I have something extremely embarrassing to admit: I am really tired. I actually feel like I am doing a disservice to the word “tired” by even using it here, because what I feel on a daily basis is so beyond fatigue, beyond weary, that I need a new word to explain it. I feel like I am living in the body of a much older woman, even though my mind and face don’t seem to show those years, and what’s worse is that I don’t think I am the only one.
Excellent article Amee! Kudos to you for being able to speak your truth & for also pointing out the double standard that exists in how we treat women in power!
Jacinda Ardern was an amazing leader who had to make really hard decisions for her country & she made them fearlessly! Mentioning Trump in an article that should have been focused on her accomplishments did everyone a great disservice!
Among all your great posts this one stands above them all. Thank you for writing this about Ms. Arden and about yourself. This has helped me today and I'm sure others in expressing a common theme in our lives in a meaningful way.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in your analysis today
I know exactly how you felt after 25+ years of being a floor nurse mainly 3rd shift in nursing homes before I became disabled with heart and lung problems July 2020
I used to think I was super nurse and that I could get thru any job no matter how short handed we always were until my body just couldn't work like a slave anymore 2 nurses and 2 CNAS for 65+ patients. Found out all my years of valuable service meant nothing when I was a liability. Just so thankful now that I get disability from all my social security taxes paid and learning that life is precious to be enjoyed not living like a rat race 🙃
I must admit, Jacinda is a true hero. I respect her and her leadership. This piece really sums up what a strong, sensible, sensitive woman Jacinda is and portrays how much she will be missed.
Jacinda Ardern is first and foremost a Sister to literally millions if not billions of Women and a few men just for being Decent. She wants no fanfare, she wants rest, the ability to marry her partner and be there for her child. I have always referred to her as a Shero( sorry Ameemy generation of Women used the term, too.
What makes her stand apart is her ability to be decent, to know right from wrong, to push for fairness, to give for the People’s and country she loves. I for one hold her in the highest possible esteem as a person , as a woman and my sister.
You Amee, are struggling with issues that have been around women who are “ accepted” into professional roles , particularly since the first wave in the 70’s. Imposter Syndrome, blatant, sexism , harder work etc etc etc. it will continue and face it, there are Women , I cannot apply Madeline Albright ‘s philosophy of uplifting and helping another woman, some are simply undeserving.
You have identified a major part of your fatigue , the “ blessings” we receive because we are smart, and want to achieve some form of greatness , just as our male counterparts do, so address them , aggressively by doing joyous things.
You are not going to know if it’s long CoVId, the science isn’t there yet.
Believe it or not i recommend you get a dog. You will be surprised how much, different than a cat, they help structure your time for sleep, eating, slowing down and the unconditional love.
Somewhere in the back of my mind I believe Jacinda Ardern will fill her tank again and do great things , even if it’s Cheering on the Black Fern’s NZ Woman’s Soccer team from the cheap seats. For me I wish her all the Joy in the world Possible . She epitomizes HOPE
Thank you for your superbly written, personal and heartfelt tribute to Jacinda Ardern, a great leader. And for sharing your struggles to persevere in your personal journey. We appreciate you.
Very well said. I feel that what you are actually experiencing is fearlessness. One has to be very strong to recognize when you are no longer following your truth. Many different circumstances can lead you to this knowledge but you must be fearless to follow it. Sort out what is important in your present understanding and give yourself grace. After all you would do so for a stranger. ❤️
OMG...this is one of the best essays you've written. I completely agree with you. It is no weakness and there is no shame to say I'm tired and it is time to let someone else take the reigns. How many men would have the courage and honor to be so raw and honest?? I suspect very few if any. You have every right to proclaim you are tired and make changes to your life to accommodate new ways to nuture yourself, especially after having covid. Think of covid as a dimmer switch each time you get it your immune system gets dimmer and dimmer and unable to fight off future diseases and chronic conditions. Now is the time to wear a mask anytime you are indoors. !! Explore those podcasts. Write that book of essays. You are a fantastic writer. But most of all take care of yourself, in all ways!! We can't lose your voice. If PM Ardern can do it, you can do it. I'll be watching for your new endeavors!!😊😊❤️❤️
I totally get this! Tired just isn’t a strong enough word! Last week, I was hoping I could get just a little sick so I could justify taking a couple of days off. Then I actually got sick, on the weekend, and my kids got sick, and I still went to work, on a day that should have been a snow day, because... I don’t even know why. I am beyond exhausted. Here’s hoping we can all get some much needed recovery time soon!
Excellent article Amee! Kudos to you for being able to speak your truth & for also pointing out the double standard that exists in how we treat women in power!
Jacinda Ardern was an amazing leader who had to make really hard decisions for her country & she made them fearlessly! Mentioning Trump in an article that should have been focused on her accomplishments did everyone a great disservice!
Among all your great posts this one stands above them all. Thank you for writing this about Ms. Arden and about yourself. This has helped me today and I'm sure others in expressing a common theme in our lives in a meaningful way.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in your analysis today
I know exactly how you felt after 25+ years of being a floor nurse mainly 3rd shift in nursing homes before I became disabled with heart and lung problems July 2020
I used to think I was super nurse and that I could get thru any job no matter how short handed we always were until my body just couldn't work like a slave anymore 2 nurses and 2 CNAS for 65+ patients. Found out all my years of valuable service meant nothing when I was a liability. Just so thankful now that I get disability from all my social security taxes paid and learning that life is precious to be enjoyed not living like a rat race 🙃
I must admit, Jacinda is a true hero. I respect her and her leadership. This piece really sums up what a strong, sensible, sensitive woman Jacinda is and portrays how much she will be missed.
I love your writing Amee. Don't stop.
Jacinda Ardern is first and foremost a Sister to literally millions if not billions of Women and a few men just for being Decent. She wants no fanfare, she wants rest, the ability to marry her partner and be there for her child. I have always referred to her as a Shero( sorry Ameemy generation of Women used the term, too.
What makes her stand apart is her ability to be decent, to know right from wrong, to push for fairness, to give for the People’s and country she loves. I for one hold her in the highest possible esteem as a person , as a woman and my sister.
You Amee, are struggling with issues that have been around women who are “ accepted” into professional roles , particularly since the first wave in the 70’s. Imposter Syndrome, blatant, sexism , harder work etc etc etc. it will continue and face it, there are Women , I cannot apply Madeline Albright ‘s philosophy of uplifting and helping another woman, some are simply undeserving.
You have identified a major part of your fatigue , the “ blessings” we receive because we are smart, and want to achieve some form of greatness , just as our male counterparts do, so address them , aggressively by doing joyous things.
You are not going to know if it’s long CoVId, the science isn’t there yet.
Believe it or not i recommend you get a dog. You will be surprised how much, different than a cat, they help structure your time for sleep, eating, slowing down and the unconditional love.
Somewhere in the back of my mind I believe Jacinda Ardern will fill her tank again and do great things , even if it’s Cheering on the Black Fern’s NZ Woman’s Soccer team from the cheap seats. For me I wish her all the Joy in the world Possible . She epitomizes HOPE
I feel you, so much and I feel the same way. Tired doesn’t cover it. Bone weary, maybe?? I applaud z Jacinda Ardern and I love her!!😀
Ms. Arden was everything that The Former Guy is/was not--courageous, honest, and most of all, an actual LEADER.
P.S. I hope that you feel better soon!
This is a brave and necessary piece. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us.
Thank you for your superbly written, personal and heartfelt tribute to Jacinda Ardern, a great leader. And for sharing your struggles to persevere in your personal journey. We appreciate you.
Very well said. I feel that what you are actually experiencing is fearlessness. One has to be very strong to recognize when you are no longer following your truth. Many different circumstances can lead you to this knowledge but you must be fearless to follow it. Sort out what is important in your present understanding and give yourself grace. After all you would do so for a stranger. ❤️
Arderns immediate response to the mass murder at Christchurch should not be overlooked. Courage, intellect, humanity....i loved her politics.
OMG...this is one of the best essays you've written. I completely agree with you. It is no weakness and there is no shame to say I'm tired and it is time to let someone else take the reigns. How many men would have the courage and honor to be so raw and honest?? I suspect very few if any. You have every right to proclaim you are tired and make changes to your life to accommodate new ways to nuture yourself, especially after having covid. Think of covid as a dimmer switch each time you get it your immune system gets dimmer and dimmer and unable to fight off future diseases and chronic conditions. Now is the time to wear a mask anytime you are indoors. !! Explore those podcasts. Write that book of essays. You are a fantastic writer. But most of all take care of yourself, in all ways!! We can't lose your voice. If PM Ardern can do it, you can do it. I'll be watching for your new endeavors!!😊😊❤️❤️
I totally get this! Tired just isn’t a strong enough word! Last week, I was hoping I could get just a little sick so I could justify taking a couple of days off. Then I actually got sick, on the weekend, and my kids got sick, and I still went to work, on a day that should have been a snow day, because... I don’t even know why. I am beyond exhausted. Here’s hoping we can all get some much needed recovery time soon!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Your strength is evident!
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This resonated immensely. Thank you, as always, for your eloquent honesty and ability to bring clarity to the issues and happenings in the world.