I’ve seen the Barbe movie twice now. Both times I’ve laughed, and cried. I’ve called out “hi barbie!” with glee. I’ve dressed in pink and painted my nails with glitter. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

It made me want to make myself less small for the sake of being agreeable and liked. I minimize myself, my interests, my opinions, and my needs often for the sake of not coming across selfish or rude or annoying.

It’s exhausting trying to present things in a way that are non threatening but clear but also optional while knowing how much better it would be for everyone in this situation if we were only able to do the things we are so good at. We spend time and money and so much energy to try and not be too much, while also feeling insecure about not doing enough or adding value to the people and world around us. We are too much. We are lacking. It is so effing hard to be a woman. And I’m so proud of who we are despite it all. Look at we we do. Look at who we are. And look at the world we are changing as we own our strengths and speak up for each other and make kindness the expectation and accountability the norm.

It left me wanting to more fully embrace the feminine things I absolutely adore but often feel ashamed for loving. The world has brushed off so much of what women are incredible at as being trivial, but can you imagine a world where we encourage and compliment and celebrate with abandon? Imagine a world that is bright and beautiful and comfortable and safe.

Take me to Barbieland, that’s a world I want to be in.