Because my semester has not been as busy as in the past, I have adopted an old habit I have missed: reading. With a wonderful library with millions of resources just a ten minute walk from me, I hiked up there one day after class and stumbled into the feminist section. With the new year, I had pledged to be a better feminist -- and to stick to that resolution, I checked out some feminist pieces on pop culture and the concept of hating women.

Since delving deep into the literature, I have decided on a new goal for myself. If I catch myself thinking negatively about another woman, I am requiring myself to question it with good ol' critical thinking. Too often, I criticize other women -- and I shouldn't! How could someone so determined to be "all about girl power" think negatively about my fellow girls?

Once I became aware that I needlessly criticize women, I realized how often I do it. It's difficult for me to admit because it makes me feel mean, but I can only improve myself by acknowledging it. "Her Instagram is so basic," I would think as I scroll aimlessly out of boredom. "She's got ugly hair." "Yeah, she's pretty, but her personality is boring." By being a feminist, I cannot be criticizing women as often as I do. That's not girl power; that's being needlessly catty and competitive. Women are criticized enough. I don't need to add to the constant buzz of criticism of women; I need to be a force against it.

When I realize I am criticizing women, I follow up with a, "So what?" I ask myself if I would hold a guy to the same standards. I might think her Instagram or personality is boring because it doesn't match my tastes, but that doesn't invalidate what she likes! She's entitled to loving what she does just as much as I am. When I see other women posting pictures of themselves in bikinis, I remind myself that it's not right that I judge their character. After all, I should be commending girls for liking what they look like -- not being jealous. Women are awesome. We all might be different, but we are entirely valid in our tastes, interests, fashion senses and attitudes. My goal lately is to be more supportive of other girls and eliminate criticizing them from my vocabulary. It's tough being a woman; no matter what we do, we are judged for it. I would like to resist that and support my fellow women. After all, we are all pretty great.

We should love ourselves, too. Appreciating who you are and what you look like is a challenge for anyone, but it is particularly difficult as a woman. You feel great until you see an advertisement that tells you you aren't skinny enough. You feel powerful until a man tells you you're being too loud. You feel ambitious until you realize that men enjoy preference in hiring and pay.

I'm here to resist that and build my fellow women up. For far too long, I have criticized other women. Instead, I am officially implementing a personal policy of only bringing women up and countering negative thoughts about her with good ones. Her Instagram is full of selfies? Good for her for feeling confident! She likes music I don't? Well good! It would be boring if everyone had the same interests. She's a loud speaker? I admire that she feels comfortable enough to do that, especially as a shy girl.

With that, I am going to include ten things I admire about myself. I have been trying to value my personality traits rather than my looks as well. I encourage you to come up with a list, too! You don't have to stop at ten, either. Girls, love who you are. If someone tries to tell you not to like who you are or what you look like, add to your list. There is rebellion in self-love. I invite you to try.

Some things about myself that make me feel good:
- my smile
- my work ethic
- my eyes that are so dark they may as well just be pupils
- my ability to laugh off what bothers me/embarrasses me
- my independence
- my interior decor skills (my room is so cozy with atmospheric lighting)
- my writing skills
- my affinity for the outdoors
- my drive to make each day a means of self-improvement
- my capacity to remember names really well
- my curiosity and love for learning

Keep adding to your lists, ladies. When you feel unsure about yourself, add to it. If you ever feel yourself overwhelmed with insecurity, you are more than welcome to reach out to me. We'll make a whole list of what makes you great.