Women.

[(not) Narancia]

I just want to put this into the void because it happens too often not to notice patterns. 

Throughout the years i have noticed the women in my life are just.. built different. The majority of women i've known or been involved with were basically titans. They oftentimes went to college/university, studying & researching well into the night and oftentimes the early morning. They held down jobs, took care of their siblings, made time for either the gym or some type of martial art, expressed themselves through arts, reading or music and.. Still made time for me somehow?

With all of this happening they had one more thing in common. They were fighting, clawing for even a shred of their parent's respect, love and support. I quit college at 18. I slacked off for like 2 years during the pandemic and while i have attained stability now, i still had a supportive mother even back then.

I'm just taking a moment to reflect on how absurdly high the standards for women are, especially in religious households. I would cave. Instantly. When i think about just a random day one of those women had i can confidently say i'd be pulling my hair out. Having to balance so many responsibilities and STILL feeling like you're not living up to the expectations set by your parents?? Crushing. 

I hope we can collectively work on making life easier and more fulfilling for our children to come. To praise and reward them for good work but also just for keeping up. To be the ones to reassure them that it's okay to fall. You don't need to pick yourself up by your bootstraps.

If you read this clusterfuck, i hope it makes sense and if you experienced any of this and aren't a woman.. This all still applies to you. Obviously. You don't deserve the pride and love of your parents any less.  

Be proud of yourself.