Dear Lovely Ones,
It’s many thanks to a lovely lady by the name of
Melissa Hocking that I find myself creating this piece. It’s not easy,
sometimes, being female in this big world of ours. Recent events have had a
global impact probably more so with the social media platforms we have now.
What’s apparent, and this is thanks to Melissa, is that most of this has been
focused on the sadder element of human relations. It’s a pretty bad situation
to be sexually harassed and I don’t believe there is one woman on the planet
who hasn’t been subjected to it: some on a regular basis. Equally there must be
many genuine men out there who are having a bad time at the moment as they
might feel like the world’s female population hates them for simply being male.
Anyway, I’d like to take a moment to focus publicly
on some of the men in my life who have been a positive and uplifting influence
on me rather than the countless who haven’t. I’d rather do that than remember
all the bad times. So here we go:
Firstly, there is my dad, who was encouraging to
all of us regardless of our gender. His idea was that we could all grow up and
be independent and happy adults. No matter what course my life has taken he has
been there to support whatever decision and direction. As the eldest he wanted
me to “go live my life and be happy”. I kinda think I am really, don’t you? 😊
My darling beautiful man is a constant gift to me.
He’s someone who has been the biggest surprise in my life. As we’ve gotten to
know each other more I understand why I was attracted to him in the first
place. His smile on that first day still beams at me each morning, afternoon
and evening. His consideration of me is like no other, sometimes I’ve had to
shake my head and stop so I can take in what a big beautiful and gentle heart
he has. I am fortunate that I recognised, in time, the happiness I would have
bringing him to my side. He believes in me totally and is a great influence on
me continuing with my music career when I feel a little sad about things.
The more I sat and thought about it, the more men
who came to mind who had been a significantly positive influence on my life. In
fact, amongst all the negative men I’d crossed paths with were more lovely men
than I had first thought. These men all respected me for my knowledge and character
rather than any physical attribute. They understood and practiced social
etiquette and professional boundaries. I learnt much from these professional
colleagues and mentors and owe them much for the time they freely gave so that
I could move forward. What makes these men special is that they are on the
rarer side of common. They see the world in a special way and have a broader
view of what really matters. I think it’s rather cool that I can remember these
significant men more than those who hurt or harassed me. I feel blessed and
fortunate to have had them in my life.
Melissa is right, we could all put our thinking
caps on and come up with a #truementoo story. We all must have at least one
positive male in our life: even if it’s the postie or the butcher or someone we
might see occasionally. I think it’s time we celebrated the men in our lives
who have made up for all the a-holes who have tried to bring us down.
Lots of love
Susan xx
