A good friend recently encouraged me to continue to write and to hone my skills and I really appreciated that positive attitude and “can do” spirit she exuded toward me. It got me thinking about the influence of strong women both in the world at large and in history, but in my life too. I have been blessed over the many years of my life with the presence of strong women, from teachers and advisers to Head Girls, from work colleagues to close friends; women I have loved and looked up to for their dignity and their ability to simply get on with life, for enduring and surviving while at the same time encouraging and supporting those around them.
I am not a feminist per se; I do firmly believe that as 50% of the human race we, as women, deserve respect and equal pay for doing the equivalent job as men. But at the same time, I like to have the some would say old-fashioned courtesies given to the female class such as having the door held open for me, being given the seat on a train/bus – all of which have largely disappeared from everyday life (me thinks another blog topic there!) I like to be appreciated (but then don’t we all?!). But I don’t want to politicise this torrent of words…….. and everyone has a different opinion on what is a strong woman and what is feminism.
And so, I can only mention one or two individuals or this blog would take forever to read (and to write), but you know who you are and you know I love and admire you all and thank you for helping to make this world a better place to be in because of your presence in my life.
So here is my top5 strong women:
Famous: Michelle Obama
History: Queen Elizabeth 1
Family: my Mum
Business: my dear friend Jo
Friends
Famous: Michelle Obama: I deeply admire women like Michelle Obama (and Oprah). Women who have very humble origins. Who have educated themselves and become more than the sum of their parts and been a force for change. This woman in particular has grace and elegance, a ready smile and a positive “can do” attitude that encourages and enthuses other women to believe that they “can do” too. Rare qualities. Precious attributes. I think she’d make a great dinner party guest too.
History: Queen Elizabeth 1: Now I know I am going to get quite a response to this statement – but here goes……I am not a fan of Jane Austen nor the Bronte sisters and therefore cannot include them in this list. Please forgive me Ladies, and do not delete
Family: my Mum: I know everyone thinks they have the best mother in the world, but I am totally biased and convinced – nope! I have her! She has just turned 87, beaten cancer 3 times over the last 8 years. She has a quiet and mild spirit that covers a backbone of steely determination. She is a teacher, a home-maker, a loyal friend. A student of the Bible and a steadfast follower of Jehovah God. She has a wicked sense of humour and always has a warm gentle, soft hand to hold. She is the centre of our family. Her smile tells you that everything will be alright. I love her beyond words and admire her strength and courage.
Business: Jo: I have known this strong and
Friends: where would we be without our friends. Women with empathy, sympathy and loyalty. Women who encourage and enthuse, teach you, support you and women who care. Women who cook and bake delicious cakes. Women who listen, who know just what to say and just the right time. Women who hold you when you are falling apart and help to put you back together again. Women who walk through life with you, go shopping with you (and give honest opinions!) drink gin with you, eat cream cakes and make you laugh ‘til you cry. Women who accept you for who you are and what you are. Each one unique and special. My friends are all of these things and they make my life special. Thank you.