by Indigo Blu

Created on: April 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 10, 2009

Women are taking the phrase, "aging gracefully" to a whole new level, and it is awesome! You know the latest saying where an age is the new age a decade the original age's junior (i.e - 40 is the new 30, 75 is the new 65, etc.)? Well, it's true! It's true and it's wonderful. Women are stronger than ever in every area of thinking, and it will only improve over time.

Women nowadays are more independent, with or without choice. They are learning that they are in control of their own lives. In the 1979 movie, "Norma Rae" with Sally Fields, this woman was fighting for rights within the labor union. Today, women are union heads. Women are becoming executives and entrepreneurs. They are calling their own shots.

More and more women are are also going back to school. Even more mature women are going back to school to get their education. Some go back for the degree and the credentials so they can get that dream job. Others are going back just because they can. They have the thirst for knowledge, and the drive to achieve it. Not that this is thirst and drive are new for women. However now, there are more resources to put the academic plans into action.

And then there is the beauty of a woman. Women are realizing that even though they have careers and families to tend to, what's wrong with taking time out for yourself? Women are taking care of themselves more. Exercise, nutrition, and-if you're into them-makeup and an occasional "nip/tuck" procedure, make the woman of the future not only look good, but feel good as well.

So, what can YOU do to become a woman of the future? PUT YOURSELF FIRST. That's right. I said it. This used to be taboo for women. Caregivers, career women...giving themselves to a business or the family, and always forgetting themselves. No more! If you want to soak in that bubble bath a little longer to relax and refocus, do that. If you want to go back to school to finish that degree just to say you finished it, do that. If you want to start your own business so you can do what you have always wanted to do, do that. Give to yourself first. Once you are taken care of, you are strong enough to handle the family and deal with the job and clean the house and pay the bills and conquer the world!

But first, be still. Be still so you can think, pray, cry...do whatever it takes to cleanse your soul and get that focus. Sit and plan your strategy from beginning to end. What are your life's objectives? How do you intend on achieving these objectives? What resources do you have? Treat your life like a chess game. Make every move count, and think before you make a move. Then, you can strut your gorgeous and empowered stuff, as you smile and whisper that one word just for you: "checkmate".

Learn more about this author, Indigo Blu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.