A woman should have...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a part juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
one friend who always makes her laugh...
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honoured...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder.. and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone...even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...

I love reflecting on this. Every time I read it it gives me a sense of empowerment, and a yearning for self improvement. Whilst there are many things I can tick of the list, there are many more I still need to work on.

I have two younger sisters - 16 and 20. If I was given a piece of paper and told to impart my wisdom for how to live their lives, this would be it! Not because I have conquered it, far from it in fact, but because I believe that as women, you need to be empowered. Empowered and in control of your life.

It doesn't mean that there won't be times when you need to lean on someone for support, emotionally or financially. What it means for me is that you are not dependant on someone for emotional and financial support. That if that person was to disappear, however devastated you may be, you could pick up the pieces and carry on, with the knowledge and ability to know that you can take care of yourself.

Whilst I am c.o.n.v.i.n.c.e.d that we are having a boy... if I am blessed with a little girl, these will be the lessons that I will try to impart on her as she grows up. Easier said than done, I know...

Photo - I am really sorry but I don't have any idea where I got this pic from. If you know, please tell me so that I can properly credit the author