Dear Feminist Consciousness Changer,
I am writing to you today because as I help you I am helping myself. You are a consciousness changer. You are a rebel with a cause. You are a world lover who cares for women, men, children, families, single folk, tribes, communities, cities, towns, villages, counties, states, provinces, nations and countries all over the world. As a feminist consciousness changer you must understand that you do much more than help women. As a feminist you empower women to empower themselves and these women empower everyone they come in contact with in their daily lives. Feminism is also not just about feminism. You as a feminist consciousness changer are involved in changing consciousness in other areas such as: environmental, social justice, racial/cultural, housing, communities, education, art, family/parenting, health/medicine/holistic health, GLBTQ, disability, military, immigration, human rights/civil rights, work place issues, family/parenting, international relations, urban/suburban/rural and religion/spiritual issues and aboriginal/first nations/indigenous/native issues. You are able to take several of these areas and merge them into what drives you to live your life as a feminist.
You may currently be working at a women's organization, non-profit or a women owned business. You may be volunteering for a women's organization , keep your own blog , sign petitions daily for women's causes or you may be thinking of starting your own organization to help women. You may have a degree or may be working on a women's studies degree. You may be reading about the Goddesses, Priestesses, Medicine Women or other women of the world who have a holistic consciousness of the Planet. You may be engaging with people in your everyday life in a different way than many in the mainstream society because you understand that change is needed. You may read several different blogs like feministing. You may have a few you really like . You may always be seeking more and more interesting blogs . You are always seeking, learning and committed to your life as a feminist.
In all of this amazing work that you have done, are doing or will do you should applaud yourself. You have a unique set of skills, gifts and abilities to contribute and give to the world. As an activist, writer, advocate, peace maker, healer, sage, medicine woman, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, teacher, lawyer, doctor, professor, waitress, clerk, cashier, administrative assistant, janitor, pilot, beautician, office manager, president, hair stylist, naturopath, poet, accountant, welder, tradeswoman, businesswoman, auto worker, musician, author and everything else in between get up and dance in your chair. Better yet, bust out the tunes and dance a song or two on the floor!
To continue your life as a feminist consciousness changer always take care of you. I will recommend inexpensive, creative, non-materialistic, relaxing and transformative ways to take care of you. For the active and energetic part of yourself you can go for a bike, walk, run, skip, jump or dance. More contemplative and mindful activities you can write poetry, journal, make art, do yoga, tai chi or meditate. Make sure to enjoy good times with friends and family. Have a good laugh and relax. Meet people for tea, coffee or a healthy but inexpensive meal. Allow yourself a treat in your life and this does not mean you have to spend money and consume. Great healing, serenity and peace can be found in connecting with a place in nature that you consider to be special and sacred. Or if you are in the city or a suburban area and nature is not close find a tree, flowers or river that your heart can flow into and heal. Pick up the phone and call an old friend. Write a hand written letter to someone special, not an impersonal email. Connect with animals whether it is your own pal, visit an animal sanctuary or shelter. Get a massage and find someone who can do an exchange if possible. Simple things to take care of you but sometimes we are so busy blogging, writing, working and living our lives that we forget to take care of ourselves. Dear feminist consciousness changer I hope you understand that taking care of you will allow you to continue to do amazing work! Carry on beautifully and empowered dear feminists!
"It is essential to collectively struggle to recover our status as Daughters of the Earth." - Winona LaDuke
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This was beautiful, thanks so much for this. It is something I always struggle with. I work for two organizations and spend the rest of my time blogging and going through websites of other organizations to see how I can help. I don't usually make the time for myself, but I'm going to make more of an effort!
Thank you, I am glad you liked it! It truly is so important to take time out for ourselves!
Thank you for the beautiful post.
Thank-you for this beautiful post (and of course, for the linky love)! I sincerely hope you take your own advice, too!
Yes Ouyandan, I need to take my own advice for sure so I can continue to do the work! =)