Maternal Pride- part two.

I knew when I posted it that I was touching on a loaded topic. Should my Mother be proud of me for being a Stripper?

I say yes. I really do. Not because I’m making a ton of money and paying off my debts. It’s not volunteer work and I do enjoy the financial freedom, but it’s not as much as you might think. No, I think my mom should be proud of me because of who I have become as a result of this job. As a person I really feel I have grown, and I am continuing to grow daily. I am proud, and I think she should be too. I want her to see that.

I have learned to slow down and really think about the choices I make, and why.
I have learned to consider my path, my gifts, and my strengths in ways that a cookie-cutter career or education often discourages or postpones.
I have learned to be alone, and be okay.
I have learned to be assertive and firm in setting boundaries.
I have learned compassion and acceptance for the choices people make, and the roads they walk.
I have learned not to judge.
I have learned to take time off when I need it, and to be aware of myself- body, mind, and soul. I love my body, and appreciate it, flaws, flub, and beauty in a unique package that is mine.
I listen more, read more, and think more. There is no auto-pilot numbness in my life.
I have finally learned to be vulnerable and honest. I’m not afraid to be exposed, physically or emotionally. I am not ashamed. I have weaknesses, and flaws. But I am real, and I am beautiful.

I have come to accept myself as a whole. I know I am more than my sex appeal, more than my intellect, and more than my ambition. I know my worth is not dependant on external approval. I am finally accepting who I am, and what I’m honestly searching for.

I am reexamining the many gender roles in our society with a new perspective and appreciation. I have learned to be thankful for men as well as women, and other variations.
I have truly come to a place of understanding women’s rights, equal rights, and diversity in the individual. I am intimately aware of the misogyny in our society, and I’m not blind to where we are. I also know that the right to choose to do anything encompasses professionals, mothers, and sex workers. It has to.

I have become a more confident woman, and a more compassionate person. I have not sacrificed my ideals, my soul, or my self-esteem for this job. I would say I have done the opposite. I find it interesting that Forrest’s comment implies that I’m sacrificing my soul for money. “I would resent her for not doing something more noble with her life” Please explain this to me. If one can accept that I am not lying, and that I’ve truly gained so much from this job, so much personal growth, how can that be a parental failure? Obviously this is a limited career, and I will be taking my experiences as a Stripper into every future career. Does stripping negate all future noble ventures? Or will quitting bring forgiveness? The day I start to question my worth by a monetary scale, or sacrifice my happiness for a bar, is the day I quit. No job is worth that.

My path is my own. I’m not blind, but I am curious. I want to understand more.