The Paradox of Close Encounters:

Sleeping with your biggest enemy sounds paradoxical. How can one find solace in the presence of someone who has been a source of conflict? Yet, life has its own way of leading us into unexpected situations. Such experiences challenge us to navigate complex emotions and evolve in unimaginable ways. These encounters force us to confront our preconceptions and biases, encouraging a deeper understanding of the human experience.

The Cycle of Belittlement:

Enduring belittlement is a painful experience. The consistent undermining of one’s worth can erode self-confidence and create a cycle of self-doubt. However, recognizing this cycle is the first step towards breaking free from it. By acknowledging the belittling behavior, we take back control of our self-perception. This process empowers us to challenge derogatory narratives and demand the respect we rightfully deserve.

Redefining Self-Worth:

Sleeping with an adversary or enduring belittlement can catalyze a process of reevaluating one’s self-worth. As we confront negative interactions, we are forced to question our inherent value. This introspection opens doors to understanding and embracing our strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leading to increased self-respect. Embracing self-worth allows us to rise above the hurtful words and opinions of others.

Transforming Pain into Empowerment:

Turning adversarial relationships and belittlement into sources of empowerment requires a shift in perspective. Each experience, no matter how painful, contributes to our personal growth. The process of transforming pain into strength is a journey that involves confronting our vulnerabilities and emerging stronger. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can harness adversity to fuel our determination.

Seeking Inner Peace:

Inner peace can seem elusive when surrounded by hostility or negativity. However, the quest for tranquility begins by understanding that external circumstances don’t solely dictate our emotional state. By focusing on self-care, mindfulness, and positive self-affirmations, we can cultivate inner peace even in the face of adversity. Inner peace becomes a sanctuary, shielding us from the storm of belittlement and negativity.

Breaking the Chains:

Breaking away from an adversarial relationship or overcoming belittlement is an act of self-liberation. It’s a declaration that we deserve better treatment and that we won’t let negativity define us. This process may involve setting boundaries, seeking support from loved ones, and making difficult decisions for our well-being. By breaking the chains of toxic interactions, we open ourselves to a world of positivity and personal fulfillment.

Supposition:

Sleeping with your biggest enemy and enduring consistent belittlement might seem like insurmountable challenges, but within these struggles lie the seeds of transformation and growth. By facing these difficulties head-on, we have the opportunity to redefine our self-worth, find inner peace, and ultimately break free from the chains that have bound us.

The journey is undoubtedly arduous, but the potential for empowerment, healing, and lasting happiness is worth every step taken. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, let us remember that our capacity for resilience knows no bounds, and our pursuit of peace is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Some interpretations from preachers have told women to accept the will of their husbands. Some interpretations from preachers and churches are more radical than others. For some, submission has required a woman to be seen and not be heard both in relationships and ministerial positions. For others, it simply meant that the man and woman take on stereotypical gender roles where the man is the provider and protector. And the mother cooks, cleans, and looks after the children.

But times are changing. Women are advocating for themselves, receiving higher pay, attending and graduating from college at higher rates, and choosing their own familial structures. In 2023, for women to be advised of their “place” on the hierarchy scale juxtaposition to men, is not only outdated, but unnecessary. For feminists, it can be challenging to reconcile the traditional idea of a wife submitting to her husband with the values of gender equality and female empowerment. However, it is essential to examine the history and context behind this concept before making any judgments.

The idea of a wife submitting to her husband has its roots in religious and cultural traditions that date back centuries. In many traditional societies, women were seen as inferior to men and were expected to fulfill certain roles and duties, including submitting to their husbands’ authority. This concept was reinforced by religious teachings that often emphasized the importance of male dominance and female obedience.

However, as society has evolved, so have our ideas about gender roles and relationships. Feminism has brought about a shift in the way we think about women and their place in the world, challenging the traditional patriarchal structures that have long dominated society. This includes the idea that women should submit to their husbands. Many feminists argue that the concept of submission is outdated and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. It suggests that women are inherently weaker and less capable than men are, and that their role is to serve and obey.

This view is not only demeaning but also ignores the many contributions that women make to society, both inside and outside the home. Furthermore, the idea of submission can lead to abusive relationships, where women are forced to endure physical and emotional violence in the name of fulfilling their duties as wives. It can also prevent women from achieving their full potential, as they are limited by the expectations placed upon them by their husbands and society.In contrast, a feminist perspective on marriage emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and equality.

It recognizes that both partners bring unique strengths and abilities to the relationship and that their roles should be determined based on their individual skills and interests, rather than their gender. In a feminist marriage, both partners share decision-making power and are equally responsible for the success of the relationship. They communicate openly and honestly, and work together to create a partnership that is based on trust, respect, and love.

In conclusion, the idea of a wife submitting to her husband is a relic of a patriarchal past that has no place in modern society. As feminists, we must continue to challenge traditional gender roles and work towards creating relationships that are based on equality, respect, and mutual support. Only then, can we truly achieve gender equality and empower women to reach their full potential.

How often do we come across situations where people forget that we do something of value and it’s not always necessary to pay an artist. So, business firms and corporates always have this notion that if we look for a talented but emerging artist, we can get them on board by just promising them networking and exposure opportunities.

Whether you are a painter, a writer, photographer, a sketcher, or decorator, any job that requires a sufficient amount of creativity and talent, is absolutely worth to be paid a decent amount. In this article, let me tell you why an artist should never work for free…

Great exposure is not always enough.

