As a writer and reader, I think words matter. They shape how we see ourselves, how others see us. So I don't know yet what you mean. How and why do you think people avoid empowerment via language?
I think the implication that women of middle-age and older still even need to have a discussion about how to think or talk about themselves is pretty disempowering, if we take the idea seriously at all rather than as just fluff.
I am 100% certain that this is not a discussion that empowered people feel the need to engage in.
The writing teachers tell us to show, not tell. Why?
Why is showing better than telling?
If older women or any other group want to be perceived a certain way, the best way is to show it in the way they engage. Rather than just talk about it.
When I was about 53 and had just gone through menopause, I had a vivid dream in which I was an old woman with long white hair and a crow tattooed on my left shoulder. It was one of those dreams that stays with you after you wake up, so I figured "well, I guess I need to go get that tattoo!" I had already stopped dyeing my hair and was letting my natural grey/white grow out, so that part was easy to accomplish. I found a great tattoo artist who made my dream crow into reality.
Anyway, I was telling the story of my tattoo to a friend who is very into Irish mythology, and she exclaimed "You dreamed you were the Morrigan! She's the most powerful Irish goddess!" I looked up the Morrigan, and discovered she was associated with war, destiny and fertility - and was a shapeshifter who often took the form of a raven or crow.
I think that was when I let go of my fear of aging, and decided to lean into being a Crone. Each new wrinkle no longer dismays me - I *like* my wrinkles, they make my face more interesting. I laugh at the ads that are trying to make me insecure about my skin, my hair, my teeth - what silliness! I have no need for Botox or fillers. Why on earth would I want to pretend to be a young person? I am a proud Crone; I do what I want and I have no desire to be mistaken for a silly young thing.
What a great crone story, complete with crow! Love the dream, the follow-through, the goddess connection. Also love that you used the term shapeshifter, which, come to think of it, applies to all of us, doesn't it - as our bodies shift shapes from infancy through old age, if we're lucky enough to get there. Thanks so much for sharing.
🧐
Empowerment is as empowerment does.
My gut tells me that thousands of words about specifics of language usage isn't so much self-empowerment as it is an avoidance of it.
As a writer and reader, I think words matter. They shape how we see ourselves, how others see us. So I don't know yet what you mean. How and why do you think people avoid empowerment via language?
I think the implication that women of middle-age and older still even need to have a discussion about how to think or talk about themselves is pretty disempowering, if we take the idea seriously at all rather than as just fluff.
I am 100% certain that this is not a discussion that empowered people feel the need to engage in.
The writing teachers tell us to show, not tell. Why?
Why is showing better than telling?
If older women or any other group want to be perceived a certain way, the best way is to show it in the way they engage. Rather than just talk about it.
My son once asked if my wrinkles were just for decoration. I was in my 40s at the time. Now at 74, I’m a highly decorated person. Earned every crease!
Yes, our wrinkles are just for decoration - and decorations make us look more beautiful. What a great story. Thanks, Poppy!
Such a nice nod to Donna, her artwork and her fierce crone-ness! I’ve gone over and subscribed to her newsletter!
And I love your gravity-wrinkles on your swimming body.
Indeed. Fierce, wrinkly crones unite!
When I was about 53 and had just gone through menopause, I had a vivid dream in which I was an old woman with long white hair and a crow tattooed on my left shoulder. It was one of those dreams that stays with you after you wake up, so I figured "well, I guess I need to go get that tattoo!" I had already stopped dyeing my hair and was letting my natural grey/white grow out, so that part was easy to accomplish. I found a great tattoo artist who made my dream crow into reality.
Anyway, I was telling the story of my tattoo to a friend who is very into Irish mythology, and she exclaimed "You dreamed you were the Morrigan! She's the most powerful Irish goddess!" I looked up the Morrigan, and discovered she was associated with war, destiny and fertility - and was a shapeshifter who often took the form of a raven or crow.
I think that was when I let go of my fear of aging, and decided to lean into being a Crone. Each new wrinkle no longer dismays me - I *like* my wrinkles, they make my face more interesting. I laugh at the ads that are trying to make me insecure about my skin, my hair, my teeth - what silliness! I have no need for Botox or fillers. Why on earth would I want to pretend to be a young person? I am a proud Crone; I do what I want and I have no desire to be mistaken for a silly young thing.
What a great crone story, complete with crow! Love the dream, the follow-through, the goddess connection. Also love that you used the term shapeshifter, which, come to think of it, applies to all of us, doesn't it - as our bodies shift shapes from infancy through old age, if we're lucky enough to get there. Thanks so much for sharing.