Recently, I read a blog that asked women what ‘having it all’ means to them. Realizing that ‘having it all’ means different things to different women, I also wondered what does ‘having it all’ mean to you, the readers of Spokane CDA Woman.
When I was heading into my journey as a mom, I made friends with another new mom who spoke frequently about living her fondest dream: “Growing up, I always imagined the day when I would be married, have kids, and drive a mini-van,” she would say happily. Clipping coupons, taking the kids to the park, making dinner for the family by 5:30 pm were high points for her. She and her husband flourished in traditional roles: she kept their home, and he provided their financial security. Family vacations completed the dream, and she couldn’t be happier.
Another friend of mine works in a demanding professional career, with a paycheck at least double what any man she has ever dated (or married) has ever brought home. Her job is stressful at times, but she loves the work, thriving daily. She takes time to travel, to pamper herself, and has a long list of goals lain out in front of her with the energy to accomplish them. She, also, couldn’t be happier.
The phrase ‘having it all’ once empowered women to excel as homemakers and breadwinners, but I have learned from each of you that women today may or may not ask themselves if they want it all or if that notion is even possible. This signals another important shift in society as women in our community continue to evolve, defining themselves and their goals apart from the expectations and confines of a world that so often says ‘this is how you should be a woman.’ The Tire Store Diva (story, page 36) lives this new reality, defining and re-defining her dreams and goals as she carries on. This is the freedom we can seize, a freedom from societal expectations that demand that women have it all and be it all. As Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene women, we can be ourselves, which so often means having everything we need.
Join me in celebrating the women within our pages. And please don’t hesitate to send your thoughts, comments, and story ideas my way to editor@spokanecdawoman.com. This is our magazine, WE are Spokane CDA Woman. Together, we can be sure we are all stronger because of it.