I don’t deny that accepting certain offers for the sake of exposure is totally okay. But you have to understand something fundamental here. Exposure isn’t always going to earn you bread and butter. Sure, your art will climb ladders of fame, but is that fame really going to get you paid in the future? Are you certain? I urge you to trust your gut here, to check the reputation and requirement of the business making a proposition.

Your art is your business and handing out a free piece is like a demo. Yes, it’s important that people see and understand your work before they pay for it. But find that abide by the line that separates exposure projects and paid projects. Don’t let anyone use your skills without giving you the right value.

Non-creative professionals won’t be asked to work for free.

“Guess what? This is a huge project with more than a hundred people working on it. You’d be getting real experience and you’d get to network with tons of artists working here. We can’t afford to pay you right now but if you look at the bright side, there are a lot of other benefits for you.” It’s almost common for artists, be it a photographer or a musician or writer, to receive such offers.

But spare a moment and think, will non-creative professionals be offered such a deal? Will a lawyer be told to fight a case just because it is interesting, or will capture attention from potential clients? The answer is a definite no. Then, why should one work for free? Even you are, just like a lawyer, going to put in a lot of hard work and utilize your skills. So, you deserve to be paid too.

One free work result into more free work

Working for free will not only affect you but it’s going to twist the mindsets of people to thinking that it’s okay to not pay an artist for their work. Your clients can always go like; “oh! but you didn’t charge us the last time” or “but you worked for xyz for free” or, ABC is ready to do it for free, or some other artist took the unpaid work, even you are offered the same proposition.

Your art, your work and style are unique. If someone wants your service, you deserve to get a decent payment, even though other artists have worked for free. You set the value for yourself when you firmly ask for a payment. A paid deal is always professional, fair and frank.

Paid work establishes a positive business relationship

 Some people just agree to work for free, for reasons like; it’s for a friend, for the love of their art or to get paid gigs in the future. On what basis will your client be able to trust you with the product he wants, if they aren’t paying you anything? Even practising art is a business and when its unpaid assignment, its always considered a superficial one.

If you aren’t paid for your craft, you won’t be considered professional. On the contrary, paid work establishes a positive business relationship with your customers by giving them a chance to expect quality work from you.

Artists work hard. They deserve to be paid.

One honestly doesn’t need any other reason but this. To not work for free. Artists, be it writers, photographers, musicians, dancers, singers, painters,  sketchers or poets – work hard day and night to polish and sharpen their art. Artists make things beautiful, they provide insights into unknown and undiscovered. They, with their art, have the potential to bring out a change in society. If you are an artist and possess a skill in doing something creatively in your unique way, never work for free. Do not devalue your art by not asking for payment.

When you are offering your clients a product or service, you deserve to be paid for your skills. Remember, when you accept unpaid offers, you are devaluing your own art and skills as a professional. It may be a close friend or a relative but when you’re giving your service, they are your customer and its strictly business.

If someone does promise you good exposure and other opportunities, take a call based on the reputation and background check for the company, client or customer. Once in a while, when its affordable and you are certain of its benefits, an unpaid gig is fine. So, the next time someone asks you to do free work, ask them for the money you think your art deserves or, kindly decline.

So, when she began feeling pain-intense cramping in her abdomen and lower back, she took ibuprofen and tried to get back to work. But within 15minutes, her body seemed heavy and tense, and she felt weak. “I was blacking out,” says Racheal. “Everything was blurry, and I couldn’t really respond.”

She was helped to a couch, where she laid, until a healthy and safety officer passed by and sent her to hospital. Racheal did not want or need a hospital; she simply wanted to go home and lie down. If Racheal had an employer-sponsored entitlement, she would feel more comfortable taking time off or working from home when she’s in pain.

Menstrual leave legislation needs to be implemented in work places, so that women can take the necessary time off, every month, to recover and maintain their physical and mental well-being. We need to acknowledge the significance of menstruation for women in order to create a society that is more gender equal. Periodic vaginal bleeding during menstruation can have a negative impact on a woman’s productivity by causing health issues and other problems if it’s not properly managed.

If you have a uterus, then you know how a period feels. Some months are better than others – maybe some light cramping and a little moodiness. Other months, though, can involve days of intense, sharp abdominal pain, back pain, headaches, digestive discomfort, mood swings and nausea.

My question is why should a woman have to ring up and maybe lie she’s sick when, in fact she is having a heavy bleed and it’s causing her a discomfort? We say it’s not an illness, it’s just an absolutely essential part of a woman’s reproductive system and if she’s at work, it should be considered something to be looked after. What are the key benefits of menstrual leave? Does it boost morale? Does it impact work effectiveness or efficiency?

The benefits I can say, for a start, it can change culture at the workplace in that menstruation is not a secret. It’s not something to be ashamed of or something to hide. This brings more openness and more of an inclination to be empathic and supportive. The benefits are pretty obvious – not having to work through the pain and discomfort that can come with having a period.

It also helps one from having to explain themselves or worry about being told `no` when you need to rest. There could be benefits for employers as well; treating your employees better means an overall better work environment. Giving employees more flexibility, whether that’s for menstrual or other reasons, makes them happier, and probably more efficient employees overall. The concept and idea of menstrual leaves is not foreign to our culture. Simply put, it needs to be implemented in workplaces, so that women can take necessary time off, every month, to recover and maintain their physical and mental well-being.