Woman truly is a unique, awe-inspiring, fascinating – sometimes infuriating – but ultimately lovable creature. Being a woman is something that defies explanation – much less comprehension. As Oscar Wilde put it, women are made to be loved, not understood. This month, as we celebrate women and our fantastic ways, I spoke to some of the most influential women in my life to find out what it is we enjoy most about this experience.
1. Stepping out of the hair salon
The feeling of walking out of the hair salon after being lathered, rinsed, massaged, conditioned, and blow-dried by your favorite hairstylist – that one who knows exactly how to work with your strands. There’s nothing quite like that glossy swish of fresh, shiny hair that makes you believe you can take on the world – and that goes for all hair lengths, colors, and textures!
2. The ability to surprise society with what you can achieve
Even in 2018, women often need to fight for their place – whether it is in the workplace or in your day-to-day environment – and women are still being placed in rigid boxes of expectations. However, the moment when you stop conforming to that image, the world starts looking at you differently. Suddenly, you are seen in a different light. Especially when it comes to areas that were previously inaccessible for women, it feels good to be able to make your mark as a woman. Empowerment is knowing that you can go against the norm, that you can do what you set your mind to, that you can do it for yourself – and that you can do it while wearing high heels!
3. Those big red store signs
Getting an awesome deal on a sale at your favorite store – and getting it to match perfectly for your new favorite outfit. The same goes for that new coffee machine you’ve had your eye on for a while now – there’s a special thrill about knowing you landed a real bargain and getting to use it for the first time.
4. A truly great pair of shoes
Let’s face it, there’s something to be said for the way the right pair of heels can boost a woman’s confidence. They shape your legs, make you walk a little taller, have a way of giving any outfit just an extra glam touch, and just make you feel more feminine. As said by Manolo Blahnik, “You wear high heels, and you change.”
5. Getting to be a mother
The smell of a baby’s head, warm cuddles, and kisses, those tiny little fingers and feet, dressing them in cute baby outfits, and enjoying the different phases of growing up: being a mom must be one of the best parts of being a woman. Regardless of their achievements on a professional level, this is something all mothers see as their biggest privilege. And let’s be honest, if someone could bottle the smell of a baby’s head, they would be a billionaire by now!
6. The ability to be strong and soft at the same time
Women are like reeds in the river: we can bend without breaking. Women are designed to adapt to their environment based on what is required at that moment. That is why we can be simultaneously driven and caring – filling the need as it appears.
7. Shaving your legs and climbing into freshly washed, clean sheets
I don’t know why this is such a pleasurable experience, but anyone who has had the privilege of sliding their smooth legs into clean-smelling sheets knows it makes for some particularly good Z’s – filled with really sweet dreams.
8. A skincare routine that really pays off and leaves you with perfect skin
Apart from great hair, there are few things like clear, smooth, glowing skin that can really make a woman feel beautiful. While it often takes some figuring out, the day you finally understand what your particular skin wants and needs – and which products can provide this – marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
9. How protective we are of those we love
There’s a strain of mama bear in every woman – and she tends to stand up whenever something or someone threatens the happiness of our tribe. Even if it’s just her against the world, a woman will do anything to support, cheer on, and care for her loved ones, and she will always see the best in them.
No, it’s not always easy, and often we don’t understand ourselves any better than the men trying to figure us out – forever in vain. But being a woman will always be a privilege, and getting to make the world just a little less harsh and a little more beautiful, just because you’re in it – that’s your birthright.
Here’s to celebrating women all around!
