Building a Life as the Third Type
7:00 AMTo 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.
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