11 Things Women Should Stop Apologizing For

I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an' pretend 'Cause I've heard it all before And I've been down there on the floor No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes, I am wise But it's wisdom born of pain Yes, I've paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to, I can do anything I am strong I am invincible I am woman...

This lyrics from a song I really like has always resonated in me. As a woman, day to day living can be both rewarding and complex, to say the least.

Society guilts women into living within certain limits, robbing us of the freedom to live within our own glory. The pressures that go with being a woman is so immensely put out there like a reminder to all women for them to follow and live for like it was our only mission in life.

However, each woman has the right to govern her life without fear and judgement or isolation.

Here are 11 things that I think us women should stop apologizing for...

Saying NO- Many women harbour guilt when it comes to saying NO. I'm one of them. For years I've struggled to say NO because I feared the consequences. I did not want to be criticized or judged if I did so. I often said YES to convenience others and by doing so I was just saying NO to myself. It invalidated my own needs and desires. Submitting to people-pleasing antics is the equivalent of volunteering to place yourself on the backburner for those who rarely appreciate your efforts. Saying NO with your best interests in mind is one of the most empowering acts of self-love.

Being busy- Ladies, do yourself a favor and stop apologizing for being busy. As adults, and as women, we all have priorities and obligations to meet, so feeling bad for putting things off is just another way of tormenting yourself.

It is not that you care for your loved ones any less than you should nor is it a sign that you are in over your head unless you declare it so.

It just means that you are busy creating a better life for yourself, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Wanting to spend time alone- In this time and age, everyone feels entitled to other people's time. And by stretching yourself thin to make every brunch, birthday party, visits to family, work meetings, dinner out and everything in between, you will eventually run out of steam.

Solitude is good for the soul. It allows you to recharge yourself and gather your thoughts.

Uniquely managing a household- No matter how well your household is run, there are always a few things that others would do differently. Fortunately no one else has precedence over your home affairs besides you and possibly the other residents.

So don't worry about having a messy room for a day-( I honestly don't leave my room or any other room in the house messy. I'm OC when it comes to cleaning my house) - but just saying...And there is absolutely nothing wrong about eating breakfast for dinner!

It is you home, so your standards apply.

Speaking up for yourself- Women who speak up for themselves are often made to be looked at as combative and irrational; however, this should never deter you from speaking in favor of your best interests.

It is your birthright to hold opinions, even if they go against what everyone else believes to be true. If standing up for yourself and what is right means losing brownie points and pushing others away, then it is definitely for the best.

Unintentionally offending others- With so many people of different ways of living, it is hard not to offend a few souls along the way. Acknowledging that you may have spoken out of turn and stepping on somebody else's toes unintentionally is one thing, but stop harping over your mistake. Instead reassure the other party that your intentions were pure and ask that they pardon the incident.

Even if it doesn't end well, don't resort to begging. Mistakes happen, people should be more understanding.

Having emotions- Women are emotional creatures. It is a part of our genetic makeup. Stop being sorry for being in touch with your emotions. Shaming women for their emotions is pure abuse. Getting your feelings hurt or being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it takes a lot of strength to admit to being hurt, sad, upset or even depressed.

Being successful at what you do- If you are a 'go-getter', an achiever and an alpha woman, that is not something you should be apologizing for. Being a woman makes me feel powerful. A successful woman? That should make you feel accomplished and empowered.

Hard work, persistence, dedication, ambition and education are assets that have stood the test of time and are a proven formula to achieving even your wildest dreams. If being driven and ambitious is a trait you have, you do not have to apologize for it.

Working too much or not working at all- Your financial situation is yours. It is not fair for anyone to make you feel bad for being an ambitious woman who spend her early mornings and late evenings at the office or at work your workplace or being a stay-at-home mom that never misses a spa day and maintains a tidy home.

Both are equally okay.

Your Appearance- Body shaming is disgusting, and telling a woman what she should look like as our present society dictates and pleases, is crossing the line. Wether you prefer going out bare faced without make up, your appearance is your own and there is no need to feel ashamed about it.

Fully embracing your appearance is one of the clearest signs of self-love and self-appreciation.

So wear that tank top you have been lusting for, or throw a pair of comfy pajama pants. Ignore the haunting critics of society, and be unapologetically proud of the skin that you are in.

Taking care of yourself- You are a precious cargo, so taking care of yourself is the most honorable thing to do. Hit the gym. Eat right. Exercise.Go to the spa. Look god and feel good.

You deserve to be treated well and no matter who or what is demanding your time and attention. The world takes you at your own value, so never regret the precious time and energy spent making yourself happy.

Above anything else, stop feeling sorry for being yourself. The world is your oyster, and it is only fair that you live it up, free of all inhibitions. Pu on a brave face, and reclaim your power . Your greatest version is waiting on the other side.

XOXO,

Karen