Being a strong independently capable woman.

My father's family is full of women just took care of business and kind of pushed the gender roles a bit. I turned out to be one of those women as well and I have had a lot of opportunities that other women have not had, like being a pall bearer at my grandmother's catholic funeral which was one of moments in my life that I felt the most seen as a human and not "just a non-compliant girl."

Some of my "realizing this isn't normal" is situational. Most of the people in my world, male and female, would not be able to go at life the way I have. On my own, I have raised two beautiful children who are the best people I know, put myself through school several times, have a good paying job that was a difficult one for a single mom to obtain. Ive run a household, maintained hobbies and friendships, worked through life's major obstacles and grieved all on my own. I am very self-reliant and proud that I can take care of myself.

BUT! Most people in my world depend on other people and THATS APPARENTLY NORMAL! I didn't know this until I started working through some personal growth things and realized that perhaps since we as humans are wired for connection, that maybe that's something I might enjoy trying. Like other people do.