I Never Meant to Be a Feminist—But Here We Are
I didn’t think I was a feminist—until I realized how much we still have to fight for, and believe in.
As I walked through the Hauser & Wirth Gallery this weekend in Los Angeles, surrounded by the powerful artwork of Luchita Hurtado, I found myself reflecting on something I never expected: how we become the heroines of our own stories, sometimes without even realizing it.
Standing before her paintings—works that fought for visibility in a world where women's voices were systematically silenced—I was struck by a profound truth. We don't always choose a cause. Sometimes, we simply refuse to accept what we're told.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: I Never Meant to Be a Feminist—But Here We Are
Latest blog post: Salt, Sun, and Serotonin: The Ocean Really Makes You Happier
What I'm (re)reading: "This Is Just To Say" by William Carlos Williams
I Never Meant to Be a Feminist—But Here We Are
Luchita Hurtado's artist statement from 1976 stopped me in my tracks: "I make clothes, I cook meals, I've raised children. I write poetry... but most important, I paint and consider myself a painter." Here was a woman who refused to compartmentalize herself, who claimed all of her identities without apology.
It reminded me of my own journey. I grew up in a culture that didn't overtly devalue women, but did so in that quiet, very New England way. The boarding schools I attended had only begrudgingly accepted girls years before I arrived. I remember attending concerts where boys would talk among themselves while a girl stood right there, never even receiving an introduction—as if she were invisible.
The Quiet Revolution of Existing Fully
What strikes me about Hurtado's work—and what I see in my practice every day—is how revolutionary it can be to simply exist as your full self. In 1971, she noted that while women comprised 53% of the population, only 4% of artwork shown in Los Angeles museums was created by women. Rather than accept this reality, she became a champion for getting women's work seen.
This resonates deeply with what I witness in my studio. Every woman who walks through my doors is making a quiet declaration: "I matter. My wellbeing matters. I refuse to disappear."
Claiming Your Space in Midlife
There's something particularly powerful about women in midlife refusing to shrink. We've been taught to be grateful for scraps—to accept diminished energy, declining health, and reduced visibility as inevitable. But what if we approached this transition like Hurtado approached her art? What if we said, "I cook meals, I care for others, I manage households... but most importantly, I am a woman who deserves to thrive"?
The Best Is Yet to Come
I tell the women in my practice every day: you deserve to be angry about the limitations placed on you, and you deserve to do something about it. We've come so far, yet so much has regressed in ways we never could have imagined. But we must hold onto the vision of a future where the best is still to come—and we'll be the ones to bring it to life.
Remember: becoming the heroine of your story doesn't require grand gestures. Sometimes it's as simple as refusing to accept "that's just how it is" and instead asking, "What if it could be different?"
Latest blog post
Salt, Sun, and Serotonin: The Ocean Really Makes You Happier
Just looking at the ocean makes me feel a little better. What is it about bodies of water that speak to us and make us feel expansive and more peaceful? In my latest blog post, I dive into the science behind why coastal living—or even brief ocean visits—can genuinely boost your mood and wellbeing.
From the negative ions released by crashing waves to the meditative rhythm of tides, the ocean offers a natural prescription for stress relief. I explore how salt air affects our respiratory system, how the color blue impacts our nervous system, and why beach walks feel different from any other form of exercise.
The research is fascinating: people living within a mile of the coast report better mental health outcomes, and even looking at images of water can lower cortisol levels. It's not just in your head—it's in your biology.
Whether you're planning a coastal getaway or simply need a reminder of nature's healing power, this post offers both science and soul-soothing insights.
What I'm (Re)reading
"This Is Just To Say" by William Carlos Williams
Sometimes the most profound truths come in the smallest packages. I've been returning to this simple, perfect poem throughout the week:
This is just to say I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold
A celebration of life's pleasures, simple and sweet. Perfect for late summer.
Wishing you the courage to eat your own metaphorical plums this week.
Yes, you can become the heroine of your own story!
Dr. Catherine 🌊
Dr. Catherine Wellness
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© 2025 Hey Dr. Catherine. This content offers general wellness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. The information and experiences shared reflect the clinical practice and personal perspective of Dr. Catherine Price and are not intended to replace individualized care.