The messages you gave me

From being a child, we're given messages by our family, from friends, from society about what we can, can't, should and shouldn't do. This can affect how we see ourselves and how we live. In this post, our courageous life-writer Mandy tells about the messages she has received and her responses. Have a read and reflect. What are the messages that you are letting rule your life?

Mandy writes:

As part of a meeting at work we were asked why we do what we do. There were various answers from colleagues such as “to pay the mortgage” or “to afford a nice holiday.” I had to think about it but eventually I realised I do what I do as a big “f*** you” to everyone who has ever told me I couldn’t.

Throughout life we are told what our limits are and I clearly remember the first time. Just before leaving school, when asked by my male science teacher what I was planning to do with my life, I said I was thinking of studying chemistry.

“Good luck with that,” he said, “it’s very difficult for women to succeed in science.”

This type of comment has been heard time and again throughout my life.

“Sales is a male dominated industry, you’ll find it hard to be taken seriously.”

“You can’t work successfully and bring up a child.”

“You won’t progress in your career if you don’t change your accent.”

And so on and on.

Well f*** you all. I did study chemistry, I did work in a lab, I did move into sales and I have managed to get back to my career and bring up a wonderful, independent, kind daughter. My aim is to fill her with the self belief that she can do whatever she wants and say a big “f*** you” to anyone that tells her she can’t.

Mandy

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