Calling all women

Recently, it has come to light that there is an epidemic of unhappiness among the women in my life. Allow me to clarify. By “women in my life” I mean sisters, cousins, nieces, new friends, old friends, fellow church members, Co-workers and acquaintances. I have casual relationships with some of these women, and others are very near and dear to me. They are at all different stages of their lives. Some are older, some younger, some have young kids; some have teenagers or older children. Some work, some don’t. One common thread seems to be stitched through all of us women….discontentment.
It has been making my little wheels turn. Why is this? I don’t know. I do not have the answer.

I have said before, and will say again. I am a Christian. I live my life according to God’s word. Therefore, the first thing I do is run and pray. Pray- pray- pray. And then pray some more. Lately, all I’ve been doing is praying. Praying for you, praying for me.

So what’s going on with all these unhappy women you ask? Well, some have physical problems. A few hate their jobs. Some are unfulfilled, or unsatisfied with their current lot in life. It made me think….are women just inherently discontent? Do we always find a reason to be unhappy? No matter what? Is it just a case of “the grass is always greener”?

I don’t think so. I have decided it is a whole big bunch of things all wrapped up into one working against us women. It’s guilt. It’s low self esteem. It’s being unsure of ourselves. It’s selflessness. It’s that built in need to take care of everyone else. It’s society. It’s thinking we should have our cake and eat it too.
When I’m at work I don’t want to be. I can’t wait to leave, and be at home with my family. But after an extended period spending time with only my kids I crave adult time.
And… (yes, I know I’m jaded when I say this) but I also think it has a lot to do with those men in our lives. Now calm down, I’m not blaming them for our problems. I’m just saying that the simple truth is that women usually bear most of the “burden” in their relationship. Most every woman I know is the primary care giver, chief cook & bottle washer, financial guru, activities director, and taxi for her family. Not to mention that she also puts in a 40 hr. work week for someone else and only gets paid a portion of what her husband makes. Probably because he has that magic penis of his. :)

I guess what I’m saying is that I do not have answers. I wish I did. What I DO have is love, and prayers. If you reading this are a “woman in my life” then know this. I love you, and pray for you on a regular basis. Really.
Also, know this. I think we should ban together to support each other instead of pick at each other. Let’s get together for lunch or dinner and have “group therapy”. Seriously.
Women are strange breed, and we can understand each other better than anyone else. Men certainly don’t understand us. They’re too busy playing with magic.

Love, prayers, and big fat bear hugs to all my peeps! :)

~Char