Woman of Substance

A woman is not defined by titles like nurturer or multitasker—she defines herself through her choices, resilience, and the life she builds each day.

Who decides who a woman is? Labels like ‘nurturer’ and ‘multitasker’ are often used — but do they truly define us? No, we define ourselves by our choices and by shaping our lives.

We women are highly inexplicably emotional. Is it our strength or weakness? It's neither a strength nor a weakness. It's just a vital part which exists in all of us. It's an emotion that helps in decision-making and later in taking action.

If emotions are managed well and used constructively, they become our strength, but if they are not managed well, then they lead to challenges, stress, and chaos.

So now the simple answer is "GROW". We want to see our best version.

We all love to see ourselves grow. Does this happen overnight? No, it takes years of hard work, dedication, commitment, and discipline in whatever we pursue. The list of things required to grow is endless. But primarily we need a few basic things for holistic growth.

1) Focus on self-care

Self-care is not selfishness or self-centredness. It is a priority for our own physical and mental well-being.

So do it unapologetically.

Take some time out to pamper yourself. Go to a salon, hang out with friends, and cook wholesome meals for your loved ones. Take a break from mundane activities and plunge into things that bring joy and positivity.

All these fill you up with exuberance.

2) Set goals

Set realistic goals. Take smaller steps towards it. Do not take a huge leap. This helps in your steady growth and fills you with a sense of achievement.

3) Be a learner

Keep learning and polishing new skills, as learning is a never-ending process. Keep gaining knowledge.

Learn, observe, implement, and execution becomes smooth.

4) Develop strong relationships

Relationships are just not about couples. Be it with your spouse, siblings, parents, kids, friends, neighbours, or colleagues, build a positive, strong relationship that should be built on trust, mutual respect, open communication, and support, and navigating through life is eased.

5) Practise Gratitude

How often do we crib over petty issues? Almost several times a day. We focus on things that we do not possess; instead, focus on things that we are blessed with, be thankful to the Almighty every passing second, and you will see magic happening.

When we speak about growth, it's just not financial growth. Overall as a person, we should strive to evolve. Be it emotional, financial, physical, or spiritual upscaling is very important.

To be truly independent is to take charge of your life. Be responsible for your actions. Be accountable. Only then do we learn to assess and take necessary steps and evolve.

That is the type of growth we should bring in ourselves.

We women are beauty-conscious, and we often look for validation. The power is YOU. Don't seek validation. Outer beauty is definitely going to fade away over a period of time.

Wrinkles, dark circles, sagging skin, and grey hair are all going to show up at one point or the other. It's inevitable although it can be delayed by skin treatment, eating right, and a disciplined lifestyle.

But inner beauty never dies. Ageing has to be so graceful that we should feel fulfilled on the inside.

That is true growth, a true achievement in its true sense, where our memory gets poor but our memories are so enriching. A never-give-up attitude keeps you going. So be strong, brave, and resilient no matter what life throws at you. Celebrate womanhood and be a woman of substance.

(The author is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)