“It takes a Village” Hillary reminded us in her book published in 1996, referring to a Nigerian proverb. Her point was clear. Hillary was advocating for a society which meets all the needs of its children. She emphasized the impact of individuals and groups outside of the family on a child’s overall psyche.
While in NY, I was fortunate to observe my 9-year-old granddaughter, Julia, in her basketball game. Petite in stature, Julia is both fast as the point guard bringing the ball down the court, and tough as she plays defensively waiting for an opportunity to steal the ball. Throughout the game, Julia’s coach provided guidance calling from the bench and huddling with the team during time outs, coaching the girls to victory. The referees at times stopped the game to explain to the girls that the first ball of two foul shots was considered “dead” and the players were to remain on the key until the second ball left the hands of the shooter. From the bleachers, the dads and moms reminded the girls to play defensively, and even grandparents offered some encouragement. So many people outside of parents interact with and impact a child’s life. And the words of the proverb struck me:
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
“Funny!”, I thought. “It takes a village to raise me, too!” As you know, I am about to defend my doctoral research. After four plus years, I realize that it took a village to get me through my doctoral program!!! There were professors and fellow students, learning team members, an Academic Adviser, a statistics tutor, a Mentor, and my committee members. There was my friend Pam who faithfully made copies of required reading articles, and bound them by class to keep me on course. And then there were friends and family who listened intently as I talked endlessly about any given class or my research. Yes, it took a whole village to help me earn my degree.
I have always seen myself as an independent woman, yet I now realize just how reliant I am on others. As I began planning my move downtown, I proactively engaged my children to negotiate with realtors, my financial counselor to plan for my next thirty years, and my realtor to find the right property for me. I have relied on Shannon to talk me “off the ledge” and my “walk therapy” with Angela to help me maintain some semblance of sanity. I asked Pam’s help to dispose of some furniture and Chuey to move my things to a storage facility. I needed Karen and Marc to ensure some special books I cherished for years would now be enjoyed by many. I needed Ellen to, oh heck, I always need Ellen! I had no idea how big a village it takes to raise me!!! I can only imagine how many people I will need once I move in!!! The list is endless.
It takes a village….
And there you have it. Women with high SUCCESSTROGEN are independent yet very aware that their independence is dependent on many others. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to raise me, and by the way, it takes a village to raise you, too.
Have you given any thought to how many people it takes to raise you????
