Empowering the inner goddess

It's that time of the year again , we celebrate women in so many different forms—the strong ones, the calm ones, the brave ones, the creative ones, the protective ones, and the fierce warriors. We celebrate all the qualities of a goddess, a Lakshmi.

But honestly, growing up, this festival was mostly about treats and school holidays. I never really saw myself in any of those powerful figures. I was a shy kid, and I certainly didn't see anyone who was "vigorous" or "furious" being praised as a "good girl."

PC: Google images

It felt like women who showed anger or bravery were always told to just calm down, as long as it wasn't a family issue. If it were a family problem, they were told to be quiet to keep the family's business behind closed doors. And as for the creative women?! They became invisible; it is considered their creativity as part of the everyday household work, and they are never truly celebrated.

The older I get, the more I see how the world really works. It seems to only value women who fit a society's 'rulebook': the ones who obey, who listen, who act dumb, who always need protection, who sacrifice their own needs, and who are made to believe they can't make it on their own.

I've met so many wonderful women who are brave, furious, kind, and humble all at once. They've shown me that I don't have to fit into what society calls a "good girl." Instead, I can be the strong one- the way the goddess exhibits—with all her amazing qualities.

Now, this festival means so much more to me than it ever did. Celebrating the women who are brave, courageous, furious, kind and compassionate—I want to be everything the goddess is celebrated for. 

Wishing all the little girls and grown-up ones who never heard anyone say - You are beautiful, You are strong and You are courageous. You are all of them and above. 

Happy Navarathiri!