My Concept of A Complete Woman
The complete woman is not necessarily the homemaker, or the career woman or the professional. Then what is she?
She is the one who knows what she wants in life, sets about getting it or doing it in her own style, without feeling the need to imitate anyone, male or female, and finds fulfillment and self-realisation. We see ourselves in various roles as wives, mothers, hosewives,career-women etc that we tend to forget that the reality is greater than the image and we must have a personality in our own right and a distinct entity.
The woman’s sense of completeness stems from the image she has of herself. She does not have to measure up to an arbitrary chart of achievements. Rather she needs to achieve the standards she sets for herself as a responsible free thinking human being. She is the one who makes things happen to herself and not one who lets things happen to her. She accepts first, responsibility to herself. She does not exist in isolation without her family. She has found a niche for herself and is living with dignity. Those around her not only love her but respect her. She deserves it because she has
“ worked “ for it.
The essential thing is for the woman to know that the “man’ or “woman” is just a biological difference with its own peculiar characteristic traits. She is a “human being”, holding on, to her own true identity, who knows, what makes her tick, has achieved self-realisation within her given parameters of life and lives a satisfying, fulfilled life in whatever walk of life, she has chosen, whether at home, or at work, or both, or in the community.
When I think of a complete woman whom I know on a personal level, the first person who comes to mind is Savithri Vaithi, Founder of the popular Old Age Home, Vishranthi in Chennai. She started “ Monday Charity Club” for social service in 1970. That has gone up to a series of innovative firsts in Chennai. She has shown remarkable understanding of the social, emotional, psychological and financial needs of the poor, the aged and the abandoned. She is kind, open and humble, an intelligent observer and an efficient administrator. One has just to follow her life, to grow old gracefully.
Another woman who strikes me as a complete woman is Sudha Murty. She enjoyed helping her husband set up Infosys. Now she is a writer and the chairperson of a philanthropic organisation. She has created a history of sorts – her career graph has made a difference at almost every significant turn. She is more famous as a teacher and a social activist. To quote her own words “The essence of success in every role has been universal. Whatever you do, do it to your best. At every job, my motto has been the same—to be honest and sincere to your profession when you are a subordinate and when you are boss, be professional but care for your subordinates. As a mother, be there when your children are home and you are needed.’’ She claims, she is an ordinary person doing god’s work.
To conclude, my complete woman perceives the environment around her, however it be and whatever it be, as one of opportunity. In her relationships, she is guided by equality and mutuality of respect.
Put in a nutshell, she is one who does what she wants, not to scorn society or tradition but simply because she knows it is in her heart to be right. She offers unconditional love to all around her and has the strength to march on in life, taking odds in her stride.
She is the one who knows what she wants in life, sets about getting it or doing it in her own style, without feeling the need to imitate anyone, male or female, and finds fulfillment and self-realisation. We see ourselves in various roles as wives, mothers, hosewives,career-women etc that we tend to forget that the reality is greater than the image and we must have a personality in our own right and a distinct entity.
The woman’s sense of completeness stems from the image she has of herself. She does not have to measure up to an arbitrary chart of achievements. Rather she needs to achieve the standards she sets for herself as a responsible free thinking human being. She is the one who makes things happen to herself and not one who lets things happen to her. She accepts first, responsibility to herself. She does not exist in isolation without her family. She has found a niche for herself and is living with dignity. Those around her not only love her but respect her. She deserves it because she has
“ worked “ for it.
The essential thing is for the woman to know that the “man’ or “woman” is just a biological difference with its own peculiar characteristic traits. She is a “human being”, holding on, to her own true identity, who knows, what makes her tick, has achieved self-realisation within her given parameters of life and lives a satisfying, fulfilled life in whatever walk of life, she has chosen, whether at home, or at work, or both, or in the community.
When I think of a complete woman whom I know on a personal level, the first person who comes to mind is Savithri Vaithi, Founder of the popular Old Age Home, Vishranthi in Chennai. She started “ Monday Charity Club” for social service in 1970. That has gone up to a series of innovative firsts in Chennai. She has shown remarkable understanding of the social, emotional, psychological and financial needs of the poor, the aged and the abandoned. She is kind, open and humble, an intelligent observer and an efficient administrator. One has just to follow her life, to grow old gracefully.
Another woman who strikes me as a complete woman is Sudha Murty. She enjoyed helping her husband set up Infosys. Now she is a writer and the chairperson of a philanthropic organisation. She has created a history of sorts – her career graph has made a difference at almost every significant turn. She is more famous as a teacher and a social activist. To quote her own words “The essence of success in every role has been universal. Whatever you do, do it to your best. At every job, my motto has been the same—to be honest and sincere to your profession when you are a subordinate and when you are boss, be professional but care for your subordinates. As a mother, be there when your children are home and you are needed.’’ She claims, she is an ordinary person doing god’s work.
To conclude, my complete woman perceives the environment around her, however it be and whatever it be, as one of opportunity. In her relationships, she is guided by equality and mutuality of respect.
Put in a nutshell, she is one who does what she wants, not to scorn society or tradition but simply because she knows it is in her heart to be right. She offers unconditional love to all around her and has the strength to march on in life, taking odds in her stride.
