Brighten your day! 10 Great and indisputable ways to Empower Yourself (…and others)
Self-confidence is vital to our joie de vivre, our thinking, feelings, behaviour, and our body’s general wellbeing. It is also pivotal to our decision-making abilities. And when our confidence is low or non-existent, we are unlikely to feel empowered. This guide is undoubtedly not exhaustive nor a solution for everyone, but we cannot resist sharing a good tip:
1. Be a role model
Every culture and every generation has its own rules and expectations for women. It is never easy to go against the grain, but there have always been women who took risks to grow and learn and succeed. And, there always will be. Many inspirational women have broken moulds, set new standards, and blazed trails. Wouldn’t you like to break a mould or two?
2. Make a list of women you admire
How often is a woman’s appearance a reason that you admire her? What do you think are the most important attributes a woman can have? What would you like a young woman to most admire in you? In herself? Does our culture seem to admire the same things in women that you do?
3. Get physical for fun
Your body needs EXERCISE and REAL FOOD. Take walks, dance in your living room, garden, golf… try to get moving for your heart, not to decrease the size of your bottom. You may lose weight and you may not, but your body will be stronger, your stress will be lower and you’ll feel better.
4. Stop talking about your weight (especially in front of young girls)
Young girls listen to the way women talk about themselves and each other and learn the language of womanhood. Young women can only learn to love or even accept their bodies if they see women who love and accept their own. Every discussion we have about weight, or fat, or being too this or that, leaves an impression on the people around us. We are encouraging a wrong quest for perfection.
5. Concentrate on things you do well
Do you look in the mirror one day and think you look great, and the next day think look awful? Your body isn’t changing, your perception of it, is. It is true that if you’re feeling good about other things in your life, you’ll be less critical of how you look. Do things you do well. And if you’ve had a bad day, stay away from the mirror. When a woman is happy and confident, she may not have a “perfect” body, but she doesn’t give a damn!
6. Weigh yourself for health reasons
Remember that the emphasis to be thin and beautiful is growing in many of our societies. Cut yourself some slack. Imagine spending a day, or a week, without the scale measuring your self-esteem. Does the scale tell you that you aren’t disciplined enough? That you aren’t working hard enough? Get rid of it. The emphasis on thin is new and arbitrary. And it can be reversed.
7. Question the motives of the fashion industry
Always remember that the main objective of the fashion, cosmetic, diet, fitness and plastic surgery industries is to make money, not to make you the best person you can possibly be. The ultra thin ideal is working for them. But is it working for you? If every season your parent or partner told you to change who you are or how you dress, wouldn’t you question their motives?
8. Break the barriers
Author Sara Tisdale wrote, “We must all choose between battles: One battle is against the cultural ideal, and the other is against ourselves.” Must we always define ourselves by what popular culture dictates? Develop your own style. Have fun – wear lipstick or don’t. Your are the boss of you! By speaking out and accepting yourself ( dimples and all), you help break the barriers.
9. Value your money
With more women working today than ever before, our money is in demand. You are being courted! How much of your money goes into the fashion and cosmetics industries? What do you spend on eating regimens? What are you getting back? Look at your budget and be sure the money you spend reflects the person you are, not the person society wants you to be! If looks did not matter at all, what would you spend your money on?
10. Voice your opinion
The world out there, including the large and small businesses are interested in your input. Your letters, phone calls, emails etc., really make a difference.
Tips courtesy of www.aboutface.com
