Dear Nice Girls, You are Allowed…

Where I grew up, the word “feminism” was anathema. Now I am proud to be a feminist.

By: JANA GREENE

If you have been a nice girl all your life,

towing the line

of society’s expectations,

putting others’ needs first,

afraid to rock the boat,

people-pleasing to the inth degree…

This internet stranger

wants to remind you:

You’re allowed

to raise your voice above a peep.

You are allowed

to be a megaphone

for those who don’t have a voice at all.

You are allowed

to question authority,

expect revolt,

and welcome liberation.

You are allowed

to use your feminine energy

without apology

in the healing of yourself and others.

You are allowed

to listen inwardly,

and trust your own intuition.

You are allowed

to snap off a generational curse

like a dead twig on a dying tree,

perfect kindling for the fire

of your former meekness.

You are allowed

to be wild and free

with your good intentions,

let them be plenty.

You are allowed

to howl at the moon and dance,

or fall to your knees and pray,

or both.

You are allowed

to treat yourself with respect and honor.

You are allowed

to accept your body

as a holy temple,

in whatever state of magnificence its in,

it’s dimpled thighs and ample belly,

a home for your soul, after all.

You are allowed

to ask what the hell happened,

and to start revolution

with the voice you now

raise over a peep.

And until you can give yourself permission

to howl, and dance,

and radically accept yourself,

link arms with the sisterhood, girl.

Let renaissance begin where life begins –

in our bellies.

Now go rock the boat,

understanding that feminism

is more than a catch phrase,

more than a buzzword,

more than political jargon.

It is the realization

of your power.