Superwoman's Destiny
In the last few months, as I have been trying to create space in my closets (and mind!), I have come across dozens of poems that I wrote in middle school, high school, and college. While many of the poems feature adolescent love, struggles with religious faith, and the challenges that come along with being black in America, the most consistent theme is about striving to be successful. I have always been driven and had perfectionist tendencies, but seeing the pressures play out in writing is eye-opening!
In middle school, I wanted so badly to contribute to the household budget, that I started working as soon as I found someone willing to pay me under the table. In high school, I was so focused on getting a scholarship for college that I recall being president of 11 clubs simultaneously, including student council. In college, I started working full-time in my freshman year, after making a formal, written proposal to my supervisor should promote me from unpaid intern to salaried employee. Now, as I write this, I am both COO and CFO of a national nonprofit organization. Why do I feel compelled to do so much? One unearthed poem called Superwoman’s Destiny shared below is as relevant for me today as it was in my Freshman year of college when I wrote it.
Don’t get me wrong! My life has been great, and I am proud of every single one of my accomplishments and grateful for every family member, supervisor, mentor, and friend that has provided an opportunity, guidance, and support along the way. But, again, why do I take so much on? And, does the fact that I can do it successfully, mean I should continue to make the trade offs that come along with this life view?
It will take much more than a blog post for me to sort out my unique cocktail of middle child syndrome, superwoman syndrome, astrological Leo tendencies, rejection of gender norms, and commitment to undoing racism. (This is a job for a professional!)
I do think we all must spend time thinking about why we do things the things we do! Also, I think it’s crucial to remember not to live with a scarcity mindset – we don’t have to take an opportunity just because it is available! It is also okay to change course – we have the agency and resilience to become the people we want to be! I get to decide whether to keep my old definition of Superwoman or create something entirely new! I’m working on it and will keep you posted!
Harambee!
Genia Wright, Free Time Aficionado
Superwoman’s Destiny
By Genia Wright
Originally published in 2000, in the Howard University publication,
Faces and Voices IV, An Anthology of Verse and Prose
Day planned to the minute No sleep in it Mind cluttered with goals Goals cluttered by roles One priority: self Mission statement: wealth Divine tranquility Traded for Self-satisfying stability
Definitions of happiness have changed Spontaneity is pre-arranged Waning need for quality time Reason has no rhyme Constantly straining for direction Never stopping for reflection
But one day she’ll look and see That perfection can be lonely And superpowers and the ability to fly Mean nothing when your life has flown by
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