When I was little I was a major tomboy. I spent my nights riding bikes, playing in the mud, and playing with the neighbor boys. My childhood was full of bruised knees, scrapes, and burns. I was always outside day and night. I enjoyed running around barefoot until my feet turned green from the grass. I preferred playing football and kickball over playing dress up. I was never really a girly girl. I don’t regret being a tomboy when I was young one bit. It helped shape me into the woman that I am today. Here are five things that I learned from being a tomboy.
1. You aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty: Hunting, fishing, and off-roading are things that you enjoy to do. You actually want to participate in these activities. You like to shoot guns. You will bait your own hook. You will field dress your own deer. You will take a dangerous jump because why not? You are not afraid to dig right in and show the boys how to do something.
2. You engage in games and activities that are physical in nature: Almost every day I was playing some type of physical sport. Basketball, football, baseball, soccer, hockey, kickball, you name it and I was probably participating in it. My neighborhood would have tournaments that would go on for days at a time. I was very competitive. I could beat most of the boys in my neighborhood. I had to show them who was boss.
3. You have great stories to tell: Some of your best memories are from when you were a tomboy. You had no fears. You played in the mud until you were covered from head to toe. If you were dared to do something you would do it. If one of your friends dared you to eat a worm you would do it because you had to show them you were strong and brave. I remember when my mom would try and make me wear dresses or skirts I would cry. If she would make me go to the girls clothing department I would throw a fit because I wanted to wear a t-shirt and shorts not a flowery dress.
4. You become more independent: Growing up a tomboy I learned to take risks. I learned to not be picky. I learned to go with the flow and not get upset over little things. I had to show strength and bravery even when I was afraid. I learned to run with the boys not rely on them. I learned that I am my own person and if someone doesn’t approve that is okay.
5. You have some great guy friends: Most of my friends when I was younger were boys. I had female friends as well but mostly I was “one of the guys.” It is great getting a guy’s point of view on things. Because we grew up together, my guy friends are who I go to when I want an honest opinion. I will tell them when they are treating a girl wrong and they will tell me when a guy is treating me badly. We are open and honest with each other.
I don’t regret being a tomboy. I learned so many things and my childhood was full of memorable moments. It shaped me into who I am today. I have developed more girly tastes, but I still have my tomboy roots.
