As a parent I’m very fast to make sure my kids understand the difference between appearances and reality on anything they see on TV or social media. I work hard with them to make sure they understand the perfectly curated stories before them only show what the person wants them to see, and it’s not all as glamorous and easy as it looks.
Even so, as an adult it’s difficult not to get swept away by the stories we read. Every day I go on social media or open a newspaper and read about an amazing woman who inevitably has a string of accolades after her name and is being recognised for her superhuman endeavours to make the world a better place. Each time I see this a little part of me curls up in self despair at my own limitations in achieving their high ideals.
I have to consciously take a step back and remind myself that the high flying woman in the city, the wife of the President of the United States, the TV personality who has pushed through all sorts of personal issues have the platform and resource behind them providing the support they need to push through. There’s no denying they’re amazing women, with amazing stories, doing amazing work. But I need to accept I will never be one of them. Not because I’m holding myself back (The only thing stopping you, is you (!!)) but because I’m not in media or politics, am not ‘known’ by people and certainly don’t have unlimited financial resources. I’m a small fish in a massive pond and there are very few people who want to listen to me.
But that’s OK. I can still try and change things, even in a small way, in my way. It doesn’t make my efforts any less worthwhile than the women in the media. I don’t need to have a big platform or large audience of followers. I just need the will. The will to make a difference. Because if we all try to change just one thing, however small, the effect on the world will be huge. Together Equal. #togetherstronger #daretochallenge
