Okay, every time I see the advertisement for “Write With Us” I struggled and clamored over whether or not I should do it. I mean I am an almost 40-year-old female. I don’t wear my hair au’ natural nor am I a vegan or a vegetarian and I am craving a chicken burrito from Chipotle as I type. I am overweight and constantly on some sort of starve yourself diet. I am at times depressed, overwhelmed, happy, sad, a pessimist, funny, and emotional. But, what I do know is that I have something that I can tell a woman:

1. I can tell a woman, sistah, female, daughter, niece how not to make a fool of yourself but also let them know that it's ok to let your hair down sometimes, be silly & let loose.

2. I can tell a woman that it is ok to love and that she will make some mistakes in the process. She will be the loose branch hanging at the bottom before she realizes her self-worth and become that apple at the top of the tree, and I would tell her that she will have to climb to reach it and it will be worth it.

3. I can tell a woman how important it is to manage her money wisely and the real difference between wants and needs. That the designer jeans that cost $175 may not be in the budget right now and that they won’t do anything better for your butt than tell everyone that you could (presumably) afford them. That a Louis Vuitton purse or Gucci bag does not make you better or classier than the next woman.

4. I can tell a woman that keeping her kids in all the latest designer gear is also a waste of money! Money that should be invested in their future. In books, healthy foods, sports, music lessons, college funds & family vacations.

5. I would tell a woman that every time her girls call her out to eat that she is not obligated to go. Sometimes a nice home cooked meal is just as nice and she can eat more for less…that’s not to say that she should never go out, but everything should be done in moderation & balance.

6. I would tell a woman that there is a different set of rules in the workplace and sometimes she will have to play by the rules.

7. I would tell a woman to introduce her children to new things as early as possible..it is a great way to show and prepare them for what life has to offer. Love your children and never let the sun go down without them knowing it.

8. I would tell a woman to stand on her own ground, to not be afraid and stand strong in their convictions.

9. I would tell a woman that it is not important what others think about her size, shape or color, but how SHE feels about her size, shape and color. Some of the most beautiful women I know are beautiful because of the way they love themselves and others.

10. I would tell a woman that there are blessings found in the spirit of giving.

11. I would tell a woman that when u think no one is looking someone is always watching you and it may be a young sistah or brotha who is looking to her to lead by example…when we least expect it, they are watching.

12. I would tell a woman to lead by example.

13. I would tell a woman to put herself first and to never let anyone steal her joy…to not lose the kid in herself and to love and love again…after all, love is what makes the world go around isn’t it?

14. Last but not least, I would tell a woman to tell another woman these things in addition to the wisdom she has learned from her own life!

About The Author: Tosha Thomas is the owner of the wonderful network for women of color called Eclectic Ebonies