There are some things that I consider staples in an independent woman’s life, things that will help her out of scrapes, keep her self-reliant, and (most importantly) make her feel good about herself.
little black dress: indispensable! Perfect for parties of all occasions, the LBD should be one that makes you feel sophisticated and comfortable. It should inspire in you a confidence and charm that will help you sparkle. The perfect LBD will fit well and stay black.
toolbox: every woman should have a well-stocked toolbox, with a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, cordless drill, tape measure and all the accoutrements to go with it. There should be no reason to call your dad/brother/boyfriend/neighbour whenever you need to hang a picture, put up a light fixture or install hardwood floors. Unless these people are professionals, you are just as capable of doing these tasks ... and probably with a better sense of how you want the end product to look than they could bring to the table.
driver’s license: I cannot emphasise the amount of freedom this little piece of plastic provides. Sure, it’s great when your date picks you up or when a friend offers a ride; however, simply knowing that, if all else fails you can get yourself there is such de-stressor. Not having to rely on other people's schedules or favours is liberating. Once you have one of these, you don’t have to get a car (although, extremely helpful); if you do get a car though, you should probably learn to pump your gas, change a flat tire and, for everything else, get a CAA membership.
great bra: every woman has that one fabulous bra that’s sexy, supportive and fits like a dream. Like men, once you’ve found one that does these things, hang on ladies. These bras are irreplaceable. I have a friend who, after finding one, actually went out and bought five extras for when it falls apart. If you ever find one: spend the money and buy it. You won’t regret it.
a room one's own: there are few things I will credit Woolf with; this is one of them. She understood the importance of a space to call one’s own. It may be a room, it may be a mansion – but it has to be your own. It should be somewhere that allows you to dream, to use your imagination, to self-actualise. A place where your spirit feels free and safe.
...I’m working on these things myself. More than halfway there. What I need to stop doing is seeking approval for things from people who may or may not have my best interests or emotional well-being at heart. Once acquired, I’ll let you know how independent I really feel.
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