that men shouldn’t hold doors open for women. I pictured them as angry women who were perpetually at odds with men.
Truthfully, I enjoy having doors held open for me. I appreciate my bras, I like men, and I love being a girl. Here’s a little secret: Once, I confided in friends that I didn’t believe a woman could ever effectively lead the United States. Yes, I really said that. It’s mortifying to admit, but I want to share my journey honestly.
Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to have wise, patient friends who stood by me even when I voiced such outdated beliefs. They taught me that feminism doesn’t mean rejecting femininity or demanding to be treated as anything less than a woman deserving of respect. Being a feminist means celebrating our gender and advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Feminists believe that girls can achieve anything, deserve equal pay, and should encourage each other to be courageous and assertive.
Feminism manifests in many ways: some women, like me, leave stressful corporate jobs to nurture their families, while others choose to explore the world without the responsibilities of marriage or children. At its core, feminism is about making choices that empower us as women.
Not only did I come to recognize myself as a feminist, but I also embraced the responsibility of raising my three children to appreciate the strength of women. It’s a task I take pride in, especially when I see my daughter demonstrating courage and confidence.
On Halloween, we took our kids trick-or-treating in a neighborhood filled with friends. My daughter, dressed as a ladybug, approached a young boy named Max, who was driving a toy police car. She confidently tugged on the passenger door and declared, “I want a ride.”
The adults nearby cooed at the cuteness of it all, but when Max didn’t move, she asserted herself firmly, “You’re in my seat.” Their ensuing stare down was a sight to behold. Max appeared uncertain, while my daughter stood her ground with determination. I couldn’t help but stifle my laughter as I witnessed the boy’s parents’ reactions, clearly taken aback that their son was being directed by a girl. Eventually, Max relented, allowing her to take the driver’s seat, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride as she zoomed away.
Teaching my children about empowerment and equality is a journey filled with joy and discovery. If you’re interested in more about family-building options, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re considering the home insemination route, you might find this informative post about an at-home insemination kit helpful.
In summary, my understanding of feminism has transformed from a narrow view to a celebration of women’s rights and choices. I’m dedicated to raising my children, especially my daughter, to recognize and embrace the power of women.