The resurgence of patriarchal practices has gained renewed attention globally, evident in places like Afghanistan, where the Taliban restricts women's freedom, and parts of the US, where reproductive rights are under threat. The historical roots of patriarchy reveal that it is not a natural order, as evidenced by the relatively egalitarian structures of ancient hunter-gatherer societies and various matrilineal systems which have existed throughout history. These societies demonstrate that while economic and military structures have historically favored male dominance, alternative systems provide women more agency and reveal the potential for societal evolution beyond patriarchal norms.
The article delves into how agriculture and wealth accumulation shifted social dynamics, solidifying men's control over resources and women's reproductive rights. As material wealth became central to societal structure, men gained power through agricultural responsibilities and warfare, eventually leading to the institutionalization of male-biased inheritance and marriage practices. However, matrilineal societies showcase diverse familial structures where women hold significant power and influence, offering a glimpse into how societal norms can shift depending on environmental and economic factors.
With evolving nature and economic structures, patriarchal systems face potential displacement. Modern societies, with increased educational opportunities and changing gender norms, challenge the entrenched patriarchy, suggesting the possibility of more equitable gender relationships. While unpredictable disruptions like wars and economic shifts continue to play significant roles in shaping societal structures, the article emphasizes that patriarchy's dominance is not a given, offering a hopeful view of the potential for progress towards gender equality.
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She never meant to go down the hard roads that she did, that’s just how her life turned out.
She didn’t choose her story..
Her story chose her.
It’s been a tale of heartache and heartbreak,falls and failures, struggle and loss.
But even more than that, her story is one of rising from the ashes, getting stronger with every mistake and becoming more beautiful after she was broken.
They’ll call her distant, cold or unforgiving- that’s just because they don’t bother to try to see past her steely facade..
Not to keep others out, but to protect herself.
She’s been hurt countless times before by lovers, friends and even family..
And she has a bitter taste in her mouth from it.
So, maybe she doesn’t welcome everyone into her life with open arms, not because she’s standoffish, but because she’s more careful now who she lets get close to her.
She vowed never again to let the people who didn’t deserve her time or love past her walls..
anyone who has gotten close to her has earned it- she’s worth that and so much more.
Most people don’t understand her and men always seem to have an opinion about her, but then, weaker people always put down the strongest souls that they can’t tame.
She’s not changing to please anyone and she’s not pretending to be anything she isn’t.
She’s real, passionate and always there for the people she loves..
The rest have to prove they’re worth her affection.
Maybe she’s not the most popular person, but she’d rather have a few amazing friends than countless fake ones.
So, don’t mistake her tough exterior- she has a heart of gold and the deepest of souls..
But she will always keep her head, standards and hopes high, because she’s driven to be better and always rise above the struggle of every day life.
So, when you meet her, take in the beauty of a woman that’s been born again and broken in the fire of her life.
She’s one of a kind and rightfully so- she’s survived what most never could,
And she’s done it with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
She’ll always be that one lady that can’t be defined, contained or easily understood..
Just the way she likes it.
She is and will always be ..
Unforgettable.
(Ravenwolf)
Breaking free from limiting beliefs will empower your mind to achieve your full potential.
When it comes to building an incredible life, there is no limit to what you can do. The only thing keeping you from reaching your potential is a lack of self-belief.
"No matter what shape you want your life to take, knowing you can have all the things you see in your mind is the first step. This power of visualization primes us for step two: casting your dreams and desires into the universe with daily, life-changing actions.
If you have any self-limiting beliefs about achieving your goals, start feeding your imagination with positive truths―because if your imagination has no limits, then neither should you" Success Magazine
In this article we will explore: What are Limiting Beliefs, Societal expectations, Cultural Influences, Life transitions, Media influence, Personal experiences, Who the concept applies to, Understanding the impact of Negative Beliefs(Limiting), and Strategies to identify and to overcome them!
What are Limiting Beliefs?
It's important we break free from these thoughts because limiting beliefs are negative thoughts and convictions that hold us back from realizing our full potential.
Why is eliminating them so vital?
