It all started when someone by the name of Caroline Berg Eriksen posted the selfie above just a few days after giving birth and the Internet went crazy with craziness.
Who is Caroline Berg Eriksen?
That’s not the point but if you must know, here’s the Toronto Sun story.
Here’s the point . . .
As women we are such hypocrites.
On the one hand we support and encourage each other and when one of us does a little good in the success department (read: takes a few steps towards our goals) we pat each other on the backs and say things like, YOU GO,GIRLFRIEND!!!
But as soon as that same back is turned something happens. We compare our friend’s achievements to ourselves – even though she is she and we is we – and suddenly we get all a fluster and hate her for her success . . . or nice hair . . . or flat stomach . . . or whatever.
We’re told all the time – by EACH OTHER – to raise our level of confidence and “show the world”.
But then as soon as we do, we pounce on each other and project our insecurities onto the success of our “friends”.
We’re all good when someone comes out of the self-critiquing closet and flaunts her so-called “faults” but as soon as someone does the same with a quality it becomes a game-changer.Why is that?
That’s just CRAZY – and here’s why
Have I ever told you my age? Well I’ll be 49-years old next month. That’s right.
I’M ALMOST 50.
I know that sounds old to some of you. Ancient even. But guess what? I’m still me. I’m still happy with what I see in the mirror (on most days). I can still out-run my kids. And I can still touch my toes.
BUT . . .
I know that I’ll never be as good as I once was. Those days are over.
The perky eyelids of my 20s are gone, replaced by gravity-inspired hoods.
The smooth kneecaps of my 30s are gone, replaced by gravity-inspired elephant skin.
(Damn you gravity!)
But once upon a not-so-long time ago, I could shine my youthful glow with the best of them – but did I appreciate it?
Nope. I was too busy worrying about what people were thinking.
Continue reading this post on Mona Andrei’s blog, Moxie-Dude
Mona Andrei
Mona Andrei is a technical writer for a serious company in a serious industry. When she’s had enough serious for one day, she likes to write irreverent posts for her personal blog, Moxie-Dude, life updates gone wrong. Or right. She’s undecided. Follow her on Twitter @MoxieDude
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Lynne Spreen (@LynneSpreen)
Monday 9th of December 2013
There's a fabulous book that explains everything about why we women are the way we are, and how we can change into something more powerful, both individually and collectively. I wholeheartedly recommend it: http://www.amazon.com/Company-Women-Indirect-Aggression-Among/dp/1585422231/ref=sr_1_1
Anne Parris
Monday 9th of December 2013
I agree with a lot of what you say, and I don't have anything against this pretty lady for keeping it tight when she was pregnant, but is there a difference between this and being supportive of other women's talents?
Can I Lean In without pressing my breasts together for more cleavage? There's a lot more to me than a juicy backside, but a selfie of my soul isn't going to go viral.
I want to support and encourage other women, but I just don't care either way about seeing a stranger in her bra and panties.