Gossip. Let’s admit it. We all do it. There’s a part of us that loves a big juicy piece of scandal whether it’s about someone we know, someone we don’t know, celebrities, family members, close friends…we’re all guilty of it. I’ll be the first to admit it.

 But for some reason, as women, we are particularly hard on each other. We are often most critical of each other for the decisions women have made about their lives; be it about their hair, clothing, career, men…..you name it. In my mind, gossip is one mechanism that stands in the way of women really empowering and inspiring one another.

The other day I read the following quote, “Girls compete with each other, women empower one another.” It resonated with me because, as women, we often spend too much time criticizing and competing with one another other, instead of empowering each other. I’m a firm believer of the idea that what is meant for me, is for me. If I didn’t get a job I applied for, and someone else did, it just wasn’t meant for me.

I challenged myself last week. I decided to be less judgmental, and gossipy, and be more positive about things and people around me. It was hard, because, let’s face it. Some people that you may interact with are just not nice people, plain and simple. But I think that the first step is being confident in yourself and empowering the women in your life. On my mission to be more positive and encouraging of the women around me, I realized that there were a few things that I was already doing and that may be the first few steps you empowering someone else to live their juiciest life.

 1. Compliment…genuinely

My husband will tell you that I am the first person to tell a stranger how cute her shoes or dress are. Sometimes, a compliment is all someone needs to lift their spirits after a tough day, or as a little reminder of how fabulous they are.

 2. Don’t be rude, be courteous

Back to the basics. It takes more energy to be rude and dismissive of someone than it is to smile and be polite. If you walk by someone you know, and they say hello, common courtesy is to say return the greeting. It’s the simple things that count.

 3. Stop talking and listen

I know a few women who constantly talk about themselves. We live in an age where self-promotion and self-praise is necessary, but can often spin out of control. Sometimes, it helps to simply listen to someone. Ask how someone is doing, instead of rattling off about yourself, and really listen their response. You might be surprised by what you learn about the other person, and yourself.

 4. Be supportive

Even if what your friend or colleague is engaging in isn’t your cup of tea, extend a kind word.

 5. Be real

Fakeness is never a good look. Being your authentic self 100% of the time is sexy, and empowers other women to do the same.

 Frugalistas: How are you empowering other women to live their juiciest lives?

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