What steps as women have you taken in upgrading yourself?

Question

As a young woman I want to be able to come to a point in my life where I finally live the plan I have worked out for my life, so that there's is balance mentally, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally within myself and in the things I do. We as women have the keys deep inside to empower ourselves but we can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other to open that door for so many different reasons, i.e. relationships, drugs , family issues, negative friends, lack of a good education, support from loved ones etc... I’m lucky enough to have the support from the women in my lives, which have helped in guiding me in becoming the person I want to be but there are so many girls who don’t have even one person that can be there for them.
My questions then to you are as women what steps have you taken or are taking in upgrading yourselves? What seeds can we plant to ensure that other girls blossom into positive, intelligent and strong women living the lives that want to live?

By "upgrading" I mean improving yourself as woman, not for anyone else but yourself. I'm not saying it to be negative.

Answer 1

GREAT question!

I am a firm believer in self actualization and in never ending growth. ALL of us can grow, learn more and better [meaning learning not only facts, etc. but learning things that we can employ in widening and building our lives and those around us].

Going 'within' and doing initial introspection can be uncomfortable...particularly if one is patently HONEST with oneself as both our outstanding points and our shortcomings. If we enter this process understanding that it is not a case of bad or good, worthy or unworthy, but rather preferable or not preferable for growth and peace of mind, then we become less fearful of admitting to who we really are.

To thine onself be true.............Desiderata........has quite a bit of wisdom in its words and I firmly believe that when we are true to ourselves, we are of much better 'use' to those we love and care for.

In my own process I have attempted to build on the strengths I have and minimize my shortcomings..........I have become more tolerant, patient yet now 'stand' for what I believe and do not allow others to take advantage of me or to block progress I have charted.

I strive to teach - to model - to younger women who may be floundering as I once was - and I, too, learn from them and from those older than I.

I revere my friendships with women and build on this relationships to include things other than gossip about other women, about men, parties and clothes and makeup and instead we share our interests, hobbies, travel, books, ideas, dreams

Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned and accepted by a lot of women if that a woman CAN be peaceful, happy and lead a wonderfully productive life in the absence of 'having a man'...

That is not to say that love with a loving and respectful man isn't profoundly wonderful...but it should happen when both he and she are complete human beings - happy with themselves - not because "I need a man..."...."I'm still single"....."What's wrong with me?".....

Women can have tremendous fun exploring themselves...finding out hidden talents, hidden dreams - and taking some well planned risks!...What may emerge is a woman no one knew even existed.................!

Answer 2

That's a good question. For me the way i've gotten ahead in life and grown is unfortunately by trial and error. If something wasn't working out then i would just move on and try to find something better. I think if you stay in one place and aren't willing to move on then you're never gonna be able to upgrade your life. A lot of people are scared of change and they're scared to be on their own. I guess one good way to help those people would be to set a good example. After all actions speak louder than words so when they see a woman who's succesfull, independent, confident and happy with their lives that could inspire them to be one themselves one day.

Answer 3

I'm a dude but I love your question. If we all have a good, honest look inside ourselves, we will all find enough shortcomings to keep us busy for the rest of our lives. Self development is scary at first, then becomes kind of fun (through achieviences), then it's like a crusade. Women don't realize the power they have over men to get them to eat out of the palms of their hands by just being nice and appreciative. This is where their power lies. not in manipulations, and threats, and feministic viewpoints. Men, real men, want to be providers, problem-solvers, knights to our ladies, and the only thing we'll ever ask for is your love.

Answer 4

Since you're in a balance state, you need to totally realize this life is just an illusion. We're all from the universe, but we see it as seperate with what einstein reffered to as (an optical illusion). We exist in a solar system with a sun and stars and therefore re apart of the universe. When you totally realize that you too are apart of that, you'll have more control of getting what you want. All this world is, is a wall where you can pull out anything you want with your mind. (ex. the phone was in Bell's mind, before it actually becam a form). I can usually get what I want, in the time that I want, becaue I know the truth... You should too

Answer 5

The biggest thing that young women need to learn these days is financial independence. They need to be school on the dangers of credit cards and the benefits of saving and investing. That way if they ever find themselves in a bad situation or relationship, they can move on without fear of no one being able to take care of them, they'll be able to take care of themselves.

Answer 6

well, i haven't' worked in 5 years, i'm trying to find a job. i need to buy a car and earn some money to leave for my children when i die, as they expect it i suppose. since i have no intention of dying anytime soon, i have also decided to eat a healthier diet and exercise more. i am going to develop relationships with people who are healthy and stable. i will practice positive thinking, and pursue healthy interests. i know that i am responsible for my own happiness and i intend to be very happy, for a very long time.

Answer 7

The key is education. The more we know, the better we can live our lives by making intelligent, reasoned decisions.

Answer 8

I have to say, the thought of "upgrading" myself seems to imply that I wasn't good enough to begin with, which is completely false, and the sort of thinking that knocks you down in the first place.

Answer 9

LOL ..