In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, here are three ways to empower yourself and encourage other women to feel the same all year round. Encouraging others encourages you, whether that be through the change in mindset, the change in language, or the change in acceptance. Keep holding your head up high, not just on March 8th every year, but on every other day as well.
1. Change your language from bossy to assertive.
To be described as bossy can be one of the most impactful insults given to a woman. To be "bossy" is to be high headed, overbearing, and arrogant. While bossy is another word for domineering, it is, in fact, those that use it too label that are being domineering themselves. Vulnerability does not equate to weakness. Assertiveness does not equate to bossiness. To be straightforward and honest shouldn't be labeled as overbearing or arrogant. Assertiveness is the showing of confidence, which is not something that should ever be insulted. Being powerful and holding your head up high should be influential and inspiring, never dissuaded and gossiped over. Strength is not an insult; it's a compliment.
2. Change your compliments to address inner beauty, not just outer beauty.
A compliment on a pair of shoes can start a conversation of about 5 seconds, but a compliment on us as people can last a lifetime. Women are constantly being reminded of the way they look, whether that be through TV, magazines, or social media. A commentary can end up being just another highlighter for possible comparison. Sometimes though while a compliment on beauty can be appreciated, a compliment on inner beauty can be much more so. Instead of complimenting on a hairstyle or a pair of shoes, try complimenting brilliance, resilience, kindness, and strength. Qualities of women's minds and souls are even more beautiful and worthy of compliments.
3. Change drive for humbleness to drive for encouragement.
As you strive to give unexpected compliments, also strive to encourage the acceptance and acknowledgment of those compliments. Women have been trained from very early on that it is proper manners to rebut a compliment or wave away a recognition. Being self confident or thankful for someone else's noticing seems improper and almost rude. However, a genuine compliment deserves a genuine thanks. Instead of arguing with a sincere compliment, simply reply with a sincere, "Thank you," in return. Recognizing yourself is just as important, as allowing others to recognize you. Praise your self confidence! Own your fabulousness! If others recognize it, so should you!
