A Woman Should ...

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. I know I am two weeks early but I figured I'd better put this out now before I get caught up with something else and eventually miss the date.

IWD is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. If you would like to know more about the history of IWD, read here.

To commemorate this day (in advance), I wish to share what Maya Angelou said (and hopefully empower women at the same time):

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. a youth she's content to leave behind

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..... one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honoured

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a feeling of control over her destiny

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to fall in love without losing herself

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...what she would and wouldn't do for love or more

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...where to go - be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year

And ... here's a reality check from Oprah:

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.

Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.

Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends".
A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle.

If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don't stay because you think "it will get better."
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.
Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man's behavior.
Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...
even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.

Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage...
Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...
a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...
look for someone complimentary... not supplementary.

Now, this is in no way a male-bashing moment. I am hoping that sharing these thoughts (that was sent to me via email), it will make someone smile, another rethink her choices, and another woman prepare.