You deserve all the support - really, you've changed our lives in the most profound way. I actually wanted to add that I came across this piece when I first woke up In the morning, and I remember feeling this huge sense of relief when I read it, and that's why I wanted to go back and reread it. There is this transformative concept you write about, this "deliberate beauty" -- and all my life, I thought I was either vain or in denial when I sought refuge in makeup or some grasp of beauty in particularly painful and traumatizing times. I didn't realize I was communicating a similar promise to myself, that 'joy is coming' or that 'I will survive' or that 'I am still alive!' Really, it took reading this to understand what I had been doing and seeking in this very similar longing that I've carried so much confusion and guilt around, for too long. I feel like I can understand it now for the first time!
I'm so glad! It's wonderful to hear that "deliberate beauty" resonates with you. When I read that ancient Egyptians planned for beauty in the afterlife as well as prioritising it in this one, and that it was women, men, and children, it helped me to fully grasp the power and the comfort and the joy that beauty brings us--away from the "male gaze" or whatever else we're told it's for and so we try to reject it when all along we can stand in its power and comfort and joy. Love and solidarity, Aiyah!
Thank you! And thank you for supporting my work. I do indeed have several books on women and money. I've done quite a bit of deep diving into my relationship with money and it's been very helpful.
this was really beautiful to read, thank you Mona
Thanks so much! And thank you for supporting my work.
You deserve all the support - really, you've changed our lives in the most profound way. I actually wanted to add that I came across this piece when I first woke up In the morning, and I remember feeling this huge sense of relief when I read it, and that's why I wanted to go back and reread it. There is this transformative concept you write about, this "deliberate beauty" -- and all my life, I thought I was either vain or in denial when I sought refuge in makeup or some grasp of beauty in particularly painful and traumatizing times. I didn't realize I was communicating a similar promise to myself, that 'joy is coming' or that 'I will survive' or that 'I am still alive!' Really, it took reading this to understand what I had been doing and seeking in this very similar longing that I've carried so much confusion and guilt around, for too long. I feel like I can understand it now for the first time!
I'm so glad! It's wonderful to hear that "deliberate beauty" resonates with you. When I read that ancient Egyptians planned for beauty in the afterlife as well as prioritising it in this one, and that it was women, men, and children, it helped me to fully grasp the power and the comfort and the joy that beauty brings us--away from the "male gaze" or whatever else we're told it's for and so we try to reject it when all along we can stand in its power and comfort and joy. Love and solidarity, Aiyah!
I have been enjoying this series of beautiful essays from your archive. Thank you for reposting them!
Thank you! And as always, thank you for supporting my work.
I enjoyed this article. You mentioned you have many books. How many books do you have regarding women and money? It’s a fascinating topic .
Consider opening an IRA account (Individual Retirement Account) today. Don’t wait another day. Contribute to it on a steady basis.
Thank you! And thank you for supporting my work. I do indeed have several books on women and money. I've done quite a bit of deep diving into my relationship with money and it's been very helpful.