Being a Woman

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine set up a facebook page called NRG Godesses. The idea behind it was to celebrate the brilliance of being a woman and empowering womanhood in each sister that contributed. An invitation was extended to each woman to supply a photo and a saying or mantra that they practice in their life. I continued to watch the posts of amazing women and the profound things they have to share, and then, I decided I was going to contribute a photo as well....

Although a simple request, I have been surprised at the depth of the self-reflection that has gone into this process. In fact, it has turned out to be a little more complicated than what I thought. Not wanting to just supply a selfie from my iphone, I decided that if I was going to get a photo taken, I would get a real photographer to do it. And if she was going to be real, then I better look real, and got a hair and make up artist to work her magic as well.... I can tell you from this simple exercise - I have been enlightened for sure.

So I start off my re-launch of my blog - 'bout that! with what I have learnt about being a woman. I do so, using the photos from my recent photo shoot.

Beautiful

I have discovered that beautiful is a word that I use a lot and as I get older, I actually mean it. No longer is the word just attached to how someone looks, but it could be an accomplishment, a song, a poem, a conversation, a dress, or an action. It is becoming more of a word attached to a feeling than just a description. I have also learnt that we can all be beautiful, regardless of what the outside shell looks like - because it is the life that you lead, the works and service that is done that makes someone beautiful. You need to be humble to become beautiful, because you have to give up or in popular vernacular of the day - "let go" of your self-hatred, and poor self-image/esteem - because these are prideful and the humble are beautiful...

My makeup artist - Lucie Tuia and photographer - Kimberley Berryman, both gifted in their work, not only made me feel beautiful on the outside, but I was surprised that what they actually achieved was matching what people would see with how I feel inside. I also learnt while I was going through this process that instead of waiting for Mr to send me a "you are beautiful" bone after 25 years of marriage, it was up to me to re-affirm that I am a beautiful person for myself and not to rely on what others think. I am learning to be comfortable in my own skin! Well, I am trying!

Take the time

On the day of the photo shoot, I finished work a little early and came home so Lucie could get started. She asked me when the last time I had my makeup done for me and I said my wedding day, and I realised how sad that was. This was confirmed when Mr came home from work and started wondering what was going on, and commented that he hadn't seen me like this since our wedding day! Why hadn't I taken the time out of the last two decades to get myself done up? Why had I not bothered to have some 'M' time and feel like a princess, or be a woman! Why shouldn't I feel like a princess everyday? I am a professional working woman and I need to take the time to be that on the outside and the inside. Definitely a work in progress. 

Remember!

This whole experience has made me realise that I had forgotten what it is like to be a woman, or rather forgotten that I was a woman. Instead I am caught up in my life and busy, busy with things going on. This experience has made me stop and re-evaluate what I wanted my image to look like - and what I want people to see. I give thanks to a talented Kimberley who listened to my vulnerable ramblings and deciphered what I said and went on to capture the woman inside me! I look at these photos and I have to remind myself that that is me. I may live my life in a man-dominated economy and political environment, and even in a house of males - but I am essentially and always will be a 'girl'/woman and need to act that way (whatever that is!). When Mr came home and saw the transformation of his every day wife into someone else - he couldn't believe it. I learnt in that instant, that just because a man doesn't say anything - it doesn't meant that he doesn't care! The way he looked at me reminded me of how he used to watch me when we were at High School! I had forgotten how nice that felt! 

Go for it!

All my friend wanted was a photo with a saying/advice to add to it, which I was able to do. However, I believe I got more out of it than she will ever know. I got to push myself out of my comfort zone, and come out from behind the scene and take a seat in the front, left right and centre! With all of these feelings I was having, and after a great deal of self-talk - I went for it!I didn't wait until later, or until I lost weight - I made the decision then did it. I did something for me - and all about me! I didn't wait for anyone to tell me what do to and how to do it!

Be Happy

The one thing I have discovered during this experience is about being happy. There is no use hanging on to things that can't be changed or not in our control. We are responsible for how we react to things. Be happy with your physical flaws, your imperfections because that's what makes you, you. I have tonnes of them, but during this experience, I realised who am I kidding? I need to be in control of how I feel, and what a feel - and I want to be happy as I am. It took over 45 years to get here - but I am happy and I wouldn't have it any other way!

What makes you the woman you are? Share what you think 'bout that!

Yours in friendship,

Mxo