Total Comments 53
Comments
 |  Wow!!!! Thats all I could say. |
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| |  Oh, thanks, Rajmi ! Love, Chithra. |
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| | After reading what you have written i was speechless !You have such a wonderful way of putting the right words together.I fully agree with what you have written.My concept of an ideal woman is someone who is able to find an identity for herself and one who is happy,successful,caring .considerate and able to balance her priority with that of her husband and her family.I personally feel we homemakers are taken for granted by everybody at home..The enormity of the responsibilities that we shoulder and the work put in by us are neither appreciated nor recognised.But i think we need to take all these things in our stride and learn to look at all the positives in our life. Amma as a daughter in law i am really proud and amazed at how you have written. Happy blogging! |
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| | What a pleasant surprise!Let me be very frank - I least expected a post from you. I cannot ask for a better appreciation for my maiden blog. Thankyou, Chitru. Love, Chithra. |
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| |  Dear Chithra Thanks for blogging. You have put in words what i am putting in action in my life. I would like to add one point. In order to be able to completely live this way we do need someone by our side. who can be silent partner, vocal partner or supportive partner all in one. But walking with this special person who is my husband has helped me to bring this into effect. And to the earlier reply, he never ever takes me for granted and more than anyone continously acknowledges me. He has helped me be what I have become and what i am being a woman wife and mother and friend. Love Chitra |
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| | He is God's gift to you !You cannot ask for a better blessing in life. Wake up every morning with "Thankyou, God" on your lips ! Love To Chitra From Chithra. |
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| |  Dear Chithra , Ur concept of a ' complete woman' is acceptable ! Despite our sincere efforts , may God favour us to achieve that goal ! Nice write up ! Affly , Indhu . |
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| | It was really interesting to read your perception of a complete woman. I cannot agree with you more on the second paragraph...! It is all the more agreeable because it comes from none other than you - who I perceive as a complete woman...! |
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| | Thanks, my dear Indhu!I am very happy to read your feedback. Seeking God's blessings, we must also do our best ! Love, Chithra. |
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| | In these 2 years that I have come to know you, it is always pleasant surprises.Your maiden blog is also very typical of you, complete.Best wishes! I enjoyed reading this. |
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| | Thankyou, Gayathri !Of late, the idea highly prevalent is that, a woman rots if she is not working. It is far from true. My generation had very few working women. I think that does not make us inferior in any way to those who work. I personally feel, she must have the full freedom to do what she wants because she is equally aware of her responsibilities. Please, G, your last sentence is written out of your affection for me - pray God makes me worthy of such "lofty" statements which put a lot of responsibility on me. Love, Chithra. |
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| | Typical of you, Varloo !Knowing your warm and friendly nature, this post is not a surprise, but adds to my responsibility in I L ! Love, Chithra. |
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| |  Dear Chithra, Your first blog adds one more feather on your cap You'll be a roll model to all the Ilites. Love, Pushpavalli |
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| |  Dear Chith That was again a great write up by you. Happy Blogging. As always you inspire us to look into the meaning ful side of life. It is been one year since I came to know you. Keep it up chith. My very best wishes. Love vidhi |
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| | My dear Pushpavalli !You make me feel like a Red Indian - please, spare me ! I am highly allergic to the word Role Model !! I ask for love, nothing else ! You are all giving me that in plenty with your support ! Love, Chithra. |
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| | You are sweet with your words, Vidhi !My age has the advantage of looking at the meaningful side of life ! The experiences of life teach you the best lessons, suitable to you, Vidhi ! Love, Chithra. |
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| | Dear Chithra madam, When i saw the title, i read it bcos it is written by a complete woman like you. Got your concept, will try to do. It is even possible to get identity and respect in the outside world. But to get identity and respect in the family is real difficult job. If i do what i want - they say i am stubborn, if i do what is right according to my heart they say i am selfish even though i am not against tradition, society.... Family support is very important even to get identity in outside world. I am waiting to read all your blogs. Keep writing. With lots of luv and support, Bala |
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| | You are welcome, Bala !Your expectation is slightly scaring me, to be frank ! We wait for recognition, appreciation etc knowing that they may not come at all. Just stop bothering about all that. Do, whatever you think is right & within the "limits of your comfort zone". I know not, if you read my reply to Tulasi in the photo F B thread - the explanation of "do not empower the world to hurt you." I have written in detail about that. It is far from easy & quite tough. But once developed, you become almost "shock proof" ! The family rarely admits the support - but, it will be there. Don't worry. |
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| |  hi chith a very nice topic to start on for your first blog.....being a woman itself is such a boon and to be complete in that also means much more.......i am sure this blog wud inspire lots of us to attain the completeness :) lov sowmi |
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| | Let me hasten to addThe word "complete" is relative and may mean differently to different persons. But I feel, we are our own judges.If you feel a sense of achievement with the way you have lived your life, I think we cannot have any complaint ! Love, Chithra. |
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Recent Blog Entries by Chitvish
- Dying only to be reborn ! (30th November 2008)
- Is only the wife resposible for maintaining the family balance? (23rd November 2008)
- Arati's magic! (16th November 2008)
- A friend can be a soulmate too! (9th November 2008)
- Sweeter life through compromise ! (2nd November 2008)
