Dear Ones —
A friend of this page showed me this compilation of quotes by childless women about their choice not to be mothers (including my own thoughts on the subject!) and I found it fascinating.
I was interested in Zooey Deschenal's response when asked about her childlessness. (With dignity, she refusal to answer the question at all, on the grounds that men never get asked about this.) I thought that was powerful of her, and true to herself.
On the other hand, though, and with all respect, I see it differently.
I always welcome the chance to speak openly about my own biological choices. I was actually talking about this with Oprah Winfrey the other day. (TO DROP A NAME!) I was saying that people sometimes seem hesitant to ask me about my decision not to be a mother, because they are afraid of offending me, or treading on delicate ground. But this is not delicate ground for me at all. I'm really comfortable with the path I've taken, and I like talking about it, because I think it's really important to talk about this. I value the chance to add my voice to the cultural conversation, and to say, basically, "Hey, women, do whatever you want with your lives and your bodies! And by all means, all women should support each other's decisions without judgment, and with grace and love. But if you're looking for an example of a middle-aged woman who is completely happy and unconflicted about her decision to never have had a baby….well, I'm your poster-child for contentment!"
Because I love my life, just as it is. (I love it more and more by the year, actually.) I have always followed my own deepest longings (and not taken the paths I don't long for) and that has brought me to my joy.
I just think women need to to be reminded sometimes that there are lots and lots of options out there for how to live a rich and full life.
So here's the link:
https://thecut.io/1rfbQVL
(And pay special attention to Katherine Hepburn's quote: It's kind of brilliant!)
ONWARD,
LG
25 Famous Women on Childlessness
nymag.com
Gloria Steinem, Condoleezza Rice, Stevie Nicks, and more on the decision not to have kids.
