Thread by @monaeltahawy

Every time I write something I think is brave, I think "That's the bravest I'll ever be." And every time I start a new essay, I ask myself "Am I not brave?" Yes, I am. But courage wilts & withers when it is not challenged, like muscles that need heavier weights. So I dare myself

https://twitter.com/monaeltahawy/status/1442084453648683010

The above is about abortion. This is about shaving all my hair off. Always, always, whatever scares me the most, in just the thinking about doing it, is what I need to do the most.

https://twitter.com/monaeltahawy/status/1435234861959237639?s=20

Since publishing my essay about my abortions, I'm reminded of this:

I think twice, thrice, and often more before I share moments of vulnerability on social media. feministgiant.com/p/essay-fallin…

When you’re a feminist accustomed to having the dogs of patriarchy let loose on you, you become more comfortable with vowing to bring pain to your enemies than to admitting to your own.

But I have learned to do both: be on the lookout for the dogs of patriarchy, ready to kick their teeth in, and also keep my pain soft.

Unfailingly, and surprisingly, when I do share my pain, it is held with such care and love by my community of total strangers and comrades online that I have to remind myself that softness drives the revolution as much as rage.

feministgiant.com/p/abortion-is-…

Am I not brave? Yes, I am. But courage wilts and withers when it is not challenged, like muscles that need heavier weights.

And so I dare myself to say/write the things that scare me the most and that I've avoided saying/writing and I accept the dare.