I have been having an unusually rough time lately.
It is, I am forced to acknowledge, almost entirely self-imposed, but in spite of my recognition of this fact, I still feel overwhelmed. Without delving too far into things (I'm not entirely sure how much I'm prepared to share on a public blog), I'll simply state that I've been more emotional than usual in the last few weeks and have increasingly felt as though I've lost control of everything (from school to home life and everything in between).
Before anybody jumps to any sort of conclusion, let me just put this out there:
No, I'm not pregnant. This I can guarantee without any shred of doubt.
Anyway, in the midst of feeling what I've been feeling and attempting to deal with it (in many cases by ignoring it in pursuit of something more pleasant), I happened across this little snippet on the "Superwoman syndrome"; an apparently inherent drive to be perfect possessed by most women that (from my casual reading) also drives women crazy. *laugh*
As the article neatly summarizes, many women feel the need to seek outside stimulation in order to achieve perfection. Historically, things like caffeine pills were the "drug" of choice (neato reference to Jessie Spano a la Saved by the Bell) but apparently, today's Superwoman indulges in something stronger. Personally, I haven't taken any medication, I rarely drink (alcohol) and I rarely indulge in caffeine. My chosen method of dealing with stress for the time being has been yoga (though I'm thinking more rigorous exercise might be required). Should I be amused that a male friend recently suggested I take pills (he was mainly suggesting vitamins, but has also suggested herbal supplements) to up my energy levels?
The way I see it, this problem is two-fold. How we deal with stress (and I use this loosely to denote the desire to be perfect) is the latter part of the issue. Underlying this is the root cause, the drive to be perfect. Where does it come from? Amongst what sorts of women does it emerge? Is it the result of internalized ideas relating to gender stereotypes or does it come from external pressures imposed by men? Is it related to gender at all?
It was a relief to realize that the frustrations I've been feeling have been shared by millions of women worldwide. It is not, however, a relief to realize that the "solution" is a drug-induced haze. Moreover, I'm not sure I appreciate the author's closing comment that women need to stop "comparing and complaining". Surely this anxiety is rooted in something deeper than competition?
It is, I am forced to acknowledge, almost entirely self-imposed, but in spite of my recognition of this fact, I still feel overwhelmed. Without delving too far into things (I'm not entirely sure how much I'm prepared to share on a public blog), I'll simply state that I've been more emotional than usual in the last few weeks and have increasingly felt as though I've lost control of everything (from school to home life and everything in between).
Before anybody jumps to any sort of conclusion, let me just put this out there:
No, I'm not pregnant. This I can guarantee without any shred of doubt.
Anyway, in the midst of feeling what I've been feeling and attempting to deal with it (in many cases by ignoring it in pursuit of something more pleasant), I happened across this little snippet on the "Superwoman syndrome"; an apparently inherent drive to be perfect possessed by most women that (from my casual reading) also drives women crazy. *laugh*
As the article neatly summarizes, many women feel the need to seek outside stimulation in order to achieve perfection. Historically, things like caffeine pills were the "drug" of choice (neato reference to Jessie Spano a la Saved by the Bell) but apparently, today's Superwoman indulges in something stronger. Personally, I haven't taken any medication, I rarely drink (alcohol) and I rarely indulge in caffeine. My chosen method of dealing with stress for the time being has been yoga (though I'm thinking more rigorous exercise might be required). Should I be amused that a male friend recently suggested I take pills (he was mainly suggesting vitamins, but has also suggested herbal supplements) to up my energy levels?
The way I see it, this problem is two-fold. How we deal with stress (and I use this loosely to denote the desire to be perfect) is the latter part of the issue. Underlying this is the root cause, the drive to be perfect. Where does it come from? Amongst what sorts of women does it emerge? Is it the result of internalized ideas relating to gender stereotypes or does it come from external pressures imposed by men? Is it related to gender at all?
It was a relief to realize that the frustrations I've been feeling have been shared by millions of women worldwide. It is not, however, a relief to realize that the "solution" is a drug-induced haze. Moreover, I'm not sure I appreciate the author's closing comment that women need to stop "comparing and complaining". Surely this anxiety is rooted in something deeper than competition?
I think I have that too. It's so frustrating and I want to shake myself and say no stop it!, but I just can't.
ReplyDeleteThat comparing and complaining comment by the author is not appreciated by me either.