When pressed as to the definition of “woman,” a trap set by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, it was with dignity that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, replied, “I can’t.”
“You can’t?” Blackburn said.
“Not in this context. I’m not a biologist,” Jackson said — also noting that such an issue may come before the courts.
As a long time admirer of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, it seems that Judge Jackson is also giving us a role model for every day life.
Every day women are pressed for decisions. Because women tend to be pleasers more often than men, women may say “Yes,” when they really mean “No.”
Judge Brown is a star for all women who become pushed for answers. Keep in mind that: “I can’t give you an answer at this time,” is honest and legitimate — especially for the overextended.
As women we must remind ourselves over and over again, we give away our power — and our peace of mind — when we give away our time, when we say “Yes” or even “Maybe.”
It is important to guard against immediate answers to questions or reactions to situations.
Learn to watch your words and think before you speak.
Sometimes just a minute or two to think about ourselves and what is being asked of us will protect us from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Think of taking that minute for yourself as a gift, because once you lose that moment, it disappears forever.
Copyright 2022 Rita Watson
Adapted from The Art of Decision Making, Rita Watson, Lowell House.