10 Things Every Woman Should Try

It has been a long time since I logged on to iVillage. It used to be my favourite website back in 1999. Life and events evolved and after a few years, I completely forgot about my daily read. I wonder if my email address at that website still works. I could check it ... if only I can remember my user ID and password!

Anyway, this is a great website for women. It covers various topics - health, beauty, food, pregnancy & parenting, beauty & style, home & garden, food, wedding, love & sex, and entertainment.

While browsing through this site, I came across this interesting article that basically said that too many women rely on men to make them happy. How true!

I feel that happiness comes from within. There is only so much our men can do to make us happy. We should take charge of our lives. I also feel that when we are positive and confident with ourselves, we naturally project an optimistic disposition.

So, here are 10 things that every woman should try (by Brenda Della Casa of iVillage.com).

1. Go on a Non-Diet (If Just for the Weekend)

I used to tell my friend, Anne, never say "diet", say "cut down". Diet is a dirty word - it is a four-letter word.

We do not need to diet. If we think, it is time to do something about that weight, then we need to cut down. Sounds sweeter because you can still eat what you want but in moderation.

If you insist on calling in a diet, ok. Then, try a weekend of non-diet. Is a weekend too much? Try a day. I feel we should enjoy life. If you are on some diet programme right now, please ignore this tip. I don't want your 'diet honchos' coming after me.

2. Book Your Dream Vacation—Go Alone if you Have to!

I do realise that most women have children and this is not possible. My sister always tells me that it is not so easy for her to just pick up and go. OK, forget the dream vacation. But have you ever thought of a girls' night out? I am sure your man will survive without you for a few hours that evening. Of course, they will now have the excuse "since you are going out with the girls, I am going out with the boys." Fine. Go ahead a get a baby-sitter and have your separate fun. If you have to admire some guy from afar that night while sitting with your girlfriends, go ahead. Nothing wrong with it. God gave you eyes... use them and enjoy the beauty that is around you. My bet is, your man is doing the same thing if he is out with the boys.

For women who can afford to get away without worrying too much, just do it. Go with a girlfriend if you don't like to go on a vacation alone. For those who have done it, don't you think that was a lot of fun? You don't have to worry about anyone's happiness except your own. Just make sure the girlfriend who goes with you knows how to have fun too. If not, there is no point in a holiday. You might as well stay home and blog.

3. Cut The Credit Card Noose!

When I told my parents that I was going to apply for a credit card, my mum jumped in and said "No, don't do that. A card will get you into a lot of trouble." My dad, however, calmly said "Let her get the card. That will be her responsibility. I am not going to bail her out if she gets careless with it." That shook me a little but it was a lifetime warning. The results of unnecessary spending does have a positive effect - in many ways. One example - less incessant noise coming from the husband!

4. Kick Your Celebrity Addiction

I am not a celebrity addict. Celebrities come up in conversations because it is just something to talk about. A little is good but too much can make one unhappy. Comparing oneself to people who seem to be have a perfect lives can make one feel inadequate. My observation is this - when one flaunts too much, chances are, he/she is unhappy about something in life. That is the goal of one who exhibits - to make others envious so that we do not see the insecurities lurking underneath. When we stop thinking about what 'so and so' has in life (and we don't), we can start building our lives and perfect it in our own way.

5. Date Yourself—Exclusively

When I was single, there came a time when dating got a little tiresome. Maybe the breakups just drained me.

The point is this - one day I decided, "enough is enough". I am going to start doing things for myself - create goals in life. I did things that made me happy. I went to movies alone. I ate at restaurants alone too. That was good because I caught up with a lot of reading. There was always a book in my bag. In summary, I enjoyed my own company. Dating myself revitalised my spirit.

6. Work at Your Dream Job

Unfortunately, I never tried this. It is still not too late, though.

In the mean time, I had a goal of writing down memoirs of yesteryears. It stemmed from a request by my sister - for her children.

I heard about blogging last year but I never got down to it. Then, I met Stand Up Philosopher. One conversation led to another and the subject of blogging came up. I told him about my interest in writing but I did not know where to start. He said, "write from your heart."

I have enjoyed every minute of it and appreciated every comment, compliment, encouragement and motivation from my fellow bloggers. Thanks to you, this blog still survives. Now, husband is also happy that I don't mope around looking bored or tired from cross-stitching all day.

7. Have Amazing, Meaningless Sex

This one - no comment. Why? I can't comment on something which I have never done before. Anyone care to share their experience?



8. Tackle Your Biggest Fear

I've tried it but still cringe when I face it. I guess I will never get over it no matter how much I have tackled it in the past. A good dose of Sheltox spray (more like half a can) will kill it. That still does not take away the fear of seeing one alive and flying. I am only brave enough to pick it up when it is dead. ewwww .... disgusting little creature.

9. Let Go Of The Past

Go with the flow. Move on. Why stay in a rut? Hanging on to the past can make one's life miserable - I've learned from my mistakes. It is not easy to forget but we can embrace it, accept it and set off on a new adventure.

10. Oh gosh! I am not even going there .... Check it out for yourselves at the website. (Warning: if you are reading this in public, you may not want other people to see what you are viewing) :)

Do read Brenda Della Casa's views here. She was the one that came up with the list.