It’s International Women’s Day today and the movement towards gender parity with #timesup and #metoo being pushed to the forefront of the media, there is a real sense of solidarity. We are making a positive step forwards but we still have a long way to go. It’s now more than ever that we need to be uplifting and empowering with our friends, family, colleagues and strangers to work towards inclusivity!
Overview:
This world has a place for everyone and anyone; we all have an equal opportunity to be able to connect and change the status quo… together!
With all this in mind, I know there are lots of struggles and pressures out there. Whether It’s social media making us think we need to look a certain way, or your office manager making you feel unworthy. Some days you wake up and don’t want to ‘girl boss’ and you doubt yourself.
Top Tips...
Here are my top tips for owning your superpower of being a woman all day, every day and inspiring other women to do the same.
Move:
What makes you feel strong? Is it yoga, boxing, lifting weights? Whatever it is, you deserve the endorphin fueled smile you know you have post exercise. Own that workout, own that space in the gym, you deserve it just as much as the pumped up dude in the skimpy vest next to you does!
Confidence:
When you feel confident, you feel happy. And when you are these two things you unconsciously affect the people around you. So stand tall, make eye contact and back yourself, your decisions and your opinions ARE worthy.
Realise that you don’t need to be perfect:
No one is perfect and trying to be perfect is an inefficient use of your time and your time is precious, girl! Strive for progress not perfection; and remember if somebody is trying to bring you down, you are already above them! (One of my lovely clients sent me this quote a little while back and I love it!)
Listen:
Invest in your development and growth through interaction with people. Put your phones down and be present! Growth also comes from admitting when you’re wrong.
Say no!:
Live your life for you. Don’t let the fear of being judged rejected or disliked stop you from standing by your decisions.
Support your sisters!:
We’re in this together. So smile at the girl across the street with her head down looking sad, make time for your girlfriends, encourage each other. When we come together, incredible things happen... they really do!
Celebrate the small stuff:
Don’t focus on the finish lines; focus on the progress. I am proud to be a woman. I am proud of the challenges that I overcome because they have made me who I am. I am proud that I always trust my gut instinct and am brave enough to take risks. I am proud that I can help women to feel strong and empowered every day as a personal trainer and coach.
What are you proud of? I want woman everywhere to feel confident and feel self-worth that isn’t based upon how you look but for your brain, your strength and your passion.
Ashleigh Sewell
