Traits of a Modern Classic Woman

Modern women are a force to be reckoned with. We are certainly viewed as women who can change the world. However, in the ongoing fight to be seen as strong, important and valuable to society, somewhere along the line some women have lost their way. They have lost what makes them women, feminine, classic. One of my missions [in life] is to consistently encourage women to not lose their femininity while progressing, and in some cases dominating, in what is still a man’s world. I’ve coined this woman the Modern Classic woman: she has the classic grace of Audrey Hepburn and the modern strength of Michelle Obama. Here are a few traits I’ve put together to identify a Modern Classic Woman:

Well Read
Intelligent
Confident
Ambitious
Independent
Cultured
Fit/Healthy
Compassionate
Spiritual
Resilient
Graceful
Beautiful

Let’s start with my top 6

Well Read – as an avid reader and professional writer, being well-read, I believe, is one of the strongest weapon at a woman’s disposal. There was a time women were not allowed to be educated or read even religious texts, which was — and still is in some countries right now — an overt way to ensure submission and control. A woman who has knowledge is a free woman. A free woman is a dangerous woman. From nonfiction to fiction, an extensive reading habit opens up an entirely new world of knowledge and possibilities. Reading is a wonderful ticket to a glorious lifestyle!

Here are some book recommendations to start with from Modern Mrs Darcy‘s Anne Bogel.

Intelligent – with so much knowledge at our disposable, it is difficult to come across women who are not intelligent these days. I put this at the top of the list because I truly believe a smart woman (book smart, business smart, street smart) has the ability to hold her place and stake her claim in society. Spend time learning as this is something that should never stop as long as you live.

“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” —Maya Angelou

Confident – “a confident woman can rule the world! Confidence is being humble yet strong and knowledgeable about your intent in life. It’s an accessory I never take off and can be felt even when I walk into a room. It is not a display of arrogance, it is not competing with other women, being selfish or intimidating to others and it is not trying to be equal to a man, but rather knowing that you are unique to a man and have my own talents to bring to the table that can compliment him. I know I’m a confident woman because I’m comfortable with my decisions and know when to admit I am wrong. Confidence is being responsible for the decisions I make even when things don’t work out in my favor. Above all confidence is standing by my beliefs regardless of the opinion of others and being free to reconsider those beliefs if life offers me a new perspective. My view is that my level of confidence ought to make me feel so amazing that I am able to make others feel just the same.” – Mrs. Rohanna Rojas-Felix, Junior Executive

Ambitious – life is meant to be lived with a purpose and we need to consistently have a drive to succeed. Set goals that would make your life and your existence in society better and achieve them. You surely cannot be content with just surviving day to day without the ambition to want to live every day with a purpose!

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”– Malala Yousafzai

Independent –Independence goes beyond the ability to buy one’s own car and “turn your own keys.” Many modern women attribute independence to not needing a man. How many of you walk around with your heads in the clouds chanting “I don’t need no man” all the time? Sorry to burst your bubble ladies, but we do need a man (or companion). Men need us and we need them. We are all interconnected and humans need each other to survive. The ability to not be FULLY dependent on another person is what we aspire to have in life. Ladies, you should not fall apart if someone (man or woman) is not there to assist you in life especially in the most basic tasks. Independence is the ability to progress on your own with little assistance from anyone else. Having independence is important because it shows your true strengths and liberates you from situations that may keep you stagnant in life. But remember, being independent does not mean you have to be lonely. You can be independent and still be a great companion to your partner (surprise, surprise!)

Cultured – being cultured plays a large part in developing yourself into a well-rounded woman. Many of us perhaps hear the word cultured and think we need to be attending the Opera or “reading difficult books.” However, the aforementioned activities are just ideas of things people do to expand their knowledge and experiences through their own personal tastes. A cultured woman is one who exposes herself to a wide variety of topics and experiences that would allow her to socialize and converse in a larger network. I love House of DVF and a good Netflix binge just like the next pop culture modernista, but I’m also able to carry on a strong conversation about Faulkner, developments in the UN and the new exhibit at the MET if it comes up. What can other people learn from you? What can you offer in a spirited conversation that will be engaging and of value?

‘‘I’m turned on by guys who are cultured. That’ll keep me intrigued. They don’t have to have a single degree, but they should speak other languages or know things about other parts of the world or history or certain artists or musicians. I like to be taught. I like to sit on that side of the table.’’ Rihanna, for the New York Times (applicable to both sexes)