So...I have been slapped in the face by reality...

So...I have been slapped in the face by a reality today...one that I have not ignored, but simply just forgot about. I'm writing this so that all of you other women out there that take care of a million things a day, have very little time for yourself already, and are already pushed to the limit in the key areas of your life can add ONE more thing to your plate...

Be a mom, sister, and/or friend to a young woman.

There is a need in our society for female fellowship. The world says that women are NOT supposed to be friends...instead we are supposed to compete. We want to know who is the sexiest, prettiest, finest, most intellectual, most accomplished, etc... This is a lie and we have taken in large spoonfuls of crap that separate, isolate and ultimately dislocate us from our purposes in this life.

Now I'm not talking about some feminist walk all over everybody and burn our bras (because somehow they are the symbol of man's conventional oppression) mentality. Instead I'm talking about a connection, one that has been overlooked yet longed for since human beings roamed this earth.

Perspective is the key to taking time out for another woman in your life. If you look at it as just one more thing to do, then that will be exactly what it is, but if you genuinely work to start a relationship, one that brings you joy, it will turn out to be exactly what you needed.

Outside Looking In...

I have a lot of labels. I have become more and more aware of them as time has passed, bills become due, family calls, children cry, and job demands. It is an amazing and exhausting thing to not live for yourself. Instead I live for everything and everyone and think about my needs later. When does later come...you may wonder...WELL, so do I. I have no clue when later comes.

Please don't get discouraged because by no means am I trying to discourage you or pollute your view on the future. There is a beauty to it, a maturity that it brings. Not living for yourself has a way working out your problems. For example, if I feel fat, I forget about it the next time I have to make lunch for my son. If I remember that I haven't had a pedicure since the New Testament was written, I forget about it the next time I have to grade papers for 150 9th graders that think I'm old at the ripe age of 27.

Even though it may sound like I'm complaining...ok maybe I am a little...I really do love my life. How boring and pitiful would it be to just have me to focus on all day long. I've lived with myself for 27 years and, sure there are things I want to do for myself, but ultimately I know those things will go towards the good of my family and friends...the people that love me and the people that I love.

So to sum up...I need more time for myself, but not at the expense of those who rightfully count on me and hopefully as I better myself, I will better their lives as well.