A post for daughters.

Dear Grace,

 

I would like to introduce you to a few people:

 

 

 Simone de Beauvoir -

1908 –  1986

 

“One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.”

Simone was a French philosopher,  intellectual, political activist, feminist  and social theorist. Her contributions to feminist existentialism have marked her place in history. She wrote countless novels, political works and biographies, but is best known for ” The Second Sex”, a comprehensive account of women’s oppression that lay the foundations for comtempory feminism.   

I wonder how often she fretted over her weight?

 

Susan B. Anthony -

1820–1906

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself.”
Susan was the women’s movement’s most powerful organizer of the time.  She fought passionately for women’s right to vote and was also prevelant in the fight against slavery.

 

What would she make of our current “Ladette” culture?

 

Rosa Parks -

1913– 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”

 Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white person on a  bus. She was immediately arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, and saddled with a criminal record.  This brave and solitary act of defiance against discrimination set in motion the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and in turn - the civil rights movement. She remained a strong advocate for human rights issues untill her death.

 

I doubt she worried too much if her bum looked big. 

 

Helen Keller -

 1880–1968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Helen was deaf, mute, and blind, yet she became an expert author and lecturer, educating nationally on behalf of others with similar disabilities.

 

I feel sure she had the confidence to leave her house without make-up on.

 

Amelia Earhart:
1897–1937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

 

The first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean , she lead the way for other  women pilots. She set many other records and had books published on the subject of aviation.  Amelia was a member of the National Womens Party, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Ammendment.

 

She probably didn’t care how big her boobs were.

 

Marie Curie:
1867–1934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.”

The first woman to win a Nobel Prize — she actually won it twice — and the first woman to earn a doctorate in Europe . Her investigations led to the discovery of radioactivity and the element radium.

 

I wonder how many “fat” days she worried about.

 

I suppose what I’m trying to tell you is this, Grace:  Focus on what is truly important in life. The world has endless possibilities. Women like these few I have named (and there are SO many more) have helped to lay the flagstones for your path in life. You can achieve anything you set your mind too. You don’t have to change the world, win a Nobel Prize or start a revolution – but you should always have respect for yourself, a thirst for knowledge and compassion for others.

Have pride in your appearance – but know it is not the be-all-and-end-all. A beautiful soul radiates and guarantees a beautiful face. Your soul is SO beautiful, Grace. Always try to see it smiling back at you in the mirror.

Be a healthy weight – but don’t become obsessed.

Set goals – however small, and try you damndest to reach them.

Never believe you do not need an education.

Never compromise your dignity or your beliefs. These amazing women didn’t and it’s our responsibility to continue their legacy. Never let dark thoughts or negative people hold you back. Learn from your mistakes – that way you will never have cause to regret them. Look for the joy in all things and set the world an example of how to make the most of life – we only get one, Grace.

And most of all, know that you are always and unconditionally loved.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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