crazy talk: womanhood

knowing who we are can better help us understand who we can become.

Today i am pondering on the power of example. Olive woke up the other morning with a personality that was unique, spicy, gentle, loving, bright, and personal to who she is. Obviously she was born with a personality, but this was different. It was as if something had settled, or unlocked, and she was able to better express who she is. I relished in this. What a joy it is to see what these little tiny humans are all about. i was making breakfast and a glanced back to see her doing the same thing at her toy kitchenette. I folded some laundry only to notice that she was attempting the same thing. I was looking at my phone to find her rummaging through her toy box to find her own phone to play on. I obviously understand that every thing this small, beautiful, little girl knows is through my example; but it never sunk in how much she sees. through the eyes of my daughter, what do i look like? am i beautiful or vain? hot tempered or meek, soft, glowing? am i loving, or stern? stubborn or quick to forgive? am i eager to play or read her a story, or does she feel she must beg for attention? how does she view me? how am i through her sweet little eyes?

women today get so many mixed signals of what they should be. who they should please. are you less of a woman because you stay at home? are you more of a woman if you show more thigh? are you highly acclaimed because your job? are you less of a woman if you have suffered through a divorce? who are you? why are you like that? who am i pleasing?

as women i feel we are so eager to one up each other, when in reality, we could accomplish so much more if we were eager to embrace each others talents. if we encouraged each other to let our quirky and wonderful attributes come forth. my husband gave a lesson to the young girls in our area. he spoke about modesty, humility, and confidence. he said something that i still remember. "who do you get dressed for in the morning?" I often ponder that. in a world that constantly turns woman against each other, i hope i can find peace with the spirit inside of me and stay true to the woman i am.

I will try harder today, to show my daughter the tender loving attributes that women posses. i hope i can help her find confidence in who she is as a daughter. i hope that i can try harder today to show her who i am and what i believe.

“Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue … , who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind … , who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.” —President Gordon B. Hinckley