I am a woman who loves to celebrate not just myself but other women, too. As an african black woman, life has already been laid out for me, but I often refuse to conform to societal norms and don’t get me started on the strong black woman trope. I am not. I am simply a woman. 

International Women’s Day reminds me that the women who came before me worked really hard for the freedom I have today. I can do whatever I want, and the world is my oyster. As a woman, “I can’t do that” should never cross your mind; you’d often be surprised by what you can do. 

A woman should never rely on a man but herself. I mean, the idea of it is nice, but it’s not necessary. The beauty of life and the woman before us is that we now have the same opportunities as men; your gender should never cross your mind when going for any role. The only thing that you should say to yourself is ”How do I get there? What do I need” never ”I am a woman, I can’t”

The only thing that’s stopping you from the life you so desire is, well, the economy isn’t so great, but we know that. It comes down to self-belief and confidence. Your confidence in being the woman you are will take you so much further than just obeying everything presented to you. Challenge it. Ask why.

You truly have one life. Your life shouldn’t revolve around marriage, but freedom. ”No” is a full sentence; your focus in this one life should be your spirituality/ religion, getting degrees, and making the most money you could ever make. A man should not be the focal point of your life. I promise you, there’s more to life than men, and if you do decide to marry, take your time because it’s better to marry late than marry wrong. It should be an honour to even be with you. You are a woman.

“More good women have been lost to marriage than to war, famine, disease, and disaster. You have talent, darling. Don’t squander it.” – Cruella De Vil

Look at yourself in the mirror. You are a woman, you are so powerful and so beautiful. Go for the life you want and do not let anyone come in your way. Challenge yourself, out-earn others, and go above and beyond for yourself. Spoil yourself, fall deeper in love with yourself, the world is yours. Take care of your mind, your nervous system, and get this money!

Oh, how I love being a woman!