What I believe

I believe in women. I believe women are worth more than they believe; are stronger and more powerful than they admit. As a writing teacher I am privileged to hear bits and pieces of women’s lives that are often kept secret. There are themes in their writing that transcends race, class, or education. Women feel they have to hold things secret, and thus that they are alone in their problems. When women in my writing classes begin to share their stories, however hesitantly at first, a powerful force begins. Others recognize themselves, their fears, problems and successes in the stories the women tell. Not only does this give strength and joy for the women who are listening, but a look of remarkable peace comes across the writer’s face as she realizes the powerful step she has taken in beginning to tell her story. Over time the women create a healing environment that was far from their expectations upon entering the class. Women used to be storytellers until the time came that we began to believe in silence. I believe the more we begin to tell our stories, to share openly and honestly with each other, the more healing and power and joy will come into our lives. Women also write often of feeling scarred, flawed, broken and therefor unlovable. As they begin to tell their stories, to explore where and from whom these feelings came, courage begins to come through their words and shine through their whole being. Women are worth so much more than we think we deserve. We have an obligation to begin to see and express that. I believe that if we would share our stories, be honest and vulnerable around one another, we will begin to find the peace and fulfillment we all deserve. We will recognize our worth and the worth in each other and begin to celebrate it. Women have an amazing strength within them when they trust and believe in themselves.