gymbunnycandiehart:Non-TraditionalTradition is a funny thing. Many scoff over traditions, but
gymbunnycandiehart:Non-TraditionalTradition is a funny thing. Many scoff over traditions, but most are imprisoned to them, and even curry them whether they realize it or not. Part of the reason for this is that in spite of it being the 21st century, we are still living in honor/shame cultures. This might be more true for those in the South of the United States than in other places, but there are strong pockets of it everywhere around the globe. Perhaps it would be true that some of it is religion based, but more than anything, it’s simply a long-standing tradition. Religion just seemed to capitalize on it.If you find yourself living your girliness in secret, or like I think for myself, under cover, there’s a good chance that it’s because of tradition–tradition surrounding gender stereotypes.I wish for myself and for you that we weren’t so surrounded by this kind of toxic tradition. The truth of the matter, though, is that we do. Some brave souls have pissed in tradition’s face, and these heroes have found an incredible release from traditional restraints. However, many of us have to roll with the times, the culture and the traditions, family and friend dynamics, and employment restrictions. We have to search and find opportunities to be truer to who we are under the cloaks of our secrets. I wish this wasn’t the case, but alas, it is our reality.Regardless of the honor/shame tradition, let me tell you that you don’t have to be a traditional male–the talk, walk, dress, emotions, smell, appearance, etc. etc. You have to decide what is safe for you, but you don’t HAVE to be traditional. You can be as girly as you desire or as you permit yourself. It’s just a tradition. Find ways to be who you are. Find ways to be less manly and more feminine. Embrace them and have confidence in yourself. And above all, no matter what our culture claims, never ever be ashamed of your girliness.I’m proud to know that so many of you share in your struggles with me over what we know to be an innocent and harmless aspect of humanity. I’m thankful that you realize that there is a uniqueness about yourself that can’t be claimed by a traditional mindset. If anything, I’m grateful that we can all slide into some feminine frillies and understand that we are not alone. Tradition can never take any of that away.I love you, my girlies. You’re special to me.CandieHart -- source link