Lifting each other up

[ocelot41]

It's been a hard, stressful time recently. MeToo, the Kavanaugh case etc. I feel so ground down and worn out with the misogyny, the pain, the endless frigging male privilege. Its like every time I turn on the news I get the rage again. Anyone else feel that way? How can we lift each other up? Want to come on and share what's happened that was good, empowering and beautiful in your life recently?

What lifts me up is coming on social media and seeing so many other women who feel the same way. Its very easy for us to feel isolated. Some of the women who post here are so clear thinking and articulate, I just want to stand up and cheer them on when they post.

My children.

They are all of them, in their own way, going through so much shit right now. My eldest is articulate and fiercely proto-feminist, navigating through a world that shames her for being big chested and assertive. She makes me proud every day.

Another daughter is bisexual and coming to terms with the assumptions that people make about her. But she has courage and tenacity and a really stubborn streak that I know will help her enormously.

Still another is fighting a life and death battle with MH issues, and giving me untold sleepless nights, but hugged me this evening and told me she was so glad she could always rely on me to be there for her. To have her trust is priceless.

My son is a deliciously unconventional person, detail-obsessed and thoughtful, prone to temper outbursts followed by sincere self reflection, and a flamboyant sense of drama and fashion. He wears a magnificent floral sports jacket that his sister grew out of and likes painting his nails. I am thrilled to have a fearless boy who is not remotely constrained by what the wider culture is telling him a man is.

There is so much to be hopeful about, in amongst all the messed up crud of this world.

For me, it's getting a really cool, supportive female boss who is really changing the culture where I work. Bloody brilliant.

Your kids sound fantastic Floral, am really sorry to hear one is so unwell with MH issues though. That must be so hard

Spent an evening with lovely female friends. The warm glow of female friendship, conversation and solidarity is a huge tonic.

Keep connecting with women OP, on here and irl. Many a day, many a woman has saved me from crashing my head against the wall in despair. When I'm saturated with the prevalence of misogyny and sexual abuse in the world I have to stop watching and reading the news for a while. I stick to reading novels and pottering. It's mental health respite.

Lovely thread, OP, thank you. 🌸
I just went in to tuck DS1 in and told him I loved him, and without waking up he murmured 'I love you too Mummy'.
It is without question the most soothing balm to a ruffled soul. apart from 2 weeks alone on a remote island
So sorry for your troubles @FloralBunting and glad that you have such a strong bond with all your DC. I always value your contributions and really appreciate the obvious time and care you take over your posts. Hope things get a little easier for you soon 💐