Here’s to the Independent Women

Real Talk Vol. 7

I’ve been in my independent woman era since I clocked in for my first shift at McDonald’s in high school.

And honey… that direct deposit changed something in me.

Ever since then, I’ve been working for me.

Providing for myself.

Spoiling myself.

Running up my cart and my bank account.

There’s a certain power in knowing, if I want it, I can go get it.

No cosign.

No splitting the check.

Just me.

After high school and college, I was working two jobs for most of my twenties.

Because I always wanted more.

More money.

More options.

More control.

(And okay, more clothes. I had a shopping problem, but I’m healed now… healed-ish)

I’ll never forget the thrill of buying something I wanted without asking anyone for help.

It wasn’t about the stuff.

It was about the power of being able to provide for myself, and sometimes, even others.

I’ve built a life where my name is on the lease.

On the car title.

On the pay stub.

On the receipts.

My money.

My choices.

My peace.

Whether it’s paying the vet bill, booking the trip, covering the groceries, or buying the bag;

I got it.

And that’s not arrogance.

That’s independence.

That’s the reward of showing up for yourself every day.

Especially when it’s hard.

So here’s to the women out here making it happen.

The ones working overtime or 2-3 jobs and still making time.

Married or single.

Corporate or creative.

Breadwinner or balanced.

If you’re taking care of yourself, and maybe a few others,

this one’s for you.

–C