Manifesto of a Woman

To begin my new year, I decided to write a letter to myself, laying out the woman I'd be. Not how this woman would dress or look, but how this woman would feel. More importantly, how this woman would make others feel when around her.

Six months into the year and another trip around the sun, I feel like my birthday is the perfect time to check in on this evolving woman and share my letter with the world.

I will be the woman whose presence is felt the moment she walks into a room. The woman whose warmth is tangible before she even opens her mouth to speak. The woman who smiles genuinely in public, because she is beaming with gratitude and joy. The woman who carries herself with grace and poise knowing that she has done the work and deserves everything that is meant for her. The woman who is comfortable and confident enough in who she is, to be her true, unabashed self amongst any and every crowd or circle.

I will be the woman who can ground herself and find her center in any scenario, whether it be peaceful or chaotic. The woman who adapts to her surroundings and does the best she can to rise to the challenge. The woman who finds safety and security in herself. The woman who maintains her sense of identity when amongst others who may have accomplished more than she, have better stories than she, seem more relatable than she. I will be the woman who continuously supports and uplifts other women. I will be the woman whose ego is in check.

I will be the woman who takes pride in being an excellent communicator. The woman who listens completely before she responds. The woman who radiates empathy and compassion for others. The woman who shows more interest in people and less judgment of people. I will be the woman who gives herself enough grace to learn from her mistakes and grow. The woman who walks through the world with more love and less fear.

I will be the woman who sparks up a conversation with a complete stranger and makes them feel like a friend. The woman who is open and vulnerable enough to reveal parts of herself with others. The woman who uses her charm and sense of humor to make others laugh and smile. The woman who sees herself as a blessing to be shared with others.

The best part is that I am already this woman...just not consistently. So, I am excited to see this woman come into existence...intentionally.

And happy birthday to me!

All photos by Taylor Hunter (@goldentimetay)