Ode to the Strong Woman in My Life

I stumbled upon this description in www.searchquotes.com on women which is quite appaling:

"Real woman is a woman characterised by the purity of her thoughts and character .In the words of Gywinita Lexington, “A real woman is true to herself. She holds her head high. She doesn't waddle in pity, or sit back and cry”.

A real woman is a survivor, someone who is truly independent. A real woman personifies courage, grace and simplicity. A real woman has that ‘never say die’ attitude someone who toils throughout irrespective of the results and ultimately ends up achieving the pinnacle of success."


Mum is one example of a real woman. Someone I look up to, irregardless of her blatant nagging. Her determination to continue taking up another education certificate while juggling home and a full-time job while taking care of everyone else. There's so much that she had done and to make sure we grow up as independent and strong as she is. I am proud of her. And in a few weeks time, she will be wearing a graduate's gown; for the first time in her life!

For most of the people who knew me, I doubt they ever thought about why I crave freedom and independence so much. Pardon me, but I am brought up by this fierce, determined woman who is making sure I don't have to depend on anyone for success. Not just that, but she taught me what's like to have integrity. To fight for what's right and true, to be honest with yourself and do things with the right intentions. To never lie and manipulate others. To stand tall amidst the troubles we faced. Though I do not receive any spoken love or affirmation before (which made me rebellious as a teen), now that I'm older and wiser, I have truly understood her shortcomings.

Thanks to her, I am comfortable being my myself. I do not complain about having too much time on my own no matter what my friends think. Thanks to her, I do not feel afraid of being alone (but I'm more afraid of being restrained by social obligations!)Thanks to her, I do not feel guilty for having opinions of my own which has suprised so many new acquaintances before, and which upsetted more than a dozen so-called friends who think they knew me as JUST the easygoing peaceful person. Thanks to her, I grew a bigger perspective on life; that life is full of bullshit sometimes but that doesn't allow us to break apart or be pessimistic about the future. And thanks to her, I began to sift out the guys more carefully.

So pardon me, if I seem to be too strong and forward in my speech. Too rugged or too intimidating for a personality.

Because..
I do not regret being a replica of my mum's strengths.