"من یک فمنیست هستم و معنای آن برای من این است که نباید از تصمیم‌گیری‌هایی که بر زندگی خودم تأثیر می‌گذارد بترسم."

Being a feminist means embracing the power to make your own decisions without fear. At its core, this is about courage and autonomy—recognizing that you have the right to shape your life on your own terms. It's about smashing through the barriers society or tradition might have set up and saying, "No, I'm going to choose what’s best for me."

Let’s rewind a bit and think about when and why someone might feel the need to assert this. Historically, women have often been expected to live according to others' decisions—whether those of their fathers, husbands, or societal norms. This quote is a declaration of independence from those constraints. It’s about stepping away from the shadows of expectation and into the light of self-determination. Imagine the suffragettes in the early 20th century, fighting tooth and nail for the right to vote. They made decisions that affected their lives—and by extension, the lives of countless others—because they believed in their intrinsic right to do so.

Take Malala Yousafzai, for example. She was a young girl in Pakistan who decided she had the right to an education, even when the Taliban said she didn’t. They tried to silence her with violence, but she persisted. Her courage to make decisions about her own education and future has inspired millions around the world. She didn’t let fear dictate her choices. Instead, she let her belief in her rights and her feminist principles guide her.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by acknowledging your right to make decisions for yourself—big or small. Whether it’s choosing a career path, deciding when to start a family (or not to), or even something as simple as what to wear, own your choices. Don’t let fear or the opinions of others sway you. Easier said than done, right? But think of it as a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Start with smaller decisions, and gradually take on bigger ones as your confidence grows.

Let’s say you’re at a crossroads in your career. You’ve been offered a job in a new city, but you’re torn between staying close to family and friends or taking a leap into the unknown. It’s a tough call. Fear might whisper that you should stay put, stick to what’s familiar. But remember, making a decision that affects your life is your right. You weigh the pros and cons, consider what’s best for your growth and happiness, and then make the call. It’s your decision. Own it.

Here’s a relatable scenario: imagine Sarah, who’s considering going back to school to pursue a degree in graphic design. She's always been passionate about art, but she’s afraid. She worries she’s too old, that she won’t fit in, or that it’s too late to change careers. But Sarah remembers the essence of feminism—making decisions that affect her own life. She enrolls in the program, and yes, it’s challenging, but she thrives. She makes new friends, learns new skills, and ultimately lands a job she loves. Sarah’s decision wasn’t easy, but it was hers.

Being a feminist and making decisions that affect your life isn’t about being reckless; it’s about being brave enough to steer your own ship through the seas of life. It’s about trusting yourself to know what’s best for you and having the courage to act on it. So, next time you’re faced with a choice, big or small, remember—you’ve got this. Make the decision that feels right for you, and don’t look back.