Life
As the year comes to a close, the need to make a list grows.Go the gym, eat more veggies, spend less money — you know how it goes. But bettering yourself in the new year doesn't have to be limited to the traditional goals. Why not look beyond the usual and more toward feminist New Years resolutions that can empower 2017. It’s exactly what the world needs after one heck of a chaotic year.
After all, feminism can fuel your goals in the best way. Support from fellow females can do wonders for your motivation. Feminism also focuses on your actions, helping you be more mindful about the way you treat yourself and others. And then there’s the concept of self-respect, a practice that can positively impact your relationships, careers, and overall health. Basically, it’s all about being a powerful woman in more ways than one.
With these feminist New Years resolutions, you will be able to honor women everywhere. The rad thing is that most of these goals are ongoing practices. This means that small, realistic goals make a huge difference. And since the feminist movement has been making major moves, it won't be slowing down any time soon. With these feminist goals in mind, we can all work together to help make 2017 something to remember. Let's do this, ladies (and gents — because feminism knowns no gender barriers.)
1Support Other Women
This may be the most significant value of the feminist movement. Support can go such a long way and come in many forms. Compliment ladies on more than just their looks. Encourage females to go for what they want. Give a random woman a high five when she does something super cool. Remind yourself that this isn't a competition; we have to rise and grow together.
2Research Feminist Companies
As a consumer, your purchases have more of an impact than you may think. Make an effort to learn which companies and brands have the same feminist beliefs you do. This way, you can be mindful about the purchases you make in 2017 (and beyond). For example, Oreo and Expedia are major brands that support gay marriage. On the other hand, Hobby Lobby refuses to cover birth control.
3Support Female-Owned Businesses
While you're at it, consider buying from small, independent businesses owned by females. This is an awesome way to empower boss ladies all over the world. Don't know where to start? Try browsing Etsy and Instagram for rad female business owners.
4Ask Questions
From gender to race, 2016 was the year of discussion. It was also downright chaotic. But it might've been exactly what we needed to start progressive discussion. Keep this fire alive by asking questions that challenge yourself and others. Stay curious and don't hold anything back.
5Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power, ladies. Make it a point to fuel up on feminist history, memoirs, and everything in between. This will help your understanding of the movement flourish and grow. Documentaries and books are awesome places to start.
6Stay Updated
This is right up there with educating yourself. In a world that's always changing, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest feminist news. Read up on policies, issues, and movements that impact women. Activist websites and social media are a great place to start. Staying in the know is vital for making moves in 2017.
7Learn To Say No
This is easier said than done, but every little bit of practice matters. The female obligation to say "yes" is very real, after all. Instead, make the conscious decision to say "no" when you don't agree with someone or want to do something. This can be anything to that assignment you don't want to the date you're not that stoked about.
8Embrace Your Emotions
Far too often, women are automatically pegged as "crazy" when they show emotions. In other cases, "that time of the month" is the one to blame. It's easy to feel guilty. But when feelings are a normal part of being a human, this shouldn't be the case. Instead, practice embracing these emotions. Acknowledge the moment, because it is part of who you are.
9Stop Apologizing For No Reason
A significant feminist belief is that women should not apologize for simple things. This can be anything from following up on that promotion to asking a question. I mean, you shouldn't be sorry for what is on your mind. Need some inspiration? Check out this powerful feminist ad by Pantene.
10Love Your Period
Aunt Flo might be complicated, but she's totally unique to the female body. A menstrual period means that your body is healthy. And even if motherhood isn't on your agenda, you can't deny the beauty of your reproductive abilities. Embracing your period comes with the territory of embracing your body.
11Don't Judge Other Women
From clothing to lifestyle habits, everyone has a different ways of living. Unsurprisingly, it's easy to get thrown off when someone has a different take on such things. Instead of letting unconscious judgement get the best of you, be active about acceptance. If it makes her happy and she isn't hurting anyone, why not let her be?
12Be An Ally
Over the years, the concept of being an ally has been gaining more and more attention. This is especially crucial in a time of heightened political and social conflict. If someone is being harassed, don't ignore it. Does this mean you need to throw a punch? Definitely not. Simply going up to the person and becoming their new friend can totally remedy the situation.
13Mentor A Young Girl
The feminist movement still has a long way to go. Help the next generation of women kick major butt by becoming a mentor to a young girl in your life. This can be anyone from family friends to your own daughter. Even a few words of encouragement or admiration to a stranger can make a huge difference.
14Embrace Your Flaws
In a culture where women are pressured to look a certain way, the "no makeup" trend of 2016 was significant. And as more advertisements ditch Photoshop, the superficial expectations of society have been a hot topic. It just goes to show that absolutely no one is perfectly perfect. In 2017, aim to practice self-love by embracing each and every part of your body.
15Respect Yourself
At its core, feminism is all about self-respect. This value can shine through any one of the resolutions on this list. Remember to always put you and your well-being at the forefront of any situation. And as long as you aren't harming or disrespecting another person, you're golden. It's exactly what will set you up for a stellar 2017.
