Without the ability to make decisions about their own bodies, without bodily autonomy, none are truly free.

They want to break our collective soul. Good luck. You can try, but history skews in favor of the oppressed.

Words matter. They matter more than we realize. They have the power to fundamentally alter someone’s outlook. They don’t even have to be profound to make a profound impact. I’ve said those six words, “It’s a practice, not a perfect,” to my daughters regarding any number of topics, ranging from school to exercise to emotions.

We haven’t slept well since March. We try to catch a moment’s break, after making lunch, in between Zoom school sessions and our own work, but it slips through our fingers, a specter fading fast, as young voices ring out with questions and requests. Maybe later, with a glass of wine.

Women at mid-life. Women on the edge.