Editors’ Picks: Top Articles in Modern Women for January
The pieces that stood out from an incredible month of Modern Women publishing
January is a month full of ambition, resolutions and hope. The new year promises to be an exciting time when we can put the past behind us and move forward confident that we can be and do whatever we want, just so long as we put our minds to it.
But its appeal is also the thing that deters some people from celebrating. With this month’s prompt, “Aging,” we asked our readers to consider what that word meant for them.
Our community reminded us that time is an ever-present fact of life. It is with us on long trips taken alone where we can find comfort in solitude, and in the various stages of a relationship which grow as we do with new experiences.
Whether it was through stories of childhood bullies, or fresh perspectives on the emotional benefits of aging, our writers shared some of their most compelling and heartfelt stories yet!
While we cannot showcase every writer, we appreciate every submission and story shared.
In honor of that, we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of the stories that captivated our hearts and minds. Without further ado, here are a few of our favorites from the month of January, hand-picked by your friendly editors at Modern Women.
Brenda Covarrubias’ Top Pick for January is… “Aging Unapologetically and Loving Every Minute of It,” by Kristina Etter.
In a world full of cosmetic surgeries, crash diets and anti-aging serums, it is a breath of fresh air to read a woman who enjoys life and does not fear her age. Kristina brings forth a reality check for many of us in discussing the ways in which getting older has brought with it a happier life, going so far as to claim, “Happiness is a reward for aging.” Empowering, thought-provoking and unabashedly honest, this entry is a must-read for anyone who worries about wasting time more than living it, and encourages all of us to enjoy every minute we have.
ADEOLA SHEEHY-ADEKALE’s Top Pick for January is… “Why Do The Women In My Family Insist On Talking About Weight,” by Chantelle Atkins.
This is a powerful piece on the obsession with weight that is passed down the generations from mother to daughter. It is a look into what it means to be recovering from an eating disorder, and it is an exploration of the ways women focus on their physical appearance rather than who they really are as people.
Using personal experiences and reflections on her own behaviour and attitudes, Chantelle shares a story easily identifiable for most of us. She offers acknowledgement of the ways in which women use weight as worth, and within families as a way of connecting to each other and showing a twisted form of care. Through that she offers the reader permission to break free from that outdated way of think, and a way to confront a culture that hurts them. It is a truly impactful piece of writing.
If you would like to write for Modern Women, please take the time to read our submission guidelines here…
And if you are itching to write but need some inspiration, you can find our monthly prompts at the top of our home page.
