For Starters
I suppose you can already guess this weekend's blog post is about, just by reading the title. That's right ladies and gents! Today, we are discussing what makes a women empowered, and importantly, how to empower other women!
So, if you happen to be along the lines of the male population, by all means, I hope you enjoy this post as well. Even though this one is more for the "femme fatal" the "leading ladies" and "boss babes," you might learn something of good use.
After all, feminism is NOT a bad word. Nor should the meaning behind it be either.
Speaking up for women (and everyone for that matter,) should not be a treacherous act. Whether it's for equal work wages, wearing what YOU want or believe in, making personal decisions of the body or anything in between.
Many of these issues are still a problem for many women around the world, and this saddens me.
But, us "everyday" women who are, mothers, daughters, sisters, ect, can keep putting up the good fight, so our future girls can live without these battles.
And right here I'm going to list a few things you can do in your day to day life, that will go towards this goal.
Empowered Women, Empower Women
Before we begin, let me point out the quote "Empowered Women, Empower Women." Before we can help others realize their potential and confidence, we must find it in ourselves first. This is not meant to sound selfish. Quite the opposite in fact.
By learning self love/appreciation, your own strengths and weaknesses, how you perceive yourself, and how you nurture yourself, you will find the key building blocks to help others. To teach them self-esteem, as well as courage, and mental, emotional, found strength.
I've never been a fan of the whole, "Fake it till you make it," saying. And the reason why is, this is a journey that you shouldn't fake. And especially if it's to cover up your actual feelings, or your own self. For there are more ways then one.
Faking a smile, emotions, or anything close to this is just lying to yourself and will only hurt you in the process.
If you don't truly believe that you can achieve greatness, or have self acceptance, how are you going to help another who is dealing with the same problems?
You don't have to have everything figured out or even know what the next day will bring, to learn a deeper understanding of ones mind and heart.
Ok. I know I know, that sounded a tad bit cliché. But I think you get the point I'm trying to make here. Learning and growing as a person takes time, and this time shouldn't be rushed.
Pay attention to what makes you happy! If eating a certain kind of food brings you joy, EAT IT! If you rather stay in instead of going out on the weekend to have a rest day, DO IT! If wearing a sort of outfit or makeup makes you feel good about yourself, WEAR IT! Who's stopping you!? Society? A Man? Someone who has more "power" over you?
I'm sorry if this comes off a little bitchy, but if your not hurting anyone, (or yourself) then it shouldn't matter. Your happiness needs to be one of the top things on your priority list. And if it isn't, then I hope this is the nice wakeup call that you needed.
Support your local Girl Gang
Not quite sure where to start to help keep the support going?
Well, then don't fret. Below I have compiled a list to get you on the right track and mindset!
1 Create a social circle that has a key interest, that you and other women can build and grow together in. For ex: Book club, Baking/Cooking classes, Art lessons, Writing group, ect. There is something special when you get to share a love for something that is dear to you and have a close group of people who get it, and you.
2 Check into what's going on in your town/neighborhood and see what you can add to the community in a positive way! It could be hat you decided to host a festival or craft fair, and the proceeds go to a cause to help Mother Earth, Organizations to help young women in learning, Breast Cancer awareness, and much more!
3 Add random of acts of kindness throughout your day to day routine. Show people you can not only be strong, and career focused but have a healthy feminine side that has an equal kind heart, thoughtful and empathetic.
4 Speak up for the ones who can't! This could be a child, a student, a parent, a friend, a coworker... The list goes on and on, my friends. It's simple. If you are in a situation where you feel you should speak up and/or help someone in someway, do it. The world needs more people who aren't afraid to make it a better place.
5 Know someone who recently did something that they were extremely proud of? Celebrate their victory and achievements as if it were your own! No matter how small.
Help build their confidence and let them know that you are proud of them.
6 With big stores getting lots of cash and advertisement, it's good to support a small local or online business. As a small business owner myself, I can't tell you how much it means to make a sale and have a happy costumer! It makes a BIG difference to someone who is trying to make a living or a dream come true. And it's a lot more satisfying to help them, than a largely known corporate one.
7 Be the kind of women who shares her story, AND learns to listen with a gentle heart. It's good to have someone to talk to. But its just as needed to have someone listen and understand. To have a safe space where others feel welcome is something everyone should try to master.
8 Don't be shy, give a girl a compliment! By saying as little as, "I love your hair." or "I like the way you think!" (Something along the lines) can give her a good self-esteem and confidence boost. And you never know, perhaps she might be having a hard day, and you came along and made it a little better.
9 Educate yourself on Women laws and world views. What is currently going on and how you can help with your voice. Create a petition to make a change. Use your social platforms (in a healthy and thoughtful light) to raise awareness. For nothing changes, if nothing changes.
10 Have you ever heard of the term "Indie" in front of a word like, "Singer/Songwriter" and "Author" ect? This means they are their own boss and creator. In the short version speaking, that is. Instead of waiting around hoping a label or publishing house, ect, would call them up and tell them they posses talent, they decided they didn't need anyone's approval, and just went for it. You can help by supporting Indie creators in many ways! Listen to their music. Read their book. Tell your friends and family. Ect... There are SO MANY talented people out there. And they deserve recognition too.
"Lady Like"
Everyone has heard the phrase "That's not Lady Like" at least once in their lives. And although many rules can apply to having good manners and learning to be graceful that are good. I have learned that there a great many things are considered "not lady like," that are either fun or have absolutely nothing to do that she is a lady.
Let me break it down a bit. It all depends on what "era" you live in. Right? I mean there was a time it was frowned upon if a women wore pants and not a dress or skirt fashion. Over time, this was changed. (Thank god.)
May I remind you, that in 1948 the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law. This allowed women the right to serve in all branches of the Armed Forces.
And even though we celebrate women in sports today, many sports were once seen as "only male played." (Ha! we showed them... Be as it may, I'm not the best at sports. unless you consider chess.)
My point is, there was a time for almost everything that women had to show up, and say, "I can do this too!" And from there on continued to show the world that she could. And would. Before there time, lots of things were considered "not lady like" until the views on the matter were changed for the better.
Same as things go on today, I implore you to keep changing and challenging yourself and stand up for what you want and believe in!
Because the way I look at it, being "lady like" or "Un-lady like" depends on the lady!
All of our lives are different, as we are ourselves. It could be your views or beliefs on a topic that's close to you in someway. It could be in the way you dress.
IT. DEPENDS. ON. YOU.
And might I add, I hope you are unapologetically yourself in the nicest way possibly!
Before I go I'll leave you with these wise words. Xx. - A
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