A Feminist Pause.

As feminists we must be able to pause, take time out, even disengage -without feeling guilty.

I write this almost to be able to justify to myself why I've lapsed in my personal goal of writing a monthly feature for World Pulse.
But as we all agree we don't need to remind ourselves that sometimes we just have to change direction.
After all isn't that what 2020 has taught us?

But to be honest the last quarter of 2020 became even busier than expected.
Good busy.
Not the crazy unfulfilling busy.
But the positive, affirming and in-solidarity busy.
The kind of busy where I was supporting 5 national hubs of young women organising to address the impact of the climate crisis in our Pacific region, contributing to the Board meetings of the Global Fund for Women where I learnt some innovative ways to support creative online engagement - to the International Steering Group meeting of GPPAC and supporting the partners of our Shifting the Power Coalition ahead of our first major category 5 cyclone ahead of Christmas 2020.

A recent blog via https://cofemsocialchange.org/reclaiming-our-self-care-as-a-feminist-act/ reminds us that the message is clear: "Self-care should be a priority and not an afterthought. Reclaiming self-care is rooted in autonomy and choice, as well as a mindful effort to understand the important balance, even if sometimes muddled, of community and family care, activism and self-love. Reclaiming self-care is a feminist act."

Self care is not only needed to address the numerous and heavily gendered impact of COVID-19 but also the reality that  there is also the need to manage relationships, families, friendships, workplaces and community spaces. 

Maybe my creativity was also taking a menopausal pause dealing with the hot flushes and sweats as we transitioned to our Pacific summer where the heat just immobilises you.

Maybe it was also the universe just saying it's okay, you'll find the time when you are ready to write.