Thoughts for young women on International Women's day.

Today is “International Women’s Day 2019” and it seems like as good a time as any to address having a positive self-image. Obviously I want my students to feel confident about their abilities in the circle, but more importantly I want that to translate into their lives off the field. So here it goes…

Stop worrying so much about the length of your eyelashes and think more about how you view the world around you.

Don’t obsess over the size of your jeans but the size of your heart.

Think less about the way your bodies look and instead focus on being healthy and strong and be grateful for that heath and strength.

Instead of “plumping your lips” be more thoughtful of the words that come out of your mouth. Are they positive? Are they thoughtful? Are they kind? And every chance you get – smile. It may seem corny but it really does make someone else’s day better – and yours!

Be aware of becoming somebody that you don’t like in order to please others. It’s not the number of friends you have but the quality of those friends. Somebody once told me that she would rather have “four quarters than 100 pennies. Each one is more valuable.” Something to think about.

Listen to what others say to you and think about you but don’t let it define you or how you feel about yourself.

Rather than spending too much time looking in the mirror, spend some time on self-reflection. And while you’re looking at stuff, look at those around you. You can tell a lot about a person by their friends.

Lastly, instead of being tentative and cautious, be brave and take risks (as long as they are safe and smart). Always strive to be strong, be bold, and be fearless.