Be Your Own Version Of 'Strong'

International Women’s Day 2019

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2019, which takes place on March 8 every year is 'Think equal, build smart, innovate for change'.

The 2019 theme 'Think equal, build smart, innovate for change' focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.

A strong woman stands up for herself. What does that even mean?

So, here we introduce you to a strong woman and her way of leading life.

A strong woman is the one that stands up for herself in a multitude of little ways. She knows that each choice she makes throughout the day can strengthen or weaken her.

1. She is the one who stops relying on others opinions and judgments about her life.

Every day she protects herself from the naysayers and dirt mongers who want to shut her down. She chooses to let the negative comments pass and doesn’t allow the comments to stop her from what is right for her.

She puts up an invisible shield that reflects the negativity back onto the person who sent it to her. She understands the negativity says more about the person flinging it than it does about her.

2. She is the one who cultivates an inner knowing about what is right for her.

Every day, she chooses to know her innermost thoughts and desires. She does this by reflecting on what is happening inside of her without blaming or looking at circumstances outside of herself.

3. She is the one who values and cares deeply about herself.

Every day she chooses activities and thoughts which enhance her value and contribution to others. She cares for herself by getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating healthy foods, exercising, journaling her thoughts, and connecting with her higher power or God.

She knows she must be filled up and give to others out of the abundance she has given to herself.

4. She is the one who has boundaries.

She says "yes" to opportunities which strengthen and build her up and "no" when opportunities are diminishing.

When a strong woman makes decisions, she checks in with herself first to see if she really wants to do it and has the time and space to invest in an opportunity.

The next time you get invited for coffee and a chat with a friend ask yourself, "Do I want to meet with this person? Is this a good use of my time? Will I feel uplifted or discouraged if I meet with this friend?"

5. She is the one who engages in a balanced lifestyle.

She finds time for work, social time, self-care time, and investing in fun joyful activities. She will make time to go on a Ferris wheel with a friend and share special time together.

She will make alone time for rest and relaxation. She will take vacations, which bring joy and sunshine to her life. She will do her best at work each day and feel proud of a job well done. It's important to know that strong women had to start somewhere doing things that enhanced their life.

If you can’t imagine being a strong woman, just remember it only takes one step to be headed in the direction of being a strong woman. It’s time that you choose your little activity each day that enhances your life rather than brings you down and you are on your way.