Many of you have probably heard of the Vagina monologues, which sprouted the idea for Left Over Monologues by my dear friend, Roseann Lake. The term "Left Overs" is slapped on women who are over the age of 27, who are not yet settling down, or seeing someone. Many, or most of these individuals are so by choice, regardless of the heavy pressures put on by society. There came before us of the 3 time sold out show to share their feelings, their thoughts, their truths with us.
The experiences shared all resonated the theme of self-growth, and self discovery. From stories of parental relationships, sexual assault, and doomed relationships, I left with a feeling of admiration for these speakers who had come before us. Women and men have all made sacrifices to get us to where we are today. Stay at home moms have more commonly given up their careers to raise their families while fathers have gone out for the bacon. Fathers who have gone out for work, lose time with their children, feeling as though it's their responsibility to support and provide for their families. Moving forward, we begin to see that there isn't a "right" way of life, but ways we choose to make right. What I'm getting at is that while we aim for equality, we must also aim for maintaining a certain balance, because isn't that what equality is after all? If a woman is encouraged to go out to make a living, then something's gotta shift in the "traditional" household when raising a family. Perhaps making it easier to be a stay at home dad? The fight for equality strives to bring everyone equal rights, but the point isn't just to be equal right? It's to make progress. Tonight's event is only the beginning stages of our progression towards, well, progress, and a fantastic one at that.
The so-called "Left-overs" are the individuals who dare to stand their ground, to progress themselves, and put themselves so that they can be the best they know how to be before going to the next step. (Particularly marriage in this case.) If science estimates the average lifespan of humans to be 120 our generation, then what's the hurry? Even if I get hitched in 10 years I'll have almost a century to spend with that person. And if there is anyone out there who truly believes that taking the extra time to develop yourself and your career doesn't equate to progress, then I suppose we can agree to disagree ;)
The Lovely Roseann Lake and my
"I was dragging him down and drowning the both of us, so NOW I'm learning how to swim :)"
Pack it up, pack it in, LEMEE BEGIN...
Love,
Daisy