Tips for Empowering Women and Girls in 2023

The calendar is turning to a new year again, which means people of all ages are creating their New Year’s resolutions. Even though people have differing opinions about setting resolutions, I’m sure everyone can agree that personal development should be an integral part of everyone’s life. After working with hundreds of women and girls over the years, if you’re wondering what you should focus on for 2023, I have a few suggestions. Focus on you — specifically fostering an environment and habits to cultivate and strengthen empowerment and confidence.
Although this may sound lofty and huge, possibly feeling out of reach due to societal pressure or low self-esteem, empowerment comes down to the personal perspective you have of yourself (your self-esteem or self-worth) and your daily habits. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Recognize your worth
The most important aspect of empowerment is recognizing your worth. Be grateful for your amazingness, your imperfections, your weaknesses, and your power — all of these things make you who you are. You are exactly who you need to be, and you are designed perfectly just as you are. Remind yourself of this daily through self-affirmations to help grow your confidence and understand your worth, especially on those days when you don’t want to.
Although it’s always easier said than done, never allow naysayers to drag you down or make you doubt yourself. There will always be people who don’t support you and your success, but your worth is not defined by what other people think of you. Remember that there is no way to please everyone; all that matters is that you are happy about yourself.

Take care of yourself first

The biggest mistake many people make is trying to fill others’ cups before filling their own. I call this a “mistake” because you cannot help someone else feel happy or satisfied until you feel that way yourself. Think about the message you hear every time you are on an airplane: “put on your mask before you help anyone else.” That’s because you cannot help others if you run out of oxygen, right? The same is true with our own happiness.
 Activities that fall under the umbrella of self-care are critical for empowerment. Make these activities a habit, a part of your day-to-day life — they are non-negotiable. Take the time to meditate, journal, work out, or do other activities you love that help you feel satisfied. If you constantly work away at your job or school and don’t have any outlet for relaxation, you won’t ever feel motivated or ready to take care of yourself. On the other hand, when you make yourself better through these methods, you will be able to help others in profound ways.

Don’t let other people hold you back from being your best self

Society will always have expectations of you, but don’t let those expectations weigh you down and keep you from becoming the woman you want to be. People will ask you to do things, but not all of them will be in your best interest. Say “yes” to the things that help you move towards your goals and “no” to those that don’t.
Once you build this power, it’s just as essential to maintain it within yourself. People may be jealous of your “power” and strength and try to steal it away or drag you back down to their level, which is why you should surround yourself with people who will support you. Surrounding yourself with these people will also ensure that you are not feeling pressure to compete and can focus on your personal and individual goals and growth, instead.
As you start to take action toward your goals and accomplish them, your confidence and self-esteem will grow, leading to increased empowerment too. But once those goals are met, remember that confidence is like a flower — if you don’t nurture it, it will wither. For this reason, always strive for constant self-improvement. Even when you reach the next level, remember that there is always another level to reach and that, in order to grow enough to reach it, you must get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. When we get too comfortable, we begin to stagnate, which is inherently antithetical to growth. The best growth occurs after defeat, failure, and setbacks because these provide the opportunity for you to learn. Each day, focus on being at least 1% better than you were yesterday.
By changing your mindset and focusing on personal growth and fulfillment rather than what others want and expect you to be, you can walk away feeling more empowered and satisfied. Remember to put yourself and your needs first. This will help you feel better about yourself and allow you to be more of a source of positivity to the people around you.
Finally, everything that you have or don’t have in your life is because of you: your habits, your thoughts, and your self-esteem. You are in 100% control of your life. If that’s not empowering, what is? Take charge of who you are and who you want to become — one habit and one step at a time.

About The Author

By GeNienne Samuels, Co-founder & CEO — Sideline Prep

Sideline Prep is made up of a network of current and former professional and semi-professional cheerleaders that have danced on the sidelines for years. Our goal is to fully prepare young women for their cheerleading and dance prep classes and auditions, enabling them to walk in with more knowledge, style, glamour, and confidence. Ultimately, we aim to make Our Lovelies “sideline-ready”. You can follow them on Instagram.

Reflecting on Women’s History Month

As we close out Women’s History Month, I have reflected on the women before me, next to me and in front of me.

There is nothing more empowering and painful than being a woman in this world. The women that personally have impacted my life are strikingly inspirational. When I entered my twenties, I would constantly look for women who would share advice about thriving and getting through your twenties. I found myself reading articles, watching Youtube channels, listening to TED talks and attending conferences. The women I met along the way shared their knowledge with me. They had advice about finances, mental health, culture, politics, fashion, education or feminism. Moreover, they all had one thing in common. They conveyed humility and understanding. Generously offering up empowerment and happiness. 

And that to me is what a female community should be built on – it should reflect oneself. But you also should want more for the women next to you. 

I remember watching the Nina Simone documentary and being absolutely inspired with her selflessness. Simone was a woman that gave her talent and grace to the world, but it was all given with sacrifice. That word – sacrifice – has such a heaviness in a woman’s day to day life. Simone was a singer and an activist, who spoke out on the Civil Rights movement, and spoke about what crimes were done against Black folks in America. And Simone is someone that I am truly inspired by. Because she left us with her art and her vision. And at a price that she paid for. For all women in America, and the world. 

