I'm a survivor

Something I've long believed was confirmed in an article I recently read: Women are better survivors that men.

The following excerpt is from the article by Ben Sherwood, author of 'The Survivors Club'

Indeed, women are much better survivors than men. I discovered this surprising fact in the woods of Washington State, where the United States Air Force trains its people in the art of survival, evasion, resistance and escape (shorthand: SERE). When I asked a hard-nosed instructor if he can tell immediately who’s got the survival instinct and who doesn't.

After putting countless men and women through very uncomfortable survival training – translation: wet, cold, exhausting and hungry – it turns out that women rule, especially moms. In this instructor’s experience, women who have gone through childbirth frequently fare better than the most strapping aviators. Under extreme pressure and deprivation, he says, the brawniest men can crumble like blue cheese while moms hang tough.

Obviously, your chances of survival depend on specific circumstances (and men definitely possess certain physical advantages), but the Air Force instructor wanted to make a point: Moms are impressively unflinching in the face of adversity. After all, he explains, moms have handled real pain. They understand sacrifice. They’re driven by a purpose greater than themselves. They’re problem solvers and multitaskers. They’re accustomed to delaying gratification. In short, they’re very effective survivors.

I love being a woman and would never want to trade places with a man.

Over the next few weeks I've decided to dedicate some posts to my favourite survivors.

Drum roll please.....here is the list:

1. Jochabed - mother of moses from the bible who risked everything to save the life of her son.

2. Lady Margaret Beaufort - matriarch of the Tudor Dynasty. An amazing survivor who risked everything for the safety and future throne of her son.

3. Catherine of Aragon - Henry VIII's first wife who would not give up her position as Henry's one and true wife.

4. Elizabeth I - born a princess, declared illegitimate at 3 years old at the time of her mothers execution. After dodging many bullets finally made it to the throne and reigned for 45 years, 4 years shy of her father, brother and sister combined.

5. Susanna Wesley - mother of John & Charles Wesley & 17 other children. She is often referred to as the mother of Methodism. There is so much about this woman I love.

6. Nigella Lawson - goddess of the kitchen, so much to say about her life!

7. Britney Spears - albeit not a popular choice. But a survivor, nevertheless!


Interestingly, all of the above are women and all (with the exception of Elizabeth I) are mothers.

I hope you tune in!

Amy xxx