A wave of sadness moved through me when I read of Mary Tyler Moore's death. This surprised me and I expected it to move on without incident. However, the sadness stayed ... and I started reflecting.
As a teenager, I adored 50s - 70s sitcoms. They made me laugh. They gave me different perspectives. But Mary Tyler Moore always did more for me. Most of the episodes were just ... more episodes, but there were themes that always resonated so strongly for me, mostly in the fact that she did make it on her own.
The consistent connection was the beret though.
Flipping that beret up, every time, in that "you know what ... I am a successful women who needs absolutely no other person and life is awesome!"
Her personal power combined with femininity and beautiful clothes were inspirational. There were many influences that shaped my life, but I didn't fully realise how strongly she affected my own personal identity and the complete belief in myself to accomplish whatever I wanted.
Thank you, Mary Tyler Moore.
RIP
