In honor of International Women’s Day, I want to encourage all my lady friends to look in the mirror today and tell yourself all the amazing things about you. I feel like for women, the mirror is oftentimes an evil contraption, which forces us to belittle ourselves and nitpick everything we don’t like. I wish I had a smaller waist. I wish my butt was smaller or bigger. God, have you seen your hips lately. Look at my small chest. Oh my god, I have a zit. These are all things that run through the minds of women in front of their mirrors. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. To be beautiful. Little do we know, we are all beautiful. We need to look in that mirror and tell ourselves everyday, “you are beautiful!” “You are strong!” “You rock, girl!” Today, especially, we need to celebrate ourselves.

If we give ourselves more positive affirmations each morning, we will feel happier. We will feel strong. We will feel beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Be fierce. Be strong. Be independent. Don’t let people tell you that those are bad qualities, or not feminine qualities. Own it! If a man dumps you, because you are too independent and don’t need him enough, give yourself a pat on the back. Women shouldn’t have to need men to be loved by them. If he can’t handle your strength, he isn’t the right one for you. You need a man who can support you equally and not expect you to be a damsel in distress. If you want to travel alone, travel alone. Don’t let people tell you that you shouldn’t, because you are a woman and it is unsafe. Yes, it is true that you need to be smarter and more savvy and look out for yourself, but women can travel alone and they do. I traveled alone and I learned so much about myself.

Stop putting other women down. We need to be on the same team. This isn’t a competition. The more we build each other up, the more we win as women. Give other women compliments. Smile at women on the street. Don’t disrespect women out of jealousy. Support your fellow girlfriends!! We are all in this together. Now go and make a list of all your strengths and put each item on a post it note and put them all around your mirror. Tomorrow morning, when you wake up look in the mirror and read those strengths and affirmations to yourself! I am woman, hear me roar!!

Happy International Women’s Day to us all!!