Weaving my life..

'So Sheza, are you now a housewife or are you doing something worthwhile?', asked Uncle J over lunch in Washington last week.

I sat there dumbstruck. How do we decide whats worthwhile? Almost anytime someone asks me, tongue-in-cheek, 'So what are you doing nowadays?', I feel like saying, I'm staying at home, taking care of my family. It's as though, in our attempts towards liberalising women, we've made 'taking care of the family', a non accomplishing, menial job!

Raising a child is definitely worthwhile (it'd better be, I'm waging my career and education on it!). During the first year of Eesa's life, I was splitting my hair - ready to rush out and do SOMETHING. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Eesa to bits. But I felt as though my mind was rusting out and there was no sense of accomplishment (definitely a world of instant gratification we live in!). With a baby that slept nano hours, changing diapers and feeding was my world - and thats all physical work... nothing that challenged my mind. Imran would come home and I'd have nothing exciting to talk to him about. Apart from the regular, minimal, physical work etc, i did NOTHING!

I went back to college, part time, when Eesa was 11 mths old. It was once a week, but well worth the break. Somewhere along the last three years, we've become independent, I've started my own business, gone back to school, started volunteering etc etc. I feel like the changes have made an overall positive impact on me and my family. I network with women that bring with them an array of experiences and backgrounds. I'm no longer just -a- highschool "drop out". I have more to talk about with Imran. We challenge ideas and try to re-align our perspectives positively. I'm more refreshed and energized as compared to when im at home throughout the week. Although I have to admit, it's tougher going to school now than it was during when eesa was 11-15 mths. He's so much more responsive now, that it's heartwrenching to leave him behind. i have to call and chk on him regularly coz i miss him so much.

I've gone all over the place in this rambling. I guess this post is for all those women out there making a difference. Be it within your own home or a few hours outside. It's a matter of what colours you pick to weave the overall effect in the fabric - be it your life, your family or career. What matters most is - what works for you! But let's not judge accomplishments based on pay scales or job status!