Gabriela
It’s Women’s History Month here in the US and it’s taken me this long to sit down with a writing prompt. During these times of intense political rants and divisions, it makes sense to remember and honor the wit and wisdom of women. I’m constantly wondering what’s going to happen next on the local, national, and international scene. Why all the craziness? What for? You’ve heard the phrase, “God is coming and boy is she pissed.” That’s the way I feel lately. Maybe we could pretend it’s Christmas season and be of good cheer and talk about peace and love–then act on it.
I’d like to share some quotes with you to honor women.
” A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it’s finished; no matter how brave its warriors or how strong their weapons.” Cheyenne proverb
“We women are going to bring change.” – Malala Yousafzai
My husband’s aunt Charlene-wonderful storyteller
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
“Life is very short and what we have to do what must be done in the now.” – Audre Lorde
” No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” – Althea Gibson
Cheyenne Elizabeth, cystic fibrosis warrioress
“There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.” Phylicia Rashad
” The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably the thing that makes you lonely.” – Lorraine Hansberry
“If you judge people you have no time to love them.” -Mother Teresa
“I have not contended for Democrat, Republican, Protestant or Baptist for an agent. I have worked for freedom, I have laboured to give my race a voice in the affairs of the nation.” -Sarah Winnemucca
“Ignorance is fear. Nothing terrifies a person except ignorance.” – Nawal El Saadawi
” I knew that my heart and mind would always be tempted to feel anger-to find blame and hate. But I resolved that when the negative feelings came upon me, I wouldn’t wait for them to grow or fester. I would always turn immediately to the Source of all true power: I would turn to God and let His love and forgiveness protect and save me.”-Immaculee Ilibagiza
Grandmother Rita from the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
“Since childhood, I’ve had a passion for solitude.”- Nawal El Saadawi
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
” A word after a word after a word is power. ” – Margaret Atwood
Journal prompt: write about your favorite quote by a woman. Add artwork or collage to your journal entry.
Peace, everybody!
copyright © 2016 by Susan E Rowland
I love these lines from Transcendental Etude by Adrienne Rich in The Dream of a Common Language.
“No one ever told us we had to study our lives. make of our lives a study, as if learning natural history or music, that we should begin with the simple exercises first and slowly go on trying the hard ones, practicing till strength and accuracy become one with the daring to leap into transcendence.”
Hi Viva, what an interesting quote. We were just talking about the pressures of having to “do” and “become” all the time. The idea of Rich’s “simple exercises” has a calming effect on me. I love this because it reinforces the premise of going back to basics. Thank you so much for coming by and commenting. It means the world to me.
The poem is full of a wealth of images about women learning who they are.