EILEEN ADLER

“You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and the best that you have to give.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
 

A popular perfume launched in 1978 by Charles of the Ritz. 
 

Enjoli Commercial Lyrics:

‘Cuz I’m a woman. 

Enjoli!

I can bring home the bacon.

Enjoli!

Fry it up in a pan.

And never let you forget you’re a man.

I can work till 5 o’clock.

Come home and read you tickety tock.

Tonight I’m gonna cook for the kids.

“Cuz I’m a woman

W-O-M-A-N!
 

 I bet that many of you can sing the jingle right now! It hit the TV commercial scene in 1978 to promote Enjoli perfume by Charles of the Ritz. It claimed it was the 8-hour perfume for the 24-hour woman who could do it all. The super, super, super woman – at everything!
 

In 1978 I was a young mother pondering this commercial, I loved the lyrics, but did I relate? Boy, did I try! My goal didn’t change – I was still aiming to live up to the Enjoli mantra – cuz I’m a woman, W-O-M-A-N!

In 2003, my husband was diagnosed with a progressive disease, and I became a care partner, then transitioned to a care giver. In the beginning, we worked as a team but as the disease progressed, his needs increased and so did my giving role.

My research has led me to this conclusion – regardless of the lives we live, we must take care of ourselves to shield us from the negative aspects of life’s challenges. Whatever helps is self-care. Ask for help, plan for what you need, always adapting to the challenges at hand. We can do this!

Life Lesson is provided by Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”  Ditch the Enjoli mantra – it’s impossible.