No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Years ago, in 1884, a baby girl was born. Though the times called for young ladies to be decorative debutants, to be well-versed in the ways of etiquette and propriety and not particularly so in the ways of politics and social reform, this baby girl grew into a woman who was decidedly and unabashedly different from what was considered the norm.
She was active in the Social Reform movement of the Progressive Era. She argued for fair labor practices. This young lady found a group of debutantes who were interested in helping others. They called themselves the Junior League.
One day, while on a train, this young woman met someone who would become her husband. Her uncle, who was then the President of the United States, walked her down the aisle at their wedding. Her husband, waiting for her at the alter, was also destined to become President.
As a political spouse, this woman was able to fulfill her social obligations and still remain very active in what concerned her the most. Ultimately she developed an independent career that included writing, teaching and reform politics. When her husband became the President of the United States, she gave up her own political affiliations but remained politically active...though often in the background. She supported her husband's interests and balanced the expectations associated with being First Lady with her own interests and pursuits.
In her twelve years as First Lady, this woman gave many press conferences and insisted that publications send only female reporters. She wrote a monthly magazine column and a newspaper column. She was a radio host, a lecturer and a public speaker. She was an author.
Because of her appearance and her disconcertingly direct manner, it was not unusual for this talented and progressive woman to be the target of unkind comments. She was far taller than average. She was no beauty. Her voice, her teeth and her clothing attracted caricature. Her husband was rumored to be having a relationship with another woman. Her views were not always embraced by a society opposed to change.
What sets this woman apart is that she allowed no one to put her down and keep her down. She believed strongly in the causes she supported and was determined to make a difference. Was she aware of what people said? Certainly she must have been. Did it hurt her? Quite possibly, but she carried in her heart the knowledge that those views did not sum up the value of her life.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt did not give her consent. She did not give that power to others. She believed in herself and in doing so, she was able to pursue her dreams and direct her life's energy in ways that are truly impressive.
There are times when the actions of others leave us feeling cast aside, thrown away, not good enough, of little value. Inferior. Their actions are their choices, but our reactions remain always ours. It is within our power, even when we feel low and powerless, to retain our own sense of value and worth and purpose. No one can take that from us, ever. Not without our consent.
Jane chooses to follow Eleanor Roosevelt's example. She stands tall (though admittedly a good many inches shorter than that particular lady). She believes in herself. And she will not give consent to anyone who, knowingly or not, attempts to put her down.
Bravo, Eleanor. And thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment