Month 4: Femininity

It is officially month 4, and I'm discussing opening-of-month resolutions as though I haven't already begun working on them—which is to say, it is extremely late in the month. This month's focus is on femininity.

I have previously expressed my interest in femininity and improving myself there, but frankly, habits are often as hard to break as they are to form, and many of my interests and behaviors are not traditionally feminine.

This month, I decided to focus on a few basic behaviors which could get the ball rolling:

1. Appearance: More feminine dressing/styling

2. Letter writing: Connecting with friends through this beautiful, personal art

3. Sewing: Either 15 min daily OR one completed garment

4. Dance: Practice salsa/bachata with friends

   
   

I don't want to focus on only the superficial things—because being a woman isn't just about putting on makeup and wearing dresses. But truly, I found it quite difficult to pinpoint what feminine qualities specifically were. It seemed to me that there were elements of grace, tradition, communication, contemplation, nurturing, and physical composure.

I decided to tackle activities that fit snugly into this virtuous Venn diagram. Given my style of dress and preference for natural beauty, giving attention to appearance and posture fit the goals of grace, tradition, and physical composure. Despite my handwriting (which could do with a good deal more grace), letter writing can be very traditional, contemplative, and is definitionally a form of communication. Sewing has always been on my list, though historically it has induced me to vomit out curse words faster than any activity—but with this come not only nurturing, grace, and tradition, but also garments that can aid my appearance goal. Partner dancing is something I have often shied away from, but after a month in Costa Rica where I went to weekly salsa and bachata dance lessons, I found that it really pays to be a woman—because I don't have to lead. All I have to do is pay attention to where my partner is sending me... which, admittedly, is easier said than done when you're concentrating on not becoming a human wrecking ball. Happily, I did learn that laughing and smiling while making mistakes really do heal a multitude of toe-steppings.

So there you have it—my foray into femininity through the unlikely combination of letter writing, fabric wrestling, and strategic toe-stepping. I'm curious to see whether this month will transform me into the graceful, traditional woman I'm attempting to become, or whether I'll simply become more skilled at cursing while being elegantly tangled in thread. Either way, it should be educational. Stay tuned for updates on the hair situation—because if there's one thing this journey has taught me so far, it's that flaxseed gel is surprisingly effective.