“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet” – Adrienne Rich
I got my Covid vaccination last week and in a brave move, it was near my former place of work. Yes “former”. I won’t be going back. I’ve been worried that somehow if my employer found that out, it would cause trouble. The fact is, my insurance provider already knows, and has for a while, and they could care less where I work so long as I’m off the program.
Sorry, I got sidetracked again. As the paperwork for my vaccination was being processed, I saw a woman I used to work with quite closely. Now, we aren’t close by any stretch – she is what I observe as the walking unconscious – trapped in a job she probably hates, and is unable to feel, express, etc. She would be very aware of my situation because my sudden departure in March would have left a big void in her work if only temporarily. You would think she would have rushed over to ask if I’m okay or how I’m doing. Instead, I got a sneer and an icy hello, her attempt to make me feel uncomfortable.
The joke is on her. I could care less what her opinion of me is. I’m sure she ran back to her desk and told everyone that she saw me. I’m speculating but she could have made snide remarks about how I “looked” fine, that I was “milking” the system, etc. She wasn’t the first female co-worker who tried to make me feel like my burnout wasn’t real. Their opinion isn’t my concern, but I hope they never experience burnout firsthand. It’s not for the faint of heart….
The joke is on her. I could care less what her opinion of me is. I’m sure she ran back to her desk and told everyone that she saw me. I’m speculating but she could have made snide remarks about how I “looked” fine, that I was “milking” the system, etc. She wasn’t the first female co-worker who tried to make me feel like my burnout wasn’t real. Their opinion isn’t my concern, but I hope they never experience burnout firsthand. It’s not for the faint of heart….
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5 responses to “The Power of Women”
Many questions…. And the answers are as individual as the individual. Once you see and experience these people and experiences you can’t unsee.
I struggle with the same and ageism as well.
It is incredibly difficult to look past the people and experiences. I’m trying to though. Holding grudges isn’t helpful and I try to view each individual with empathy. I can’t pretend to know their experiences or what makes them tick. It requires a great deal of effort on my part but something I strive for every day. Journaling and blogging is very therapeutic. I’ve let the resentment go and have moved on to compassion.
Yes it is hard…there are a few that I have cut out of my like. MA said when people show you who they are… believe them.
Another fave I have used to help me is…
I’m not talking to you to teach you a lesson. I am not talking to you because I’ve learned a lesson…
Keep on with the work – you are on the right track!!!
So well said, sister! It is high time we celebrate each other’s strengths in order to unite those strengths to put forth women’s formidable, loving force. Just imagine…
It’s definitely time to unite and celebrate our individual strengths that make us so unique and yet so powerful when united.