“We are critical of women who speak their minds. We are critical of women who sit still and don’t show up. We are critical of women who wear too much makeup and like the way they look. We are critical of women who don’t care enough about their appearance and are hard on themselves.
We are critical of women who are strong. We are critical of women who weak.
We are critical of women who keep their house clean and have things in order. We tell them they are focused on the wrong things and aren’t spending enough time with their families. We are critical of women who don’t have it all together. We tell them they are messy.
We are critical of women who know exactly what they want and are pursuing it and prioritizing it and pushing to get there. We are critical of women in the middle who feel stuck.
We are critical of women who stay home. We are critical of women who work. We are critical of women who work from home.
We are critical of helicopter moms. We are critical of women who hover over their kid’s every move. We are critical of women who don’t pay enough attention.
We are critical of women who get involved in politics. We are critical of women who don’t discuss things like that.
We are critical of women who are rough, tough, bossy, and tell it like it is. We are critical of women who are introverted and rarely speak up. We are critical of women who are real and raw and spill their guts too soon. We are critical of women who are guarded and stand-offish.
We are critical of women who dream big and shoot for the stars. We are critical of women who fail and coming falling down. We are critical of women who wear their clothes too tight. We are critical of women who wear their clothes too loose.
We are critical of women who are confident. We are critical of women who are unsure.
We are critical of women. Period. The end.
And it’s exhausting.
Anyone else exhausted and feeling like no matter how hard they try, they just can’t get it right? Like everyone is watching, waiting to tear them down?
Maybe it’s time we stopped with the constant criticism and encouraged instead. Maybe it’s time we lifted up. Maybe it’s time we shared each other’s burdens.
Maybe it’s time we stopped forming cliques that leave people out and started forming communities that welcomed all.
Maybe it’s time we start valuing all the beautiful different things we as women bring to the table.
Maybe it’s time we realized that I need your gifts to fill in my gaps, the same way you need mine. Maybe it’s time we realized God gave us each something beautiful to do on this earth, and we’ll never get the job done tearing each other apart, putting each other down, and talking bad about each other.
Maybe it’s time we knew when to speak up and when to keep our mouths shut. Maybe it’s time we opened our arms and stopped turning our backs.
Maybe it’s time we did what we were called to do and applauded other women who are doing the same.
Maybe it’s time we spurred one another on towards love and good deeds.
Maybe it’s time we realized there’s room for us all. Maybe it’s time we realized we are better together. Maybe it’s time we realized we all get by with a little help from our friends.
Maybe it’s time we realized there’s power in saying ‘I feel ya. I’ve been there too. You are not alone.’ Maybe it’s time we realized we all have things to learn from each other. Maybe it’s time we realized we all have a special kind of beauty.
Maybe it’s time we realized helping each other get ahead is the best path to live fierce and love free.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Amy Weatherly. Follow Amy on Twitter here. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.
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