For as long as I can remember, I have always been an extremely independent female. I have always prided myself on doing things for myself, and not needing to rely too heavily on others, though I know that it is important, and necessary, to ask for help sometimes. I like to make my own decisions, and know I am doing things to better myself.

With all of the news coming out lately, regarding abortion and feminism, with the recent Women's March and with Donald Trump becoming president, I have been reflecting on these issues and what they mean to me, and how, as a woman, they make me feel, and how I feel this all robs me of my independence.

I am not a hardcore feminist, I acknowledge the fact that there are certain things men can do, especially physically, that women cannot do, and things women can do that men cannot. However, I do take extreme issue with things like, today, where Donald Trump and seven other MEN all decided to sign an executive order, banning abortion, an issue that directly affects a woman and her body and her choices. Now, I do not want to get into political views, or the morality of abortion. What bothers me with this whole thing, is men not even allowing women the opportunity to decide for themselves, for their own body, what choice they are going to make. Does this directly affect me, here, right now? No, but not even having a choice if it ever did, sickens me. How is this fair? Do women tell men what they can or cannot do to their bodies? No, they do not.

I resent even more that women are constantly being sexualized, their bodies being put on display, taken advantage of and looked at as an object, rather than a human. I have had too many experiences to count, having guys say completely inappropriate, degrading things about me and my body, talking to me as if there is nothing more to me than what is on the outside.

It bothers me that women and their rights in general, in society, are even up for debate at all. While I found the Women's March to be inspirational, hopeful and wonderful, I also found it sad that it was necessary at all to protest to have the equal rights in society. I do not need, or want, to have anyone, especially any male, ever tell me what I can or cannot do with my life. That is up to me. Just because I am a female does not mean I am dumber, or less capable than a man to be successful. It also does not mean that all that I want in life is marriage and kids like so many portray a women having to be. There is nothing wrong with this, but what I am saying is that this is not the only dream a woman can have.

It also boggles my mind when other women try to say that we do not deserve equal opportunities, or these rights? Why would you not want rights?

I hate that in this world, so many different people, not just women, but minorities, people who are gay, people who are anything other than a white male, are placed into this category, with each one having their own rules and regulations. We are all just people, though our anatomy, minds, preferences and skin may differ. Why is it so hard for people to accept that? Why is it so hard for people to get over the fact that there are so many different types of people, and that is more than okay. In fact, it is pretty beautiful.

I acknowledge all the opportunities we are all blessed with, and the fact that we are luckier than many people in many countries, regarding our overall ability to accept and provide rights to those other than men. What bothers me is that this is even a problem at all.

I am a woman, yes. But I have so many goals, so many dreams to succeed in a career, to travel, to experience the world. And one day, ma, and I am far more than just my body. Maybe I will want to get married and have kids, but that is not all that I am good for and I will never for a second believe anything less than that. I will never accept being told that I do not have power to make decisions with my body, or about my life, or to be robbed of experiences or career opportunities because I am a girl. I have always been fiercely independent, which I would not trade for the world, and no one will take that, or the choices I make that come along with it, from me.

So, men, or whoever else, do not ever tell me what I can or cannot do, simply because I am a female. I will be successful, I will make my own decisions and I will live my life without limitations being placed on me by you.