If you could give another woman a piece of advice, what would you say? Just over a month ago, a mentor and friend of mine were talking and she gave me some amazing advice. She said the following:
When I graduated college, and moved to NYC for my job, a few months in my ex-boyfriend of six years broke up with me out of nowhere. I was devastated. However, looking back, it was the best time of my life! I met so many new people, joined clubs, and traveled! We got back together the following year and dated for eight months before breaking up again...this time was my doing. I am so thankful I did because I think being on your own in your 20s, post college, is so important to grow, meet people, and do things for you and nobody else!
It resonated well, and really got me thinking... It's amazing what happens when one woman gives advice to another woman -- no matter how similar or different (whether in age, experiences, culture, etc.) the two women may be, the advice or wisdom tends to stick more because the women just understand each other.
So I reached out to a handful of the women in my life that I think the world of. These women come from all different walks of life and have so much to offer. I asked them if they could give another woman a piece of advice, what would they say? Below you'll find some incredible advice and I'm challenging you to share it with five women in your life!
Victoria, 21, Graduate Student
Completely love yourself
As a young woman, it's easy to compare yourself to all the different people around you and see what you feel you may be lacking. As cliché as it sounds, it is the utmost importance to love everything about yourself. From your quirks to your flaws, your emotions to every inch of your body, one must fall in love with all the little pieces of themselves. Be proud of the person you are and realize how truly special it is to be unique. You never know who could be looking at you for inspiration.
Jaci, 19, Athlete, Leader, and Best Little Sister
Never let anything define you. Mistakes happen, you cannot change the situation. If you allow your emotions to define you, then you are not allowing yourself to be fully free and fully yourself.
Roseann, 54
I have two pieces of advice:
1. Those who start out with great enthusiasm will find that most people will try to suck the life out of you. But every so often, someone at the top will recognize your unique life force and will let you run with it.
2. When that happens great things can happen! You create the life you want.
Kati, Director of The Women's Summit at Bryant University
As you begin your career or start your job search, it is important to be in a field that you enjoy and want to continue to advance in. I found that in my own career, I was offered more money to go into a job that I had no passion for. I turned down a better paying job for a job that paid less but allowed me to direct my career in the specialty area that I loved... The compensation eventually became commensurate... My father, a World War II army veteran who never finished college, once told me, "Your college degree is something that no one can ever take away from you." He was so right.
We are blessed to live in a free country where education is available to both women and men, and we are in a position to lead others as a result of this freedom. The Bible says, "To whom much is given, much is required." Part of thriving is giving back to others and encouraging them to succeed just as we have. You will have many opportunities to make a difference in this world and your leadership will be important in solving many new problems.
In conclusion, you have a bright future ahead of you as college educated women both here and abroad.Your ability to choose what you love, to be self supporting, and to excel in your chosen profession will give you the freedom to open many doors for yourself, your family and those in the community.
Karen, 47, @mammakline, Entrepreneur
Everything happens for a reason -- I am a firm believer of this saying and have been for my entire life. Sometimes when something falls apart or perhaps even works out, there is a reason behind it. We may never find out the reason why it happened or didn't happen, but there is a reason.
Joan (Me-Me), 75, Red Sox Fan, and Sassy
You know that my favorite words to you, as I point my finger at you, are "LISTEN TO ME" This is a very old phrase. I know you really don't listen to what I have to say because your head is spinning as you start the next adventure of your life's journey. When I use this phrase it is with hope and love that I am trying to convey a message of life experiences to you. Someday, I hope that you will use that phrase to pass the same feelings down to your grandchildren.
Athletic Trainer at the University of Florida
"Don't be afraid to push the barrier" -- very true for me in a male dominant career, I can't be afraid to strive to be the best I can, and I won't let men stop me.
Danielle, 22, Certified Bad Ass
Don't make someone a priority when they only make you an option.
Toby, 67 (yikes), activist, grandmother, sex expert and paddle board fanatic
1.Take risks. Not all risk taking is bad!
2.Don't let the perfect get in the way of the possible. Sometimes being too perfectionistic just gets in the way and is counterproductive.
3.For college women ( and men) remember Mark Twain's wonderful advice: don't let schoolin' get in the way of learnin''!
4.Don't look back; they're gaining on you!
5.Be outspoken, courageous and unwavering in causes you care about!
6.Although sex is extremely important in an intimate relationship, it's not the number 1 most important thing. It's in the top 10, but only # 7!
Elaine, 62, Ph.D Professor, Marketing, Bryant University
Being 62 years old, the single most important piece of advice I can share with young women, I got from my dad: "Choose your battles" I know it sounds cliché, but what I have found is that you really have to ask yourself two questions: If I DONT fight this battle, how will this issue impact my life & my career and does it go against my values & beliefs?" If you fight every issue, you risk losing credibility. I have found that when I have fought important battles, I have been listened to and in most cases have been successful.