Characteristics of an Independent Woman in Today's World

Debi Borger
Jul 3, 2024
4 min read

What does being an Independent Woman look like in today's world?

Independant woman celebrating and dancing

Wow!

What an excellent topic for July.

As we celebrate our Nation’s freedom, and I celebrate my own, I’ve been thinking about what it means to me.

I have been described as independent, direct, bold, and strong. I’m never “feminine enough” or “soft-hearted.” I’m too “Alpha.” My favorite is always,

“She’s just like that; she’s from Philly.”

Yes, I say what’s on my mind.

I protect my heart for those who deserve to see it and become hardened by those who don’t.

Unfortunately, the latter has won out most of the time, and because of that, I used to think of these traits as character flaws.

Until recently, when I needed to call upon every last one of them,

I realized they are assets not all women have.

So, I have decided to share what it looks like to be an independent woman in today's world.

*It is important to note the difference between being

INDEPENDENT and SINGLE.*

Independant woman in suit smiling on staircase

A woman can be independent, have a loving, fulfilling, healthy romantic relationship, and be a supportive partner.

Independent women have crafted their own skill sets. My education has always allowed me to find a job and make money. I have no debt, and I never have.

I am smart enough to know that a woman should ALWAYS have her own income stream coming in, no matter her relationship status.

She reads, continues to educate herself, and never stops setting goals.

An independent woman should always be knowledgeable about her finances, the importance of an IRA, and how to earn money with her money.

Although I am great at saving, I wasn’t taught how to invest and let my money make me even more money until my 40s. Now, I kick myself for not having done it sooner! I’ve learned how to acquire points and cash back on my purchases, and if I don’t have it, I don’t spend it. Women worldwide have been dominating the workforce for quite some time.

Happy Independant woman shining and smiling on the beach

An independent woman does not need to dim her light so others may shine brighter.

She stands up for herself, her beliefs, and her ideas. She believes it’s important to feel accomplished and proud of what she does. She expects to be compensated fairly, respected, and treated equally by her colleagues.

That same feeling carries over into her romance. A woman knows that she doesn’t need to be with anyone else.

She is complete all on her own.

She will take a partner when she wants to share her world with someone else who will add more to it and appreciate what she has to offer. A partner who supports her goals and dreams as she supports his. She knows it takes two people to make it work and that self-reflection and communication are critical. She must not settle, make his world her own, or let her world disappear.

It takes #balance.

She is a woman who knows how to live independently. She understands the importance of

creating and loving her space and doesn’t worry about how anyone else likes to live. She pays the bills, cooks, cleans, and looks after herself. She takes pride in learning to fix things and problem-solve independently. She gets her car oil changed, knows how to use a drill, and owns a tool kit.

An independent woman respects her body by prioritizing her

physical and mental well-being.

Independant Woman planking, doing yoga and staying fit mentally and physically

She understands the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest, ensuring that her body receives the nutrients, activity, and recovery it needs to function optimally. She is mindful of her mental health, practicing self-care routines, seeking therapy and support when needed, and maintains a positive work-life balance.

Lastly, and most importantly, she is responsible for teaching the younger generation of women coming up behind her, as the women before her did.

Share customs, traditions, family history, and culture. Teach them to cook their ancestor's dishes, teach proper manners, keep a clean home, speak up for themselves and the women around them, and empathize with others. It also means teaching them when to be quiet and observe the world around them. How to be a good friend.

It means letting them find their way, make their own decisions, form their opinions, and learn from their mistakes.

Being an independent woman is about embracing your unique journey and enjoying the freedom to make choices.

It means having the confidence to chase your dreams, explore new opportunities, and create a life that genuinely reflects who you are.

This is a huge reason I have added Coaching and Motivational Speaking to my DBWELLBEING health and wellness services: to share the knowledge and tools I have learned through my journey with the women of the future. See the resources below to dive further into your journey of freedom within!

Independence adds a spark to everyday adventures and lets you navigate life’s twists and turns with a sense of fun and empowerment. It’s about being your hero, inspiring others, and celebrating the joy of living on your terms.