The autumn leaves are falling, the air is getting crisper and most of us just want to find someone to cuddle next to for a little romance. As the temperature drops, it is hard not to imagine yourself curled up by a fire, drinking a glass of wine with the love of your life. Let’s face it – love is ALWAYS in the air. Feeling left out? You shouldn’t be, because this fall you have the most important person of all in your life – me, myself and I.
The media and societal pressures have all us ladies feeling like we need a man in our lives to tie us down and make us complete. [Brangelina anyone?] Yet we forget to cherish ourselves above all. We let significant others and, unfortunately, abusive relationships take hold of us and we lose ourselves in the process. The line is blurry between committed and no longer an individual, and that’s why it is important to leap over that line by learning to love yourself.
It may be hard to achieve substantial self-esteem when you feel overwhelmed by work, school or relationships. It is vital to start small [Rome wasn’t built in a day!] and dream big. Think of all that you have accomplished as a person and all the hopes you have for the future. Just purchased a new car with your hard earned money? Got a promotion at work that you have been working towards for months or even years? Give yourself a pat on the back, and enjoy the accomplishments that you have achieved. A positive outlook never hurt anyone; you are more powerful than you think!
Start embracing your individualism; it’s uniquely you! It is great to be in a loving, healthy relationship, but don’t let it define you! He may be prince charming and your other half, but you have to make sure you keep yourself numero uno. Get involved in a charity of your choice or join a ladies’ fitness class to have some ‘you’ time. It is always good to have some space [and keep it] in order to retain yourself, as well as your sanity. Remaining a strong, independent woman may not be easy, but taking small steps towards a goal is the road to achievement. You pay your own bills, drive your own car and walk your own dog, right? You have all the power over yourself, and that is the most important gift you were given! Keep your head held high and make an entrance like you are one of a kind, because YOU are. Love yourself for the unique, driven woman that you are, and you are bound to fall in love with your life [as well as yourself] before the first winter snow falls. You are an original, and that is the beauty of every woman, everywhere.
By: Cassie Tucker
Photo By: Bobby Ray
