Fear and Feminism
Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of listening to many inspirational women. And while my life is full of women I get inspiration from every day – these women were different because they were famous.
But they were not different in the way that fear still paralysed them, they were the same as the other women in my life who suffer from the insecurity and doubt. Consumed by the impostor syndrome – a dread that people would find out who they really were and not be so impressed.
In a radio conversation Claire Bowditch, swapped notes with best selling author, Jeanette Winterson, on how even when we have a really great day, we only remember the bad things that happen. We focus on what we could have done better rather than what we did well, or what we loved.
“This is one moment, but know that another will pierce you with a painful joy.’ TSL Elliot
The conversation between them was very entertaining but covering Jeanette’s journey to self acceptance and happiness.
This morning when the legendary author, model and activist Tara Moss interviewed Gloria Steinem, she revealed her fear at having to admit to being a Feminist on National TV when asked a direct question. She was afraid of the repercussions. She knew she would be attacked on social media for saying out loud what she knew to be true in her heart.
Admitting that she was reticent to admitting being a feminist to one of the worlds’ most famous feminists was brave, but not a surprise to Gloria. While Gloria has long given up on worrying what people think of her, but she admits that at times she too has been a female impersonator taking an easier path than the one required.
“Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself.” Gloria
It’s extraordinary to me, that these women, all at the top of their game – motivational, dynamic, brave – have moments of self-doubt. Yet it’s empowering to know that we are all as complex as each other.
Despite moments of diminished clarity, however; they remain determined to succeed and all of them use solitude to recharge the batteries and keep them grounded
For Gloria it’s her perpetual time on the road (she is in Australia to launch her latest book My life on Road)
Jeanette bunkers down in her studio (she has authored 21 books) of Tara enjoys bushwalking near her home (Tara is about to launch her new book #Speaking Out).
“On the road, I learned that the media are not reality; reality is reality.” (Gloria)
What I have taken from these amazing women is how its important for all of us to know what drives us. What motivates us, and what renews us. Self-awareness is vital to success.
So, as one proud to name myself a feminist without fear, I encourage you to be brave like these women. Acknowledge your strengths, name your weaknesses, own your history and create your own path.