To "Little Women" with love!

My dear little (and not so little) women out there,

        As I wrap up for the day like any other workday, my thoughts rest on all the little girls I know. What does the 8th of March mean to you? Does it come and go each year and leave you feeling the same?

Here are some thoughts on self-care you may wish to choose.

1.      Happiness begins with you - until you are happy with who you are as a person, nothing and no one else can do it for you. Seek out your interests, goals and all you wish to achieve. Striving for them will let you understand yourself and make you happy. 

2.      Hobbies must resonate with you- a hobby that you can connect with and that makes you feel energized will serve you well. You don’t have to break the glass ceiling nor remain locked in a biased choice. Do what feels good and right.

3.      Know your worth -this applies to friendships, relationships, and jobs. Very often girls settle for less than they deserve. Difficult situations, insensitive relationships, even lower paychecks. Quote your price, you are worth it.

4.      Find a mentor -you need to have someone who will inspire and teach. Encourage, listen and validate your feelings. Need be, even reprimand you.

5.      Find your voice- girls are often raised to have perfect manners and be quiet. Thus we learn very early to take care of others first. Running the risk of becoming people pleasers. Knowing how to find your voice will also give you great communication skills. Make yourself heard; it will help you accomplish much.

6.      Nurture your passion – rather than being pushed into activities dare to choose what interest you. Pursue the idea and engage passionately. No matter how small or simple.

7.      The magic begins beyond our comfort zone – it is imperative to challenge yourself in taking healthy risks. Understand that if you are getting too comfortable it is time to move.

8.      Your needs are important- in a predominantly patriarchal world, girls often learn to put themselves on the back burner. The courage to be seen and heard is a powerful gift you give yourself.

9.      Let your word mean something-Jo, the inspiring writer, in Louisa Alcott’s Little Women says, “I like good strong words that mean something.” As we try to rise in a largely male world the words we choose have a huge impact on how we are perceived. Let us choose our words carefully and express them in the way we want to be understood.

In the end, I quote Louisa May Alcott in her Little Women, "I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen." Girls, the key is in your hand, fly high and unlock your castle, even the ones in the air.

(Images sourced from Google and are subject to copyright. I do not own them.)