When was the last time you felt taken care of? I mean REALLY taken care of? Tucked-under-a-blanket-given-hot-tea-and-asked-if-you-wanted-anything-else taken care of? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Most of us—and by “us,” I mean women—rarely get this kind-of attention.
I posed this question to some ladies at the studio the other day, and most of them had to go all the way back to childhood to conjure up the memory. Most of the time, they said, they were the ones tucking someone in versus the other way around.
It’s part of how we’re socialized, they conceded, in our country, anyway. Women are the caretakers, and that’s the role everyone—including we—expects us to play. It’s not that way in some other countries, one member clarified, but it is in ours.
Except at Purple Crayon, another woman chimed in, and they all agreed. It was one of the reasons they appreciated the studio so much, they concurred. While they usually have to make their own tea, it’s the one place where, surrounded by other women, they always feel taken care of.
How do you define "being taken care of"? I asked. They were all strong women, so I doubted they wanted to be coddled. It was more about feeling seen and appreciated, they explained—though I’m sure none of them would turn down a little pampering now and then!
The women described how, when they’re at PC, members ask how you’re doing and what you’re working on, and they really want to know. In turn, the ladies continued, they inquire about other members’ well-being and sometimes even ask for advice about their art, knowing that whatever suggestions are given are done so with a genuine desire to help.
Everyone needs a sanctuary like PC, we agreed, and we felt so grateful to have it.
How about you? Do you feel seen often enough? If not, it may be time to start asking for what you need (I bet most of your loved ones have no idea that you’re feeling this way) or look for support elsewhere.
If you don’t live near PC, you might consider joining, or starting, an all- or mostly-women group. Most communities have Meetups (groups of people who share similar interests), but, if that doesn’t appeal, even attending a monthly book club meeting will provide a bit of food for your soul.
If you want a place to be with other women artists, and you’re local, December is a great month to join the studio! While we don’t have any dedicated stations available right now (though that could change any day), we’re still accepting new Lavender members. And, this month, if you sign up with a friend, and you both stay for at least three months, you’ll both get your third month free!*
(PC Members: If you sign up a friend during December, you can take advantage of the deal as well, but please see note following the blog.)
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact us, and we’ll schedule a time for you to tour the studio.
No matter what you decide, I’d encourage you to find a "comfort community" sooner rather than later. We’re heading into what promises to be a particularly challenging winter, and we could all use a little extra TLC to get through it.
Happy Holidays!
—Pam Robbins, Owner
*This offer only applies to Lavender membership fees.
