It’s Women’s History Month and it’s been such a treat to see other women creators, business owners, and artists sharing what it means to be their own person. Looking back on my journey, I see so many different versions of myself. Some I absolutely loved, others not so much but I am not one bit regretful of the way things happened to shape me who I am today.
Along the way, I also learnt and unlearnt a ton of notions, I rephrased my mind’s voice to be more uplifting and empowering. This International Women’s Day, here’s a list of things I unlearnt because knowingly or unknowingly I have judged fellow women for their choices in the past and I want to do better & nurture more meaningful equations:
- Not to judge a woman’s clothing choices. Just because what she wore isn’t something I would, doesn’t give me the right to roll my eyes at it.
- Not to look down upon a woman’s relationships. What goes between two people in a relationship is their own and not for the world have opinions about.
- Doing away with terms like drama queen. Everyone emotes differently and it’s okay if someone people are more openly emotional about things.
- Not having any conversation about someone’s vital stats. Enough with the, “Did you see how much weight she has put on?” I’m trying my best not to make this a central point of conversation with someone.
- Respectfully disagreeing with someone who has different opinions. I used to get too caught up with a certain school of thought, which wasn’t a constructive way to go about discussions.
- Since social media is a big part of our lives, judging someone on their life choices comes easy. I am ensuring that I am not critical about women sharing what they feel like over such platforms.
- Internalizing that gender roles can be fluid. It can also be about what someone is interested in and it’s okay if their interests don’t fall under traditional gender roles.
- Doing away with vain gossip. Gosh, I picked up this habit in college and I know how unreasonably critical I have been of women whom I hadn’t even spoken to. No more!
Let’s be kind and create a more empowering space for everyone — Happy International Women’s Day! What have you unlearnt?
Madhu Narayan
Mondays with Madhu
Guest blogger, Plant Life Meals