A Word About "Goddess"

I think the only people who read this blog are people who know me fairly well but, just in case, I feel the need to explain my use of the word “goddess.” I’ve received a few weird looks over the years when I say this word, so here’s what I really mean.

When I was in my doctoral program, my major professor, Dr. Diane Cooper, had a party at her house for all the doctoral students. It might have been just for the women in the program; I can’t remember for sure but I don’t remember any men attending. We ate, played games and had a great time. One of the games we played was called “Go Goddess!” It was a fine game, if a bit cheesy and new age-y, but we played it and were all goddesses for the evening. We laughed a lot about it and a group identity was born. From that point forward, we were the goddesses. We greeted each other lightheartedly as “Hey goddess!” and also used the term to encourage each other. We didn’t take ourselves as seriously as the term “goddess” might imply but we were confident and strong and nurturing of each other, so we were goddesses.

I completed my doctoral program and took the goddess mentality out into the world. I call most of the women I know “goddess” at some point and it never fails to bring a smile to their faces, which I love. I call myself and other women goddesses somewhat lightheartedly but there is a serious part to it. I think most of us need reminders now and then that we are strong, powerful, benevolent, wonderful people when we choose to be. All that strength, kindness, and…well, “goddessness” is right there in us all the time, even though we forget sometimes. All we have to do is turn ourselves toward its warmth and light and we need other goddesses to remind us to do that. And hopefully we turn that light outward to the world and give it to others, which is the essence of “goddessness.” (I feel the same thing about men but I haven’t found a good encouragement word yet. “God” is already taken ;-).)

So I use this term to describe myself and others, for several reasons: it reminds me of a time of being connected to my friends and colleagues and it reminds me to remember the inner and outer resources that are available to me, even though I forget sometimes. I can’t control what others choose to think when they hear me say “goddess” but I truly hope they see it for what it is, and that they feel like goddesses, too.