They limit our ability to achieve our goals and prevent us from experiencing joy, success, and fulfillment in life. If left unchecked, limiting beliefs can become deeply ingrained in our minds, and can be difficult to change. However, breaking free from these beliefs is possible with the right mindset and tools.
Who does this concept apply to?
Just about all of us!
The issue of self-belief or confidence can vary among individuals, and it's not necessarily tied to age or gender. However, there are some societal and psychological factors that may contribute to older women especially experiencing a lack of self-belief. Here are a few potential reasons as follows:
- Societal Expectations:
Throughout history, societal expectations and gender roles have often placed women in certain roles, such as caregivers or homemakers. As women age, they might internalize these societal expectations and feel a sense of inadequacy if they perceive themselves as not meeting these expectations.
2. Cultural Influences:
Cultural norms and stereotypes can also play a role. If a culture values youth and beauty, older women might feel less valued or overlooked, leading to a decline in self-esteem.
3. Life Transitions:
Aging often comes with various life transitions, such as retirement or the loss of loved ones. These changes can impact one's sense of identity and purpose, contributing to a lack of confidence.
4. Media Influence:
Media portrayal of women, particularly older women, can sometimes be limited and stereotypical. Lack of representation or the perpetuation of negative stereotypes can affect how women perceive themselves as they age.
5.Personal Experiences:
Individual life experiences, such as past failures or negative feedback, can contribute to a lack of self-belief. These experiences may accumulate over time and influence one's confidence.
It's important to note that not all older women experience a lack of self-belief, and many individuals maintain or even increase their confidence as they age. Additionally, societal attitudes and perceptions are changing, with increased recognition of the value and capabilities of individuals at every stage of life.
If someone is struggling with self-belief, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals, such as a coach, therapists or counselors, can be beneficial. Working on building self-awareness, challenging negative thought patterns, and setting realistic goals can also contribute to improved self-confidence.
Strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs:
The first step in breaking free from limiting beliefs is to understand the impact they have on our lives. They can prevent us from pursuing our passions and dreams, affect our self-esteem, and limit our ability to form meaningful relationships. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough, you may avoid challenging opportunities and miss out on experiences that could help you grow. If you believe that you will never be successful, you may give up on your goals before you even start.
Once you understand the impact of these limiting beliefs, the next step is to identify them.
This can be a challenging task as they are often deeply ingrained in our subconscious. However, paying attention to negative self-talk, feelings of anxiety or self-doubt, and avoiding certain situations can be signs that you have limiting beliefs.
The next step is to challenge these beliefs. This can be done by examining the evidence for and against the belief and considering alternative perspectives. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough, you could ask yourself what evidence you have to support this belief and what evidence contradicts it. You can also seek out the opinions of others who you trust and respect to help you gain a more balanced perspective.
Another effective strategy is to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to reinforce a positive mindset. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough, you could replace this belief with the affirmation "I am enough, just as I am." Repeat this affirmation daily and focus on the positive feelings it evokes.
It is also important to surround yourself with positive influences, as the people we spend time with can have a significant impact on our thoughts and beliefs. Seek out friends and family who support and encourage you, and avoid those who reinforce your negative thoughts and actions. Additionally, engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, exercise, or volunteering, as these activities can help boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Breaking free from beliefs that do not serve you takes time and effort, but it is a journey well worth taking. By challenging our negative thoughts, replacing them with positive affirmations, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can break free from the limitations that have been holding us back and tap into our full potential.
In conclusion, replacing limiting beliefs with more empowering beliefs is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. By taking the time to understand the impact of these beliefs, identify them, and implement strategies for overcoming them, you can empower your mind and achieve your full potential.
Remember to be patient and kind to yourself, and to take things one step at a time. With time and persistence, you can break free from limiting beliefs and experience the joy, success, and fulfillment that you deserve.
Recommended reading: Brave Thinking by Mary Morrissey
To work with me on freeing yourself from limiting beliefs or any other challenges in your life contact me on: maureenchaloner@outlook.com or here to sign up to receive a free ebook and to recive a free 1/2 hour Discovery Call to see if we can work together to overcome any challenges in life you may have.
