“Caution: Women Playing” was a fantastic article in the New York Times Thursday Styles section a couple of weeks ago. The article highlights a group “that seeks to bring play and fun into the lives of over-scheduled New York women.”
As I read the article, I was not at all surprised to see that the group was begun by a French woman in Brooklyn. Having been raised by a French mother myself gave me three things: An unwavering belief that women’s personal fulfillment and pleasure are worthy goals in and of themselves, the understanding that we need less, “Just Do It!” and more gentle support, and just enough outside perspective to understand that we don’t need to always accept the status quo. Just because our culture, parents, teachers, or the media says it, doesn’t mean it’s true for us.
So my questions to readers are: What are the things you love to do that you’ve let go? Think back on your life — highschool, college, summer camp. If it’s difficult to identify (it often is), then what actions can you take to get back in touch with what you like? Meditation, trying new things, changing your schedule, or maybe joining a women’s play group!