Without a doubt, there are deep philosophical concepts behind this quote by French existentialist philosopher, social theorist and feminist activist, Simone de Beauvoir; but a point frequently made in existential philosophy is that we are not ‘born’ anything. Instead, based on how we are socialised within the home and our community – as females in this case – causes our values, attitude and behaviour to change, to ultimately conform to the what society perceives a woman to be. To that end, and starting in the home, girls are corrected to conduct themselves in a ‘ladylike manner’ – to sit with their legs closed, to wear dresses and skirts, to learn how to clean and take care of the home, etc.

Having said this, and to a considerable degree, what it means to be a woman is changing. It is different from our parents’ or grandparents’ generation, and is likely to be different from what our future generations experience. More importantly, today’s quote acknowledges that becoming a woman is a journey. The journey does not necessarily end when you reach adulthood. Instead, you are being given permission to evolve: to continue to become the woman you want to be!

 

Throughout the day, we invite you to revisit this quote. Below are a few questions you may wish to ask yourself, and those who journal may find them especially useful:

• Who am I (currently) as a woman?
• Who is the woman that I would like to become?
• What are the limiting thoughts, behaviour and attitudes I will need to change, in order to become the woman I would like to be?

 

 

Best wishes and have a great day!