I, like many women push myself. We’re increasingly expected to excel in many areas at the same time; intellectually, emotionally and physically in different parts of our lives. In a world where there are precious few jobs or relationships ‘for life’ we have to constantly invest in ourselves.
That part is healthy, but for women, it seems society is more concerned with appearance than what we develop on the inside. We live in a culture is obsessed by image and superficial success. I don’t know if it’s same for men, but I find it curious how often I and other women hear:
‘You’ve lost weight’ (meaning; success or good thing) or ‘you’re looking healthy’ (meaning; you’ve put on weight/ bad thing).
How I look is part of who I am. But it’s not who I am. I like looking after myself and being healthy, but it’s sad that in today’s world losing 10lbs is a bigger achievement than any other type of success. Without reading a tabloid, the media obsession with weight means, I already know that Kate Middleton / Duchess of Cambridge is both two inches taller than me and almost two stones lighter.
Aside from the fact that can’t be very healthy, I’m not sure what message it sends out to young girls. She’s clearly an educated, successful woman, so how come we know very little about her character, her views and passions? I get it, she’s a ‘Princess’ so she’s got to look fairytale perfect, but there’s more to her. There’s more to all us women who feel the pressure of style and image over substance.
Deep and meaningful questions like; 'has she ever spent a day walking around in wet knickers'? Not that it’s a crucial rite of passage to woman-hood but just one of the challenges she may have faced on her Raleigh International trip. It certainly was one of many challenges for BBC Radio 1 Journalist; Gabriella O'Donnell when she went on a Raleigh International trip to Belize in 2001. Here's what she had to say:
Find out more about Raleigh International here
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I'm a Writer, Researcher, Entrepreneur, Psychologist, MBA and ponderer of things that make people, business and relationships work better.
I have a venture that I'm starting called Lovephool that uses the latest in Strength Based thinking from Positive Psychology, MBA and Business to help people have more resilient, happier and more connected lives.
Stop by and say hello and tell me what you think at www.lovephool.co.uk
I'm a Writer, Researcher, Entrepreneur, Psychologist, MBA and ponderer of things that make people, business and relationships work better.
I have a venture that I'm starting called Lovephool that uses the latest in Strength Based thinking from Positive Psychology, MBA and Business to help people have more resilient, happier and more connected lives.
Stop by and say hello and tell me what you think at www.lovephool.co.uk
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