Women nowadays have the privilege and power to use their platforms – big or small – to make a change in this world.

There is still so much to do, but we cannot forget the progress we have made as women. 

Growing up in the Midwest, as a Latina woman, I often found myself craving to see a powerful woman (besides my own mother) on a platform. Oftentimes I questioned whether or not I would see a brown woman in office, speaking at conferences, or even just on a children’s book cover. Ultimately it was small steps forward that I witnessed. Moments that accumulating throughout my childhood til now. 

Someone who I slowly began admiring because of her work ethic and charisma was Jennifer Lopez. Lopez has this saying of “Making something from nothing.” She expresses how she was working for the man, getting where she is at with grit, clarity, vision and of course hard work. Lopez is an entrepreneur, actress, singer, dancer and mother. She has built herself up by working twice as hard as the person next to her, in front of her and of the opposite gender. Women like Lopez being on the screen, in award shows, or in the White House continue to inspire me. 

I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by women who have created a life of their own by the beat of their own drum.

And they have been able to be on platforms.  (big and small) lending a hand by sharing their love, knowledge and power with me. Some are singers, artists, business women, mothers, teachers, friends and sometimes strangers. Their common thread is that they all shared ways to lift other women up – the same way the women before them did. 

I would encourage you to share this article with the women that you admire. And express your gratitude towards them. Because you should thank them, support them, and most importantly listen to them. We women have one another to uplift and encourage. So let us continue to bring love, humility and empowerment into this world for all of the unique and amazing women to come. 

 

4 Reasons Every Girl Should Model For A Boudoir Photoshoot

It’s promiscuous, it’s too ris-kay, whatever naysayers may say… DON’T LISTEN TO THEM! I recently did a shoot with my favorite photographer that completely pushed me out of my comfort zone, and damn am I so glad I did! I have to say, the last two weeks leading up to the shoot I was so nervous! I wasn’t losing the weight I had wanted, I had the worst breakout, it felt like everything that could go wrong was going wrong. The day of the shoot though… that day is the day all of those feelings went away. It was “The Day”!

I had learned a lot from this shoot, and this is why EVERY WOMAN should model in a boudoir shoot at least once in her life!

1. The ultimate sense of self – love!

This shoot is all about you! Go out and get yourself that sexy outfit you loved, treat yourself to a spa day! mani – pedi’s, facials, the works! you deserve it! pamper yourself and get yourself that happy glow! It will show!

2. You get a built in hype-woman!

You should choose a photographer who you feel completely comfortable with! The photographer I chose I have known for years, shes family! Needless to say I felt completely comfortable with her and boy can I say, BIGGEST HYPE WOMAN EVER! she was so encouraging and made me feel like a total baddie!

3. The power from within!

Theres something about the poses that your photographer will have you do that not only makes you feel like a bad b*** but not only that, but makes you feel like you can command a room. some of my favorites were in front of a window or sitting on top of a couch or playing on the bed!

4. The confidence boost

I promise you, once you see the finish product of the shoot and you get your pictures back… the confidence boost you will feel is like no other! It will have you thinking “omg is this really me?!?! I am hottt!!!”

Getting a budior shoot done is honestly so much fun, with the right photographer the atmosphere will be light, positive and all around just fun! This shoot is sure to have you feeling like a new woman! It’s also a plus if you have a significant other and you surprise them one day with a picture… trust me, you will thank me later! *Insert devilish smile emojii* Even if you don’t have a significant other and you just do the shoot for you, Girl more power to you!

Go Do The Damn Thing! udio

About the author: Ashley Denton is a creative artist who’s mediums include music, theater, dance and creative writing. This girl thrives on coffee, adventure and exploration. Ashley has been writing professionally for five years and editing for four. Ashley is also one of Puckermob’s newest editors. 

 

Remember that enthusiasm from a month ago? Is it still there?

We all know that feeling. The New Year is here and we are all at home, surrounded by our loved ones. Positive vibes are all around us with a sparkly and shiny warm atmosphere.  Your thoughts are ‘’I can do anything’’, ‘’I will be the best version of myself this year’’. We know you really meant what you said back then. We do.

But it seems like enthusiasm starts fading away gradually as you start coming back to reality. 

2020 was one of the most challenging years we’ve encountered and we were all going to go into 2021 with optimism but with a bit of anxiety as well. 2021 brought a completely new promise of a new beginning. Inspiration to live our life to the fullest, something that we couldn’t do during 2020.

There is still plenty of time for you to enjoy this year and to improve the quality of your life. Don’t be limited by time, in the end, you will just feel stuck. We want to help you feel motivated and refreshed all year long.

New year – still old me?

That is one of the biggest fears of everyone. Everything remains the same. Not better, not worse, just the plain old same. 

You are back to work, and January seems like it will never end. The pandemic is still here and it is hard to keep your levels of motivation up when the atmosphere feels so stale. You reverted back to the old you and old ways. And on top of that, the holidays seem so far away at this point.

