10 Things That Happen When You Stop Being A Girl And Start Being A Strong Woman

1. You’ll empower other women instead of tearing them down.

There is nothing to gain from speaking unkindly about another woman, apart from harboring negative energy which will only end up bringing you down in the long run. It feels so much better when we’re cheering each other on, and genuinely happy when one another succeed.

Maybe you wish you have what she does, but understand that there’s an abundance of success and good fortune to go around. Support other women, and in turn you’ll be supported too.

2. You’ll set your standards high.

Even when you think you’re already asking for far too much, don’t be afraid to raise the bar a notch or two higher.

When it comes to you – it’s important to always keep challenging and pushing yourself past your previous accomplishments, because this is how you’ll continue to grow. Expect the best from yourself in all that you do, no matter how trivial a task it seems.
And when it comes to others – don’t be afraid to walk away from someone who is consistently disappointing you, because anyone who genuinely wants to be in your life will do their very best not to let you down.

3. You will keep good company.

You really are the product of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to stay friends with someone out of loyalty because you’ve been friends since forever. It’s okay to change your mind about someone. It’s okay to grow up and to move on. In fact, it’s necessary for us to evolve as people.

Spend your precious time with people who inspire you, people you learn from and people who continually challenge you to be the best version of yourself you can possibly be.

4. You won’t be afraid to speak up and stand up for yourself.

As girls, we often learn to be the quieter sex. We learn that being loud is commonly viewed as rude and un-ladylike, so we stifle ourselves. But there’s a huge difference between being obnoxious and being assertive.

It’s incredibly important that you learn to use those strong vocal chords and that powerful mind you’ve been blessed with. Stand up for yourself because there’s no guarantee that anybody else will. Even when you’re terrified, gradually it will get a little bit easier every time you do.

5. You will learn to love yourself before looking for a relationship.

As a girl, there are few things more powerful than the realization that you don’t need to be in a relationship in order to feel loved and fulfilled.

Spend all the time you need in your own company, getting to know all of your quirks, your turn-ons and what makes your soul come alive. Because once you fall in love with yourself, every other part of your life will fall into place.

6. You’ll take complete responsibility for your life.

The day you realize that you are 100% in control of your destiny, is the day you will finally be free. Whatever happened to you in your past, no matter how tragic or harrowing, has passed. The only way you’ll be able to move forward is by letting go of all that you cling on to.

No one is on their way to save you. It’s down to you to save yourself.

7. You’ll do what is right, even when it’s hard.

Most things that matter in this life won’t be easy, but it’s vital that you stand strong and soldier on through adversity.

Even when your knees are shaking, your voice is quivering and your heart is thumping right out of your chest, you still have a choice. A choice between taking the easy way out and not staying true to who you are, or doing what feels right deep down inside of you even when it’s painful.

Remember that pain is temporary but your choices will stay with you forever.

8. You will make yourself a priority.

We’re often guilty of putting everyone else’s needs and happiness before our own, simply because a strong maternal instinct is ingrained and nurtured within us from a young age.

But guess what? YOU matter. YOU are important too.

So be sure to carve out some time for yourself each day – whether it’s as little as 10 minutes or as indulgent as a couple of hours – and nourish your mind, body and soul with what they crave.

9. You’re honest with your feelings.

You don’t ever need to apologize for, or feel embarrassed by your feelings. They are unique to you and they make you who you are.
Life is way too short to hide away under the covers out of fear of getting burned. The truth might be risky and it never guarantees your desired outcome, but it will always allow your heart to be at peace.

10. And you’ll believe in yourself. Always.

Drown out those voices in the back of your head that are always trying to bring you down with a constant blast of positive, motivational thoughts. Remember that nobody in this world has ever succeeded without first believing that they could.

Sometimes, all it takes is one book. One book that turns your world upside down. One book that changes your entire life.

Bloom by Shani Jay available here.