Over the past few days, I’ve quarantine binged on pretty much every women empowerment film that has ever come out (first wives club, Thelma & Louise, legally blonde, fried green tomatoes,working girl, I could go on). I grew up with these movies, but I never really understood their lessons. It dawned on me that the sole message through each of these works is a reminder to never settle - in your work, life, and especially love. Don’t settle for maltreatment, being someone else’s second choice, or your own second best. It’s in believing that you are capable and deserving of the best, that you form a sense of self-worth and an idea of who you are. Don’t be surprised if all of your low expectations are met (or even if they’re asked to be lower), if you don’t take the initiative to work on yourself and set boundaries. You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. The hardest truth to accept is that your personal happiness is up to you and is your sole responsibility. Don’t place it in other people’s hands. You can’t make anyone stay, but you can always be there for yourself. Prioritize yourself without guilt. Take time to understand who you are and what brings you joy, and then go out and get it.