One of the hardest struggles of being a woman is thinking that you are in constant competition with other women. Between society and personal insecurities, it can be insanely hard to convince yourself that other women’s accomplishments are NOT your failures. I know that I often struggle with this. It can be so hard to break bad habits. But, if women rethink how they behave towards each other we can reshape the world. Not only would we be setting amazing examples for young women all over the world, we would also be changing how the world sees women as a whole.

I know this is easier said than done and it will take cooperation and effort from all women to accomplish this but we can start small. It all begins by taking the first step and building up the other women in our lives. By taking that first step and setting that example we can change how others around us act.

Now this doesn’t mean we must go around loving everyone. We are not going like everyone we meet; but, being able to respect that person can go a long way. Respect their different beliefs and viewpoints even if they completely disagree with yours. At the same time command respect, instead of demanding it. You command respect in your actions as opposed to demanding them in your words. Be the women other women look up to and respect.

When another woman in your life accomplishes their goals, congratulate them on their hard work. Fiercely be there for the women in your life who are trying to accomplish their dreams. Encourage them, instead of cutting them down and gossiping behind their backs. Jealousy is an ugly monster that creates hate and diminishes progression. Don’t fall into the stereotype that women have been given. Rise above it and fight for women to love and support one another.

If we continue to call each other bitches, whores, and sluts we are giving men the ability to do the same. I am guilty of doing this as a joke. But I am trying to curb this behavior and instead compliment my friends and fight their insecurities. If we treat each other better everyone will do the same.

Let's work on creating diverse representation of women in this country. There is no right way to be a woman. Skinny, fat, tall, short, black, white, hispanic, and asian, we are all women and we ALL need to support and include each other in the discussion of women's rights.

If we, as women, band together and respect each other we have a stronger ground to stand on as we command respect from the world. We need more women like Emma Watson who fights so diligently for women’s rights and fewer women like Tomi Lahren who fights to tear women apart. Maybe if we stand together we could change her perspective too and help her learn how awesome powerful women can be.

So, let’s stop gossiping and start supporting. Let’s stop hating and start loving. Let’s make 2017 the year that women of all ethnicities, social class, sexual orientation, and background come together to make the world a better place. 2017 should be the year of powerful women supporting other powerful women.