I have recently been contemplating the privilege of my life, especially as a woman. I am an educated, free, independent woman who has the luxury to do what I want, when I want, how I want and not fear for my life, my family, my ability to support myself or to truly be ostracized from society.
It is astounding to me that just a few decades ago, a woman's best option for survival was through marriage, where she had no more rights or considerations than the land HE owned. And that even today, women around the world still live in societies where that is still true. It is astounding to me that women still live in fear everyday of being raped, maimed, or killed. It is astounding to me that women live in a world with so little opportunities that they must sell their bodies to feed their families. It is astounding to me that women live in societies where they must risk their very lives to get an education. It is astounding to me that not only do women live like this in some of the remotest places in the world, but that women can still face these obstacles here, right where I live.
I am so blessed. I have so many freedoms and opportunities. I am a very highly educated, independent woman. I have a basically disposable income and an extremely high standard of living. And I have the power to choose my own life. That is so incredible to me. I don't have to get married, if I don't want to. I don't have to live under the control of someone else (be they husband, dictatorship, religion, etc). I can very selectively pick how I will support myself and if needed my family. I choose how and with whom I spend my time. I don't have to live in constant fear or limited opportunities.
I am capable and powerful in my own right, and because of my privilege, more so than 99% of the women who have gone before me in this world. I can embody their grace, dignity and ambition. Then I add the blessings given to me to do even more and that is so empowering. It astounds me.