What is Fascinating Womanhood all about?

The book I mentioned in the introduction titled Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin was originally written back in the 1950's so it carries some much regarded old and outdated ways that a woman should act. I have always believed in the individual roles that men and women play but until recent years I have not really been able to justify it without it sounding like a cop out. However, when I joing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints back in 2000 I embarked on a long and intense study on my own reasons for being here on earth, what was my real purpose, why do certain things happen and how better can I deal with challenges, even why do we have challenges if we have such a loving God!

During this time I have gone from a weak doormat with no self confidence or self worth {quite literally} to being a self assured, semi confident woman who has no problem stating my strengths and good points in the appropriate manner. I am not self absorbed nor am I all about me but learning who I am and why I am here has given me the tools to build the foundation of the role I am to play in the lives of my children, family, friends and others around me. While I do not please everyone all of the time I can say comfortably that I am the best I can most of the time. I fail, I hurt, I cry, I anger and I feel weak at times. The important thing I have had to remember is that I will have bad days, moments and challenges in life that seem a lot bigger then I am able to cope with but the comfort I have is knowing that as a mere mortal this is part of my learning, my progress and my role.

I do not believe that any person should put themself down or allow anyone else to. I do not believe that anyone is all bad or all good. We choose which amounts we have of each and while most of us work to get better there are the minority that dont care enough and continue to live the unfulfilled life {I'm not talking about severe criminals here} and take longer than others to find their peace and purpose in life.
I haven't read all of the FW book as yet but so far I know it is going to change my life in a positive way, enrich my relationships and enable my children to grow along the way too. Ok lets break this down a bit and share some of the things a traditional English homemaker does:

• Serves her husband without being controlled, dominated or dismissed.
• Takes care of her families needs calmly, willingly and determinedly.
• Chooses to stay home to prepare every needful thing, be the consistent force with each family member.
• Prepares and cooks healthy meals.
• Lives frugally and wisely to prioritise the importance of a waste-free lifestyle.
• Develops and enjoys new hobbies/talents, share them with the family and enrich relationships in doing so.
• Take pride in oneself, dont become the martyr and put cleaning the floors before taking a shower.
• Education is important for all of us at any age, it comes in many forms and can be fun.
• Communication with the husband and children can often be tense, learn how to change it around and make the negatives almost vanish.
• Support. We all fail on a regular basis, its ok. The only thing about failure is when we quit, what do we become then? A loser? I am available to help support anyone at any time in any way. Dont let a hurdle you believe in be the thing that pushes you to give up!

So there is a general gloss over the depths of what is to come. However, what I share on here will be based on MY personal feelings, talents, interests and experiences. I can only be me, I like being me and I'm happy to share me where I can. I do not have any authority over any of the interpretations of the Fascninating Womanhood book or teachings other than my own. I am in no way related or in connection with the author or any acquaintences of the book or groups associated with it.

My next post will be talking about what I have read in the book so far, my thoughts and experiences. I shall also be setting out some goals for myself that will be realistically worked on. Any goals I have achieved {such as trying a new recipe or sewing the blanket that's been waiting forever!} will be posted too, just so share, inspire and add vision to a goal.