19 Comments
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Maryann Martin's avatar

Thanks for this thoughtful piece, Kristi. One of the healthy points of entry into culture and politics that I place emphasis on is diversity. We can learn so much from each other when we respect our differences in how we look, think, and feel as individuals, citizens, and society.

Kristi Koeter's avatar

It makes me so happy to hear you say this. 🙏

Isabella Skrypczak's avatar

When women embody their hearts and wholeness, it illuminates the disintegrated parts of the rest of humanity. Those who resist integrating those parts demonize the woman re-wilding herself….hence the backlash, as it is a tightening of the grip to keep the status quo. The thing is, once we awaken as women and show our light, there’s no going back. It is the spotlight illuminating the path towards evolution. That is our power. And there is no other option but to stay in it. The alternative of shrinking got us into this mess in the first place.

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Wow! All of this 👏👏. I could haven't said it better!

Sheri Handel's avatar

Fantastically written and illuminating piece, Kristi, quoting from at least two of my favorite women, @Reshma Saujani and Isabel Allende. I appreciate learning more about Wine Moms and AWFUL women.

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Lol, Wine Moms and AWFUL women, kind of has a ring to it! Thank you so much for reading.

Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hello Kristi, I could underline every line in this post. No time to shrink. I love wine moms who aren't whining — sisters leading sisters. Thank you. I restacked, and I'm amazed I have not subscribed to you until now. Thank you!

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Thank you so much for your support and kind words! I’m honored to have you here.

Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Mutual regard, sister.

A. Treat's avatar

Another fantastic piece!

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Thank you, A!! 🙏

Amy Brown's avatar

Great piece, Kristi! Appreciate all the points you raise, and yes, I agree: These AWFUL 😀women are in a real position to challenge the established order. They also hold real voting power.” I am an American living in Spain but no less concerned and frightened for my country. I can’t protest in the streets but I raise the voices of women like you shedding light on the treacherous threshold we face and my money can make a small difference to the organizations on the ground doing the work. I am looking forward to your upcoming interview on women and aging.

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Thank you for doing all that you're doing! We need everyone, no matter how far, fighting the good fight here. And thank you for mentioning the upcoming interview. Deb's book really is such a loving, nourishing reminder that our bodies are not a problem that need fixing.

Deb Benfield's avatar

Thanks for mentioning my book! Love this piece!

Once I really understood our culture’s body hierarchy (everyone, please check out Sonya Renee Taylor’s work), and was able to untangle myself from it, and I’m sure I’m still working on that, it felt like everything started to make sense. We are all trying to feel safe in an unsafe world. Living in a thinner body and looking younger helps us feel more safe because we are more like the oppressive body ideal! So let’s be easier on ourselves and one another while we’re pushing against these ridiculous body ideals!

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Thank you. "Living in a thinner body and looking younger helps us feel more safe because we are more like the oppressive body ideal!" Could not have said this better.

Maryann Martin's avatar

Glad to be of service!

Jocelyn Lovelle's avatar

It’s pieces like this that are helping me cope. Ones that address what’s happening but also offer an outstretched hand that says this won’t last forever and there are people working everywhere to help others and help save democracy.

Kristi Koeter's avatar

Yes, I'm glad you read that in this piece. This is one of many reasons why community is so important. It helps to know we're not alone, and there are others out there fighting the good fight!

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Jan 25
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Kristi Koeter's avatar

YES!! Your last line is so core to this.