I had a former colleague/friend post this article a few weeks ago on facebook about women using the word ‘just’ and how damaging it could be. As the author states, ‘It hit me that there was something about the word I didn’t like. It was a “permission” word – a warm-up to a request, an apology for interrupting, a shy knock on the door before asking: “Can I get something I need from you?”’ Apparently male colleagues didn’t use it as much. So Leanse banned the word.
I admit, I use the word quite often and I never thought about it that way. I even start sentences with that blasted 4-letter word: ‘just so you know…’
But after reading that article and listening to conversations I realized that stay at home mom’s and dad’s sometimes use it to describe their social status: ‘I’m just a SAHM/D’. And I know I’ve done it!
I wonder when that became ok to make what we do seem not as important as maybe running a corporation, being a professional, etc etc.
I was on a career path of being a professor; I was in graduate school; I worked and wrote for a local magazine. And now I’m ‘just‘ a stay at home mom?? Is what I’m doing now any less important or impactful as a career path? I think not. Maybe I’m trying to convince myself because sometimes I do feel that way. I guess with anything change happens within. So I will be changing my mindset and embrace that I am shaping and influencing one little girl to be anything she wants to be in her life. I hope to empower her and give her the confidence to go after her dreams and to never look back. I will instill in her to CARPE DIEM and for her to ‘…sound her barbaric YAWP from the rooftops of the world’ (Whitman). As one of my favorite poets so elegantly states, I hope that Gabriela will always remember, ‘…to strive, to seek, to find, and never to yield.’ (Tennyson)
My hat off to all the SAHM/D’s and all the mom’s and dad’s out there. Keep up the important work you’re all doing!
My little climber already wanting to tackle the world.
Tagged: carpe diem, confidence, girl power, tennyson, whitman, yawp
My kitchen musings! 
Wonderful post! Yes, I’ve been in the same mindset as a stay at home Mom when my girls were small. It took a long time to actually not feel less of an individual because I didn’t go to work everyday. It is a something that you have to work on internally to change your thinking because certainly raising your children and running the household is a job in itself and so much more important. Many are not fortunate enough to have one parent stay home because of finances or what have you. So you are very blessed and are able to see your little one grow up and you are shaping her life…not some one else. Take care!!