Being a woman is so difficult. There are so many roles we are expected to play. Mothers, nurturers, chefs, maids, healers, pleasers. We are expected to attend school, and excel, to become economically independent. We must always make time in our busy schedules to make sure dinner is prepared, to fill the bellies of our boyfriends, husbands, and children. We must make sure the laundry is done, so the clothes are fresh, mended, and tucked away in their drawers. We must make sure our loved ones are cared for, tending to their every need. We must push through our sick days to make sure the day-to-day duties of a woman are completed adequately. Spending so much time pleasing and satisfying everybody else, a lot of the time, we forget to take our own happiness into consideration.

It is so easy for us women to lose sight of who we are. We give so much of ourselves to people, who the majority of the time, are not willing to give the same to us.

I will go to the ends of the earth for those I love. One of my biggest flaws is sacrificing my own happiness for the happiness of those I care deeply for. Sometimes, you have to be strong for yourself. Remember who you are, and everything you stand for. Are you staying true to who you are while pouring your heart and soul into someone who doesn’t realize what they have while they have it? At times, you can’t be the only one fighting. People need to fight for you. If they don’t, you need to realize what you gave them was more than they were willing to give you and move on.

It is time to take your power back. Choose to let go of anything that disturbs your happiness, and peace of mind. Let go of anybody that does not embrace and accept your flaws. Walk away from anybody or anything that makes you feel like less of the woman you are. Leave behind anything that reminds you of your mistakes from the past. The past is over and done with, and has no power over you. Liberate your soul from any past hurts and regrets. Choose to embed your heart with the lessons you have learned. Forgive yourself for asking too much of yourself. For giving too much of yourself to others who were undeserving. Forgive yourself for allowing yourself to be so hurt, and empty. Accept your flaws. Forgive your mistakes. Choose to say no when saying yes hurts. Choose to be better. Be selfish with your heart. Guard your soul with all you have. Put yourself first. Never choose to remove jewels from your crown to make it easier for someone to hold. You don’t need a smaller crown- you need someone with larger hands.

If the decision is between them, or you, choose you.

Everytime.