A Delusional World of Equality

Vandana Sehgal

Author, Founder – A New You

In a world not too dissimilar from our own, women everywhere find themselves struggling under the weight of societal expectations and responsibilities. The pressures of balancing careers, families, and personal lives has left them feeling isolated, lonely, exhausted, anxious, and depressed. This overwhelming burden is pushing them to their limits, and it seems like there was no end in sight.

Emma, a talented and driven young woman in her thirties, is looking for a world where everyone would be treated equally. Emma had once been full of life, dreams, and ambitions, but as the years passed, the weight of her obligations started to dim her spark. She was a successful corporate executive, managing high-stress projects with a seemingly unending list of deadlines. After work, she juggled household chores and caring for her two children, leaving little time for herself.

“Can I enjoy with my friends without a guilt? I leave my kids with a nanny but my heart stays with my kids,” she told her college friend, Shashi.

But Emma was not alone in her struggles. Everywhere she looked, women around her were experiencing similar challenges. From Shashi, who was a full-time caregiver for her elderly parents, to her neighbour, Maria, a single mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet, everyone was feeling the strain.

One particularly difficult evening, as Emma was cleaning an old drawer, utterly exhausted, she stumbled upon an old, dusty diary that belonged to her late grandmother. The diary was filled with stories written by her grandmother.

“I never knew she loved writing. Maybe she never dared to mention to anyone,” Emma thought to herself. 

In that diary a particular story caught her eye. It spoke of a world where women will have the opportunity of not wake up early in the morning, not cook food for days and enjoy life without any guilt. Was there any such world or is there any such woman who is living such life? What was the secret of happiness and balance.

Fueled by desperation and a glimmer of hope, Emma decided to take a leap of faith. She embarked on a journey to meet such woman. She hoped somewhere there might be a woman who can show direction to everyone and might have the answers to alleviate the sufferings of women everywhere.

Her quest took her to distant places where she had never visited earlier. Along the way, she met other women from different cultures and backgrounds, each facing their unique challenges. As they shared their stories and supported one another, Emma realized that they were not alone in their struggles, and their collective strength was a force to be reckoned with.

After what seemed like an eternity, Emma finally met a wise and compassionate figure who listened to her for guidance. In response, the lady revealed a profound truth: true balance and happiness could only be achieved by acknowledging and honoring oneself.

She spoke about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing her own well-being. She learned that taking care of herself was not selfish but essential for being able to care for others effectively.

With newfound strength and clarity, Emma returned to her world, determined to make a difference. She shared the knowledge she gained from the wisdom-filled lady with women everywhere, creating a movement of support, empathy, and empowerment. Together, they challenged societal norms, fought for flexible work policies, and advocated for mental health awareness.

As time passed, the impact of their collective efforts began to transform the world around them. Governments and corporations took notice, implementing policies that supported work-life balance and mental well-being. The stigma surrounding women’s struggles was replaced with compassion and understanding.

Emma’s journey ignited a revolution of self-compassion and self-empowerment, bringing light to the lives of women everywhere. And in that light, they found strength, joy, and the fulfilment they had been searching for.

[Banner image by BP Miller on Unsplash ]

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