International Women's Day, March 8, is a celebration of the resilience, brilliance, and power of women everywhere. But for so many women—especially those healing from narcissistic or emotionally abusive relationships—this day can also serve as a reminder of the journey to reclaiming their voice, their choices, and their lives.

For too long, women have been conditioned to stay small, silence themselves for the comfort of others, and put everyone else's needs above their own. But sovereignty begins the moment you decide to live life on your own terms. This year, let's honor International Women's Day by making a commitment to ourselves—to reclaim our voices, set boundaries without apology, and step into the power that has always been ours.

Reclaiming Your Voice

So many women are taught that speaking up is dangerous, that setting boundaries makes them difficult, and that advocating for themselves makes them unkind. But staying silent to keep the peace often means sacrificing your own.

Reclaiming your voice means:

• Speaking your truth, even when it's uncomfortable. Your experiences, thoughts, and feelings are valid. You don't need permission to express them.

• Saying no without guilt. You are not responsible for making everyone else comfortable at your own expense.

• Trust yourself again. After emotional abuse or years of self-doubt, it's time to listen to your own inner wisdom instead of seeking external validation.

Your voice matters. Your truth matters. And this world needs women who refuse to be silent.

Living Life on Your Terms

For centuries, women have been expected to fit into predefined roles—caretaker, peacemaker, the one who bends, the one who sacrifices. But you were not born to live life according to someone else's expectations.

Living life on your terms means:

• Defining success for yourself. Whether it's career, relationships, or personal growth, YOU get to decide what happiness looks like.

• Letting go of the need to please everyone. The only person who needs to approve of your choices is YOU.

• Owning your desires without shame. Whether wanting more freedom, success, rest, or adventure—you are allowed to want what you want.

This International Women's Day, remind yourself that you are allowed to take up space, prioritize yourself, and create a life that honors who you truly are.

Standing Up for Yourself

A crucial part of reclaiming sovereignty is knowing you have the right to stand up for yourself and demand respect. You don't have to accept mistreatment, dismissiveness, or manipulation—whether from partners, family, friends, or society at large.

Standing up for yourself means:

• Setting clear, non-negotiable boundaries. Your needs are just as important as anyone else's.

• Walking away from what no longer serves you. If a relationship, job, or environment is draining your soul, you are allowed to leave.

• Refusing to apologize for your strength. Being a strong woman does not make you "too much." It makes you unstoppable.

This is your reminder: you are worthy of being treated with love, respect, and dignity. And you never have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

This International Women's Day, Make Yourself the Priority

Today is about celebrating how far women have come and recognizing how much more we can reclaim. It's about stepping into the full power of our voices, choices, and lives.

So, as you reflect on International Women's Day, ask yourself:

• Where have I been silencing myself, and how can I begin speaking my truth?

• What does living on my own terms look like?

• Where do I need to stand up for myself more, and how can I do it with confidence?

You don't have to wait for permission to reclaim your life. You already have the power within you. Let International Women's Day be the day you choose yourself—fully, boldly, and without apology this year.

With love and empowerment,

Jillian