(Things I've learned so far.)
1. Learn to say "no" without apologizing.
2. Listen to Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Dessa Darling. Listen to voices that teach you that being vulnerable doesn't mean being weak, and being strong doesn't make you a bitch.
3. Know that people are going to use the words bitch, cunt, slut, asshole about you because they're intimidated by your strength. Instead of ignoring it, call them out on their bullshit.
4. Read Sylvia Plath, Julian of Norwich, Margaret Atwood. Read Caitlin Moran's How to be a Woman and laugh and nod emphatically and understand what makes you amazing and strong.
5. Own your experiences. Don't dwell on the bad shit that's happened to you, but realize that all your experiences shape who you become.
6. Love your body. It's the one thing you'll have with you through your whole life. Decorate it with the clothes you love, get tattoos if you want them, but treat your body with the respect you want from others. Eat healthy, eat what makes you feel good. Exercise. Stretch on a regular basis.
7. Art-as-a-verb. Art your life. Create things that make your eyes and your brain happy. Use color and texture like you use air.
8. Recognize the strong women in your life. Appreciate them. Tell them you admire them. Make a network of strong women in your life, strong and beautiful like a spiderweb.
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