I’m a Southern girl that was told early in life that women were supposed to be seen and not heard. It was truly incomprehensible. My mind was always full of thoughts and ideas and I was supposed to keep them to myself? I’m happy to say that I rarely followed those Southern teachings; and as I aged, I was blessed to be exposed to an industrial psychologist who was able to explain to me the “why” I just couldn’t keep my thoughts to myself.
I’m an “ENTJ” on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I’m extroverted rather than introverted, so I do like to talk (and write). I’m iNtuitive rather than sensing, which means I march more to the beat of my own inner drummer rather than listening to those around me. I prefer “thinking” over feeling, which often leads me to letting the intellectual side of things get in the way of people and their feelings. Oh, and the “J” part of the indicator gets me into trouble as well: I’m a judger, not someone that leans towards the perceptions; I see things in black and white and often cannot understand why people can’t just form an opinion instead of being all wishy washy.
I mean, I’m glad I know why I am the way I am (did Popeye say that?) but at times, it doesn’t make it easier. If I was a guy, I would be opinionated, but because I’m a woman, I’m considered a bitch. Is it any wonder I didn’t make a good shut-yo-mouth traditional-kind of Southern girl?
So, I’ve already admitted I’m opinionated. I believe in the laws of Karma and I still believe that in the long run, things work out for the best. But I don’t think I’ve confessed how passionate I am about life, have I? I think On the Girl’s Mind is going to be a great outlet for me. Last year, I did a series of columns about simplifying my life. And while that is still a goal for me, it’s not the only thing you should expect to see from me here.
So, beyond the occasional thoughts on leading a more simple existence, you can expect columns from me on parenting, education, equality between men and women, work, marriage, balance, and my goals of trying to improve myself. I can guarantee you that I have opinions on all of those things - and more.
Come to think of it, even though I didn’t make a good shut-yo-mouth kind of southern girl, I'd make a damned good Scarlett O'Hara. Does that still make me a bitch? Peh. I'll think about that tomorrow.