As I was sitting out in my backyard, enjoying the great 70 degree whether, sans baby, taking a moment to myself, I was thinking about all I am thankful for. Then my mind traveled to the idea of privilege. My first conscious experience with privilege happened when I was about 14 or 15. My mom dropped me off at a nail salon to get my first manicure. When the manicurist took my payment she asked if my parents were paying for it. I informed her that yes they were. She responded with “oh, your spoiled.” I took a moment to ponder this and agreed with her that indeed I was spoiled. I was privileged with parents who could afford to pay for me to get a manicure. I was blessed with an upbringing where my parents worked hard and long hours in order to be in a financial situation to be able to provide certain things to their daughters. I was allowed to play sports, rode horses, got a car, etc. I am not sure if the woman at the salon really meant that being spoiled was a negative thing, but that was the message I decided to receive and it has colored my life experiences ever since. I proceeded to get a job at 16 and have worked every year since then. The longest I have been without a paying job was during my son’s first year of life. But I am a firm believer that stay-at-home moms works just as hard if not harder than they would at a paying job.
So, because I have recognized that I have led a privileged life as a white woman growing up in an excellent school district, I know it is my responsibility to give back and to give a voice to those who aren’t able to speak so freely. I am not perfect at the job of an ally, an advocate and a confidante, but the more important aspect is to try. I don’t have the answers and am not great with being politically correct. Despite all that, I am thankful that I can assume this role and that I can teach my family about the importance of giving love and support to people who might not have love and support given to them. It might seem strange that when I think about what I’m thankful for my next thoughts are about privilege, but to me, you can only be thankful for things when you recognize that these things are not easily given to all and that these gifts can be harder to get for others. (That was a mouthful, hopefully I got my point across)
Here are some things that I am thankful for:
My Health- My post baby body is my favorite body, but this wasn’t achieved easily. It took a journey of learning to re-see my imperfections as my perfections.
My Partner- He is a self proclaimed “simple man” who loves this line jumping free spirit.
My Son- My greatest love, greatest accomplishment, greatest challenge, greatest frustration and greatest perfect being that I am privileged to experience life with.
My Family- A wonderful blend of blood and marriage that supports and loves so fully.
My Business- I started a private practice in 2013 which has encouraged me to continue learning, evolving and growing as a professional woman in this world.
My Intelligence- I hope to always learn and stay curious and open to help.
My Sexuality- I am a bisexual woman married to a loving, excepting, confident man.
My Dog- He was our first baby and he has taught me to love without fear.
What are you thankful for?