5am Thoughts on Being a Woman

I feel very aware lately that I want to be a woman my 11 year old self would be proud of. And my 80 year old self too.

I want to be a role model for my possible, future daughter, the girls I have been lucky enough to teach, and any girl who I cross paths with in life or on social media.

I want to be a powerful product of the incredible women who raised me too.

I feel very aware lately of the ways in which, as women, we are taught to tear each other down.

We MUST fight this conditioning. Because we have the media and advertising to do that for us.

I feel very aware lately of the risks we face as women on a daily basis. In walking, talking and being ourselves. We MUST protect each other at all costs.

I feel very aware lately of the power feminism holds for men. In allowing them to be equal. In allowing them to be emotional, vulnerable and experience pain without being told to ‘man up’.

This change would change our whole world.

I feel very aware lately of the complete and utter inability for women to ever be enough.

You are too loud or too quiet. Too bossy or too weak. Too fat or too thin. Too sexy or too frigid.

There is no winning.

It is not a competition worth the entry.

We must stop competing in a game we will always stand to lose.

I feel very aware lately of our ability to be a powerful force in the world.

To stand in exactly who we truly are, unapologetically.

To see all the things we have been told are weaknesses and instead see them as strengths and blessings.

Be the woman you needed now and when you were younger.

Be the woman you will be proud of on your death bed, and in spite of everything the world tells you that you cannot be.

Remember your 4 year old self and remember that you are still that person who deserves kindness and patience, love and respect, gentleness and encouragement.

Remember that inflating into the giant, bold, fearless woman that you are will always inspire others.

Aim to inspire, to protect, to do proud, to love, to inflate, to shine and to rise.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Melissa ❤️

All photos taken in San Francisco, yesterday (Wednesday 7th March)

#MentalHealth #Feminism #SelfImprovement