1. Stop explaining yourself
This is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. I’ve always felt the need to explain everything to people, whether they’re my family or total strangers. You don’t need to explain to the cashier why you’re returning those leggings at TJMaxx. You don’t need to list off to your roommates or family every single thing you plan on doing when you leave the house. You don’t need to tell your Tinder date why you can’t meet up again. You don’t need to explain to your waiter exactly why you don’t want feta cheese in your Greek salad – you just don’t, and that’s it!
2. Wear clothes that empower you
I’m not saying you have to dress to the nines every single day, but what I am saying is that every time you’re going to step out the door, ask yourself, “Does this outfit empower me today?” Sometimes we go out in big T-shirts and running shorts and sometimes we put on our best pair of flair jeans and a cute top with that one jacket that we love (you know, the first one you pull out of the closet at soon as the weather drops below 70 degrees). Every day is different. But one of the first steps to feeling empowered is wearing something that makes you feel good.
3. Learn to say NO
Another one of the most important things on this list. While it’s great to say YES to things and be open to new opportunities every day, it is so infinitely empowering to say NO. This will get you more of what you want –or don’t want– out of life. It will also make you more certain in all of your decisions. Yes and no are two equally weighted options– you don’t have to say yes all the time as if your no’s are going to run out. Say no all day if you want. Seriously.
Oh, and this also ties into not explaining yourself. When you finally say no? No one needs to know why.
4. Clean your room
An organized room leads to an organized mind. If your mind is scattered, just like all the socks and empty cans of sparkling water on your floor, how can you feel empowered? We all know that feeling of having your bed made, your floor vacuumed, your drawers neat, and maybe your favorite scented candle lit on your desk. You just feel…. put together. And feeling put together is a must for feeling empowered.
5. Stand up tall
I don’t think I could even imagine Beyoncé, Oprah or RBG with bad posture. Like, not even if I tried. Standing up tall is one of the first visual signs of an empowered woman. It makes you look unafraid and ready to conquer whatever life throws at you. Not only does it make you look this way, but it will also make you feel this way, too.
6. Smile when you walk into a room
Do you know how they say that you can instantly change your mood just by smiling? Other people feel that, too. We all have that one friend that just walks in a room and you instantly feel happier. Their positive energy is just flowing out and you can almost see rays of sunlight surrounding them. You know who I’m talking about.
You can walk into a room with RBF, or you can have ultimate ~good vibes~. I think we both know which one will make you feel more empowered.
7. Don’t settle
If you don’t like your dish at a restaurant, send it back. If you don’t like how your new jeans fit you after wearing them, return them. If you’re just not that into that person you’ve been seeing, reassess, and consider changing things. This is YOUR life. Don’t make decisions based on the irrational fear of inconveniencing other people. Because then you are inconvenienced, and that is the opposite way to go when empowering yourself.
8. Surround yourself with people who empower you
Some people lift us up and others weigh us down. That friend that hypes you up when you wear a new outfit? The advisor who gives you honest feedback on your resume? These people lift us up. The people who make you feel bad about yourself for nothing? The ones who don’t listen to you in conversation? They weigh you down. I’m not saying you have to cancel them, but remember that you can’t fly if you’re being weighed down.
9. Eat cleaner, whole foods
Just like some people lift us up and some weigh us down, food works the same way. Eating clean, whole food, mainly plant-based meals will not only make you feel great in general, but it will build self-respect. Self-respect is another extremely important factor in becoming the most empowered version of yourself. The way you eat not only affects your body, but also your mind. You are beautiful, healthy and you care about your well-being. If you don’t care about that, others won’t either.
In Summary:
Dress in what makes you feel good every single day, and that can mean sweatpants today and a sundress tomorrow. Clean your room before you leave your house and don’t think you have to tell anyone exactly where you’re going. Walk out into the world standing up tall and with a big smile on your face. Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t feel the need to explain yourself when you do. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want, because it’s YOUR life. Do all of this before lunchtime, when you’ll be eating a wholesome meal to nourish your beautiful, empowered self!
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