A few visuals will come to our mind when we hear superhero. Many times, it is a male figure. Someone, who is physically strong and confident in appearance. Someone, who can provide safety. Eventually, someone, whose core purpose is to protect. But what if there is more to the someone? What if we leave our idea of an imprinted image? What if we stop shaping our understanding based on a given definition? One visual comes to my mind when I follow those questions: The women in my life.
Like many of us, I have also been someone, who is strongly attached to the women in my life, ever since I can remember. Be it my grandmothers, my mother, or my sisters, the influence of female figures has always been significant and persistent in my life. Be it the strong feeling of safety or the pure sense of relatability, the women in my life have been around if it comes to the pinch. The more I think about that truth, the more I realize that this has been perceived as self-evident by me. Sure enough, the support I receive from each of them has been engraved into my mind but have I truly understood the gravity of their impact on me? Hence, at this point, did I not only begin to deem their influence necessary but truly started reflecting on their effect in each chapter of my being.
Chapter 1
One thing I will cherish for the rest of my life is the time I can live in the presence of my maternal and paternal grandmothers. I consider myself privileged to grow up before their eyes for as long as I can remember. I strive to treasure every possibility to enjoy the warmth and generosity of that generation. Most importantly, I enjoy the distinct traits and knowledge I have been able to witness and attain in their company. Therefore, I want to start by introducing my maternal grandma. The woman who has constantly been on her toes, be it as a teacher, wife, mother, or grandmother. The woman who is the ideal example of a fearless person in every difficult situation one can encounter. The woman who is a bundle of positivity and mercy regardless of how tedious external toxicity can be. Eventually, the woman who is my first and strongest reference for a superhero.
And then there is my paternal grandmother, who is more than eligible for the label of braveness. Even though she cannot be more different in her upbringing and life trajectory, the strength she shows to this date cannot be emphasized enough. From bearing and raising nine children with pure love in times of scarcity to her willpower to manage health conditions that have been shadowed by hopelessness, the woman has been through it all. Not only do these manifestations give me the motivation to shower more care and warmth to my surroundings but alert me to awaken the mindfulness I neglect too often.
Chapter 2
My mother. My definition of unconditional love.
It is difficult to explain the impact my mother had and still has on me. So where do I start? I could begin by mentioning the infinite amount of times she patiently deals with my tantrums and outbursts. I could briefly focus on the poise and stability she maintains whenever I am not able to stay on track or simply need more time to process. Or I could highlight her ability to stay balanced in every turmoil and unevenness one may experience. The list is beyond numbers. So are the capabilities of a mother.
A mother-child relationship can have many attributes. It can be established as ever-evolving. Fluctuating. Timeless. But more than anything, I believe that it designates the support of a guardian. A person, who, in a world full of intentions, offers a helping hand without expecting something in return. A person who wishes nothing but the best for one and wholeheartedly voices affirmations and showcases affection for the growth of their dear ones. Ultimately, the one woman who would not blink twice to sacrifice, protect and accept, no matter how demanding the situation is.
That being said, was I able to summarize my admiration for mothers with this paragraph? Certainly not. I could write an endless article on the warmth and adoration I feel when I think of mothers. There is so much to say but no words will be adequate at the end of the day, which is why I want to keep it simple by saying: Thank you mom.
Chapter 3
While my grandmothers and mother certainly are pillars in every way possible, there are many women I could name when I think of inspiration and guidance. As someone, who comes from a family with a female majority and who has strong, independent women in her inner circle, it is admirable to see how affectionate and at the same time, powerful women can be. Not only am I surrounded by strong, independent women with an aura of courage but can witness the various types of strength they retain in order to support themselves as well as others.
We, as human beings, exhibit different levels of emotions and with every woman in my life, I was and am lucky enough to understand that emotionality can be used as an asset. The naturally inclined empathy all these women have if understood thoroughly is precious. At the end of the day, the nurturing instinct women possess can be all we need in times when adversity seems to last.
Ultimately, this is not meant to be a mere appreciation post. Nor should it in any manner imply that one gender is superior to another. For me, it is reflecting on the importance of women who shape us and continuously help us in our being by simply diving into my real-life examples. It is an understanding of the influence each of them has on our objectives and decisions. Above all, it is indicated to be a small reminder of the love we all have for each superhero of ours.
truly amazing