Building a Life as the Third Type

7:00 AM

Let's talk about the evolution of my slogans, a journey that mirrors my own personal growth and the development of my blog and website. As I mentioned in a previous update, I've always kept a record of this progression, a testament to both my online presence and my personal transformation.

To understand where I am now, you need to understand where I came from. In my region, women are often confined to two rigid categories: the "ideal" woman, who follows the prescribed path of education, marriage, and family, and the "fallen" woman, who deviates from these norms and faces social ostracization. Both types, regardless of background, are judged by a narrow and unforgiving societal lens.

But I never fit neatly into either box. I've always walked a different path, one that blends respect for my Jordanian traditions with a fierce determination to define my own rules. I chose not to attend university, and I had a known teenage relationship – both acts that challenged the very foundation of societal expectations. In a patriarchal society, my openness and independence were often perceived as a threat, even a "ruin." Yet, despite attempts to confine me, I refused to be categorized.

My upbringing in a tribal system, often misunderstood, and within a male-dominated household, played a crucial role in shaping my defiant yet principled nature. My family's guiding principle, "be true to yourself and explore the world within limits," fostered a spirit of independence, free from the pressure to conform. I went straight to work, building a life rich with experiences, a life worth writing about, and ultimately, a life worth living.

Thirteen years of hands-on experience have taught me invaluable lessons. Living independently and then returning home successfully was a powerful statement to a society that often doubted my path. My family, despite initial reservations, is now proud of my achievements, all of which I earned through my own hard work and resilience. I've not only built a career but also cultivated a well-rounded, multi-skilled persona, embracing my identity as a strong, independent woman.

This journey is reflected in my evolving slogans. From the optimistic "My talk, your positive thinking" to the assertive "99 skills and bitching ain’t one," and the focused "creating quality," I've captured different facets of my growth. "A Jack of all trades and a master of one" spoke to my versatility, while "Not a perfect example but a pretty good one" acknowledged my humanity while dismissing societal judgments. I'm not "perfect" by their standards because I don't fit their mold of wealth and conformity. But I've learned that as long as I'm true to myself, their opinions are irrelevant.

In future posts, I plan to delve deeper into the lessons I've learned from living independently and navigating the complexities of societal expectations. I'll share stories that illuminate the experiences of the "ideal" and "fallen" women and further explore my own unique position as a "third type." Some of these stories will be told with humor, because as Charlie Chaplin said, "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot." And sometimes, you just have to laugh.

 

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Comments

Subscribe