Woman vs Girl

Life's challenges often call us to make various decisions where we’re forced to either adapt or perpetuate old behaviours. 

As we continue to grow and enter the deep stages of womanhood, some of us may begin to question ourselves and begin to wonder, what does it mean to mature? What does more responsibility look like? What behaviours would I have gotten away with when I was younger vs now? What expectations do I place on myself and what expectations do others place on me? Can I afford to be so impulsive or is discipline the best route? How would a better attitude foster a different outcome? What does having more control feel like?

All this questioning can allow you to observe your behaviours and allow you to notice some key changes in the way you operate as a woman and how you may have once operated as a girl.

Responsibility

More responsibility can allow you to become more accountable and flex your leadership skills. You have something/someone to answer to and you have to take ownership for different outcomes.

Girl >>> As a young girl, you may have lived more freely and only had yourself to worry about. You’re not inclined to think about the bigger picture which can allow you to be avoidant and run away from responsibility because you are all that matters.

Woman >>> You’re forced to become more organised as there are multiple things to think about and you find yourself juggling more things on your plate. People may look to you for answers so you’re inclined to act right and set a better example. You have to keep yourself accountable because if you don't, no one else will. 

Compartmentalise 

Being able to compartmentalise things is the key to being a highly functional human being. When you can divide things into discrete sections or categories you’re able to have more control over yourself and see things much more clearly.

Girl >>> You’re all over the place, think messy room with no structure, clothes hanging, bins that haven’t been taken out, no colour coordination or order in the wardrobe. You don’t think before you act, you just do. Your emotions rule you and you’re extremely impulsive. At times, you live in the past and think about all the different decisions you could’ve made and different outcomes. You can’t seem to get a hold of yourself. 

Woman >>> You have cupboards that are clearly labelled. Everything's in order and where it is supposed to be. Nothing is out of place. Your clothes are stored away in the correct area of the wardrobe, all colour coordinated. You realise there is a time for everything, you have a schedule and tend to plan ahead. For you, there is a time and place. You are focused and able to divide your attention where need be. You block outside noise by focusing on the matter at hand which stops your mind from wandering. Your mind is more at peace and isn't constantly racing, you can think more clearly and logically allowing yourself to get a hold of your emotions and understand them better. 

Perspective 

Life is all about perspective and how you see things really determines the quality of your life.

Girl >>> Instant gratification means everything to you, you’re unable to see the long term benefits of situations therefore you chop and change your mind often and drop things as you please. When you don’t want to do something you’re not committed and never follow through. You throw your toys out the pram whenever something doesn’t go your way or you don’t like what you’re doing. Your attitude isn’t the best therefore this affects your performance and you give minimal effort which makes you less efficient and creates a bad mood.

Woman >>> Delayed gratification is your daily mantra. You see the bigger picture and always determine to understand ‘what can you gain from any situation good or bad’. You’re always seeking how different opportunities will benefit you in the long run even if in the moment, you aren’t completely satisfied. ‘How can I see this as an opportunity to grow and learn?’ Is what you say. You’re concerned with putting your all into things therefore doing a bad job or having a bad attitude is out of the question as you don’t want to let yourself down.

Independence

Dancing to the beat of your own drums allows you to foster a better relationship with yourself where your voice is the most important thing and all that matters...

Girl >>>  You're so concerned with what others think about you. You rely on external validation and are extremely codependent. You have too much faith in others and set high expectations on others. You’re constantly left disappointed and unable to self-regulate.

Woman >>>You are self-sufficient, you show up for yourself countless of times and have your own back. You do the internal work and can recognise yourself in the mirror. You know you're flawed so continue to better yourself and extend grace to others and understand that we’re all just human. 

Most of what has been mentioned is a daily practice that lasts a lifetime, but just as muscles become stronger when you work on them consistently, so can you. 

C O N S I D E R . . .

Mind - Embrace every season you’re in, see things as a learning or growth opportunity. 

Body - A calm nervous system will allow you to make better informed decisions. 

Soul - You don’t become the woman you’re destined to be, you are the woman you’re destined to be, so act like it.