Men adore us. Guys want us. Children look up to us and the world takes a bow. We all know that as women, we have been told how special we are time and again: a guy’s dream before marriage and a husband’s pride after; a father’s reason for smile ; a mother’s comfort in sadness; a friend’s matchmaker; a bestie’s medicine for hangover; and a child’s solace for distress. But then there are times that we ourselves don’t know what we are capable of and the daily stuff that we do makes us exceptional.
It’s time to give yourself some credit that you deserve instead of demanding it from others. So sit back and relax: you are accused and guilty. It’s conviction time!
1. Their beauty.
You are the fairer sex. Trust me it is not easy to look so lovely each day when you wake up in the morning or by the end of the night. But whatever you do, you do it best! Give yourself the benefit of doubt and love the efforts you put forth when it comes to monthly facials, pedicures, waxes and haircuts. Love the nail art sessions, and all the fitness exercises you do. Remember: if guys love you for the way you look, why shouldn’t you yourself do the same?
2. Their forgiveness.
You are the epitome of love and forgiveness. You might get mad, but it hardly takes you a moment to return back to your usual self. Trust me: it is not so easy to be so patient and forgive your friends, brother, husband and children for the times they hurt you or say something harsh. You are quick in putting things on the back burner and forgiving. Well, that’s an impressive trait, I say!.
3. Their everyday, tiring efforts.
Going to work, attending classes, giving a presentation, doing the laundry or the dishes, dropping the kids off for school, preparing a sumptuous dinner, vacuuming or tending to the plants—it’s amazing how much a woman can achieve in a single day and can still manage to look lovely. Sometimes, we take the women in our lives for granted or forget to tell them how lucky we are for the thankless efforts they do daily. If no one else appreciates you, do it yourself. Take a day off, sit in the park and revel in your glory.
4. The warmth they bring into the household.
From a girl’s sweet laughter, to her sister’s scurrying around playfully to catch her, to her mother’s soothing morning prayer; from warm hot food cooked by her to a wife washing her lover’s hair; from the early morning cardamon tea she makes for her father-in-law to the shawl she gets for her grandmother, it’s amazing that you yourself don’t realize at times how much the people around you change in your presence.
5. Their undying love and sacrifices for their family.
From spending all her salary to get her mother the best clothes, to getting her little brother the latest gadget; from spoiling her son with all the sweet meats and rich food, to remembering her husband’s doctor’s appointment—a women’s love for her siblings, parents, in-laws, friends and cousins is always heart warming. She gets up early morning to cook a surprise breakfast for you and sleeps after you have already drifted off. She never ceases to make herself available when you need her.
6. Their multi-tasking attitude.
She can chop onions and cry for a friend’s break up over the phone. She can put make up on and reply to your texts. She can bake a cake right and get you your evening cup of coffee. She can work on an assignment and watch a movie simultaneously. One can only wonder how she gets so much done with such perfection. Girl, you are truly a wonder woman!
7. Their ability to push their chins up and carry on.
Had a fight with her boyfriend and it doesn’t show in the office meeting she led. Didn’t sleep a wink last night from the baby’s wails, but she looks radiant in the dress that she wore to the girl’s get-together. Yes, she might have gone through a hard divorce, but look at the way she lets her hair down at the party. The way her tears hide behind those big, black, lush eyelashes of hers, and how she still manages a smile. The way she always resurfaces back to normal even after a tragedy in her life is remarkable.
8. Their willingness to follow their dreams, whether it be writing, research, music, dance, government, or fitness.
Battling the dull humdrum of life, they swiftly move from one thing to another, not forgetting their own dreams in the meantime. Some love to read endlessly, some write, others sing or dance, or spend hours researching a cure; and for some, just being in the nature is enough. Acknowledge the wonderful quality that you have within you and take due credit for the juggling act of yours.
9. Their ability to transform into super chefs.
You were once a cooking novice who used to throw the onions from quite a distance just to avoid the oil sprinkling on your face or became frustrated when you burned the bread, or when the salad got way too messy. Now, you smile those days off; look at where you have come now. You have the hands of Midas or something as whatever you cook now is edible and healthy if not always very tasty. ;)
10. The ability to lead a life of their own!
Your willingness to leave behind your family, friends, sometimes career, or even your home country is worth applauding. Many women take on huge financial, personal, and emotional responsibilities when they are with someone, even though they knew nothing of it before. The party animal girl is transformed into someone who turns off the lights at 10:30 p.m. as she now needs to wake up early to get to work or take the kids to school.
11. The ability to preserve their identities!
Finally, you have the ability to have a separate identity. You recognize that you are a daughter, mother, wife, sister, boss, and lover, and you do not forget all that constitutes what it means to be a woman. At the same time, you have a separate identity, lifestyle, personal habits, and memories from growing up and things that you are dealing with in the present.
We all know, as women or having women in our lives, that they are powerhouses of stamina and torchbearer in our lives. But the endurance, gratification, and the extent of our efforts are limitless and mind-boggling. The world is saying so and so should you: “Give yourself some credit, woman! Make those baths extra long. Feel the wind in your hair. Smell your coffee in the mornings and walk an extra mile. This is what makes you special. This makes you adored. Take the phone off the hook and leave your worries at the door.”
Featured photo credit: Woman on Beach via puregreenwellness.com
