Super Women
Women Who Have Left a Huge Impact on My Life
G
BY BEATRICE A. TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS
RACE, WILLIE, CORNELLIA, Claudia, Lya, Daisy, Kerri, Vivian, Geneva, Vanessa, JoAnn, Gloria, Valerie, Linda, Madelyn, Helen, Maya, Kathy, Teresita, Holly, Aretina, Francis, Marcia, Kimberly, Orniece, Dorothy, Velora, Rosie, Thelma, Millie, Toni, Chris, Terrie, Cirecie, Sabrina, Elfredia, Marlene, Doris, Margie, Margaret, Oprah, Freddie, Cynthia, Thelma, Kiona, Barbara, Diane, Winnie, Elease, Rosa, Mary, Wayvette, Betty, Pearl, Joyce, Iris, Cheryl, Michelle, Shellie, Birdell, Leslie, Anita, Nadine, Coretta, Brenda, Hillary, Anita, Angela, Beatrice. This is a list of names of women who came to my mind when preparing to write about women who are super. A list of women young and old, some new in my life, some who have been in my life since the start. Most of these women are alive, while others remain alive in memories. Possibly one of these names holds special meaning for you? Perhaps, you see your name? The sociological definition of “super women” is a woman with super human powers or a woman who works hard and performs well in managing her various roles. Some hear super woman and think of the fictitious comic book character “Lois Lane.” My definition of super women is found in the names listed above, “real” women doing real things; super in their own right. My super women are women of all ethnic, racial, nationalities and cultural groups. They are all 30 MARCH 2015 | W WW. BAYO UL IFEM AG. C OM
ages, sizes, shapes, hues, with different values, talents and interest. They maintain different lifestyles, religious beliefs and practices. They represent various careers. These women are social workers, psychologists, counselors, teachers, scholars, artists, home makers, ministers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, politicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, actresses, civil right leaders, media personalities, administrators and writers. They are mothers, “other mothers,” mothers without giving birth, Godmothers, Grandmothers, single mothers, wives, nieces, sisters, sorority sisters and best friends. These women are neighbors, leaders, legends, believers, advocates, visionaries, survivors, volunteers, role models and mentors. They are creators and architects of society. Each March the nation recognizes Women’s History Month. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the National Women’s Movement. When joining those celebrating the contributions of women, I am compelled to acknowledge women and how they impact my being. My respect for women was crafted by well intended elders who exposed me to the actions and experiences of women. Women have made an indelible impression on me without knowing it, some without knowing me. Some are personal acquaintances, others are admired from a distance through the work they do and the contributions they make. These women empowered me to think beyond what I wanted to be to what I was going to do in life. In-
credible women of substance who through their actions model the importance of positioning oneself, so when “opportunity knocks,” you are ready. These are women who share their struggles for others to learn and grow. These women help others bounce back from challenge and adversity, because they can see what goodness awaits them. They have led movements demonstrating uncanny strength and emotional tenacity. Some remain behind the scenes without fame yet make a difference. The work of a therapist provides the opportunity of interacting with “real” women performing a multitude of roles. Unlike the fictitious character these super women are not perfect nor do they have a perfect existence. These exemplary women sometimes tower in their roles laying strong foundations yet are vulnerable to human casualties of life. Their stories of triumphs and failure are rich and powerful. These women often utilize counseling for greater understanding in hopes of realizing their dreams for self and others. These women proactively preserve and protect their mental health. Insightful women who realize when women take care of their mental health they are taking care of the health of society. Stories from super women have resulted in valuable life lessons. Some of the lessons are: Share your wisdom. Seek what is right and good for you. Know your truth. Accept who you are at all times. When balancing your various roles, be sure to be in tune with Continued On Page 76