With the womanhood fervor coloring us “purple” and feminism wind blowing “all strong and powerful”, the month of March, also coined as “Women’s History Month” has kicked off on just the right and vivacious note. In a society that has long favored men, the special day, 8th March, just like the previous year, woke up to the celebration and recognition of women and their accomplishments all across the board.
Amidst all the “feminist and women’s liberation messages” making the rounds this month, I want to take a moment to share my two bits on the same.
As we all know, this year’s theme #eachforequal signifies equal rights, equal opportunities and equal benefits for both the genders. It is majorly about strengthening the idea of creating an equal world which makes perfect sense as “the equal world is indeed the enabled world.”
Put simply, it is predominately about levelling the playing field between genders and bridging the gap between sexes.
And as much as I respect this quest for equality, there is something I consider just as much significant.
And it is:
Empowering oneself on a personal level aka self-empowerment.
On a humorous note, just as “the equality phrase” is all the rage this month, this self-empowerment also holds equally good for both the genders:).
Nevertheless, for now, let’s not deviate from the topic at hand and keep the spotlight on women specifically.
Here is the thing:Feminism and Women’s day means a million things to a million people.
But by my reckoning, “Women’s Day is synonymous to the personal empowerment of all women.”
Self empowerment is what I consider foundational to all-round success in life. Not only it is about getting a grip on life back and taking control of it but it also extends to enabling and transforming the lives of fellow females around you.
Bit by bit, a tribe is formed.
A tribe of independent, motivated and empowered women who believe in “together we soar” mantra.
So here is something to chew on, for all the ladies out there!
This life is a gift and it is absolutely yours to shape.
# Fill your cup first…
…While juggling multiple roles at home and work, don’t loose yourself.
…Note that a strong footing in a relationship with yourself guarantees smoother and saner relationships with everyone around you. Love yourself. Celebrate yourself.
“Sign an agreement to endow yourself with self-love. The time is now.”
As they say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
# Let no one imprison your dreams. Don’t forget that they are yours…
…Take charge of the wheel of your life and keep driving it along a direction that well aligns with your goals and happiness.
…To be able to do that, you need to tap into your psyche and identify what triggers your happiness. Once you find that, keep treading towards it, in defiance of all the odds and ambiguities that keep popping up on the way.
# Be a trooper. The Unshakable one…
…In the face of all the odds stacked against you, keep pushing through.
…Never settle when it comes to self-respect. and for that, the first thing you need to do is to brush aside the self-depreciating attitude that is ingrained in us through generations.
“For long enough, we have been settling for crumbs when what we deserved was the full cake.“
# Keep doing you…
…Be bullet proof to all the unsolicited, uncalled-for opinions and counsels while you are on a march towards your dreams. We women are not meant to be tossed around based on the perspective of others.
# No stamps of approval needed…
…Dump the attitude of seeking validations of well thought out decisions for yourself. As long as you are clear about the choices you make, no stamps of approval are needed.
Borrowing a quote from Madonna here:
“I’m tough, ambitious and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”
# Brace yourself…
….Whenever your personal or professional decision would involve the crushing of stereotypical views…
…Eyebrows are bound to be raised.
…Debates are bound to be sparked.
And…
…You are bound to be judged.
Don’t fear them. Be a rebel but with a cause!!!!
In a nutshell-
We all have that unyielding spirit within that lays hidden inside all of us, without us having the faintest idea about its existence. It is only when push comes to shove that we encounter our inner gem of fortitude and grit. Time to say “hi” to her.
Make your voice count. Be the change-maker. Not only for your life but also for fellow women around.
Don’t forget that the change starts with you.
THE TIME IS NOW!
FEED YOUR DESIRES!