Writer. Feminist. Historian. Person.
the steps rise steeper
as her tomorrows decline
yet still she persists
I saw Helene’s What Do You See Challenge directly after reading the news of yet another infuriating decision to exert control over women. I am struggling to retain hope for a future where (as a woman) I am considered to be a person not merely a vessel to be used then tossed aside. So this is as hopeful as I can get this morning.
And to all those who insist on sticking their business in my uterus, I say …
Dark seeps through the rift.
The creator of days persists
Still, the shadows grow.
Not feeling particularly hopeful or cheery tonight, but thanks for the inspiration go to Putting My Feet in the Dirt and Sue’s #WritePhoto Prompt
Check out their sites for other great writing.
And as an FYI, the super gloomy shadow shot is mine.
a new day begins ~
unfurling a path to choose ~
hero or coward ~
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Every day we make a million little choices that define who we are. Those choices built on each other and create a picture of “self.” It’s tempting to assume at some point that our picture is done. We confidently or defiantly (or sometimes with shame) declare “what you see is what you get” or as Popeye would say “I am what I am.” Or is it “I yam what I yam”?
Of course some things can’t be changed or even be easily altered, but that doesn’t mean your picture of self is finished. Every day offers us an opportunity to make a change. It may be so tiny that no one notices or so big that the world takes notice. Not everyone will like it. Not everyone who likes it will agree on its merits. Some people will care too much. And some people won’t care at all. And some people will think you don’t have the right to make the change at all. But regardless what other people think or say, your choice means that your self-portrait will be different from yesterday. To me, that idea is daunting but ultimately wonderful. In a world where so many things are beyond my scope of immediate power, it is empowering to believe I CAN change my self-portrait.
To KNOW that my choices can change MY PATH!
With that sense of Wonder Woman like empowerment I should be making great strides towards a better me. And that better me should be on the forefront of the resistance kickin’ ass! Right? And in my perfect world, every morning I would think about my choices. What do I want the world to see when they view my portrait? What do I want to see? What path am I choosing today? How will I make a better world today? But, of course, it’s not a perfect world. And I’m terrible at self-reflection! And the path towards a better world gets cluttered with Twitter rants and despair. And. And. And…
Some days, choosing to be kind to myself and others is the best I can do. (And really isn’t that the very least we can do for ourselves and humanity!)
So today, I’ll try to practice what I preach.
Tomorrow I plan on looking for a golden lasso or maybe a pair of cuffs!
Tina Stewart Brakebill 