Yet, we want to encourage you to continue thinking about that change and focus more on becoming the best version of yourself. If you are already feeling guilty for not sticking to that promise made a month ago – you are not alone.

January was to put simply – a trial month. It always has been. We all want to have more time to spend with our loved ones, we want to exercise more frequently, find a new hobby, travel more, cook healthier meals, stop smoking, or read more books. 

January was for gathering your strengths and understanding your weaknesses better. Time to be more introspective. So, if you are feeling guilty you will soon start to feel bad about the whole idea of changing anything. It’s the expectations that are ruining the whole deal.  

Changes don’t happen overnight. They are the result of consistent efforts. Did you know that it needs approximately 3 weeks for humans to change one habit? 

Why is this year different?

This year was different from most as even planet Earth decided it is time for ‘’New Year, New me’’. We welcomed a new era, unexpectedly.

We had different expectations of the roaring twenties coming back but what we got was getting stuck in the never ending status quo. Fearful, bombarded with different information, sometimes far away from your loved ones. And what 2021 brought to us is a hope that everything will turn out right eventually.  

What can we do?

Start by following the examples and we will evolve together into something divine.

Setting goals and setting a stage for growth

One of the things you should do first is to create long term and short term goals. It’s essential to get back to the basics now and then to remind yourself why this is important for you. The crucial aspect is that you don’t have to be in this all alone. During this era of social distancing, be sure to remain close to your loved ones. If you need support, don’t be afraid to ask. Give them comfort if they decide to follow your example. 

It is much easier when you know that you can get an understanding of your problems, no matter how small you think they seem to other people.

Your friends will be glad to help you become an ultimate version of yourself, enjoying watching you grow, inspiring everyone along the way.

Challenge yourself 

Getting out of your comfort zone seems a bit scary but it is great for you. That adrenaline rush you get afterward is simply priceless. Yet, this is easier said than done. The entire 2020 was like one giant comfort zone. So, for 2021 plan on it to be the complete opposite of that.

Again, it all depends on your goals. Some people want to learn a new skill, some people want to try individual sports (and would be great at it) or simply learn how to say no.

Wherever you are in that equation – don’t wait for someone else to take the first step. Hang up the phone to that toxic friend that is constantly complaining. Take one class of racquetball to get you moving and to see that cardio training is not always boring and monotonous. Tell people what is bothering you. Ask for that raise you earned. 

People are often stuck in the state of arrested development, thinking it is a normal part of being an adult. Life is so much more and it has so many amazing flavors to choose from. But it is you who will take the first step.

 

Be good to yourself

The most important thing is to be good to yourself. Not to spoil yourself, only to be good. Spoiling yourself is good as a short term motivation but embracing it for the long term leads you to even more problems. When setting goals, the only thing you need to realize is balance. You want to set achievable goals. If you set the bar too high, you will feel frustrated for not managing to reach it. In the end, you will have a feeling that the only person standing between you and your success is no one but yourself. If you set it too low, these small victories will not mean anything. 

 

It is important how you feel on the inside. 

Remember to exercise, drink 8 glasses of water per day, unplug your laptop and silence your phone 2 hours before you go to sleep, and prepare your own food. These are great basics to start with. Once you start you will feel more energized, more confident, stronger, feeling that you did something good, and also start raising a bar a bit more. Don’t let your expectations control your life and remember it is never too late to start fresh. 

 

Know who you are and know when to leave 

Remember to take your time, welcome positive changes, and leave all this baggage that is bothering you at the door. Ask yourself, “If I take a step back and look at my environment, how many things around me make me happy?” or “How many things remind me of hard times that I’ve had?” The only constant in our life is change. It is completely fine if you are not the person you were a few months ago.

Grasp onto life tightly, embrace this new year and a new opportunity to rethink what you are, and change everything to the very core.

 

About The Author

Stacey is a freelance writer living in Minnesota with her cat, and she’s passionate about yoga, languages, home improvement, and drinking strong coffee. Find her on Twitter @StaceyShann0n

For The Strong Girl Who’s Not Used To Needing Reassurance

Yes Girl You Are Strong

I know you’re not used to being in this position. 

You’re not the girl who asks for help. You’re the girl who helps everybody else. You’re the one who always has a plan and is quick on her feet when things change. You’re the one who provides reassurance for others, but now you find that you need that comfort.

And, it’s okay. Because you were carrying around these expectations of yourself and what it means to be strong. You were viewing strong as unbreakable, as impenetrable. But, darling that’s not all there is to being strong. 

I know that you feel like you’re coming apart at the seams, but please know that even when you feel like you’re breaking, you are not broken. You are never broken. You’re only human. 

 

And, you may be losing hope, but you’re not hopeless.

Because I know you pride yourself on being the girl who always has it together and doesn’t need anything from anyone. Yes, you are a strong girl. But, guess what? Needing help is making you even stronger. It’s making you aware that this life is messy and things don’t go as planned. It’s making you realize that sometimes you need back-up, and knowing when to recruit others to come to your aid is a huge indicator of a strong woman.

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