Every now and then I like to challenge myself in an effort to push out of my comfort zone, so after watching an episode of Star on Netflix where the girls do a saucy dance routine involving a chair, I thought that would be a good challenge, using nothing but Jill and an $8 folding chair from Ikea to create some magic. The one thing about growth is that it's uncomfortable and at times, frustrating...but it is necessary.
Your Empowerment Playlist ~ Winnipeg Boudoir Photographer
Music has a way of reaching your soul and speaking the words that you have a hard time doing. I have compiled a list of my favorite female empowerment songs that get me hyped up and loving myself! Of course there are a ton of others, but I wanted to showcase some of the less than thought of empowerment songs. If there are any you think I should add, let me know in the comments!!
1.Elle King ~ America's SweetheartApparently, this song came out last year, so I am a year late to the game, but I absolutely love it. Plus, Elle slays with that gold sparkly eyeshadow. With lyrics like:No there ain't nothing that I gotta prove You think your words will make me black and blue But I, I think I'm pretty with these old boots on I think its funny when I drink too much, hey You try and change me you can go to hell 'Cause I don't want to be nobody else I like the chip I got in my front teeth And I got bad tattoos you won't believe What do you want from me, I'm not America's sweetheart So beat the drum with me, I'm not America's sweetheartWell they say I'm too loud for this town So I lit a match and burned it down What do you want from me, I'm not America's sweetheart But you love me anywayyou can't help but start to love your bits! Also, if you don't start dancing (even sit-dancing) this whole list will be lost on you.2. Hailee Steinfeld ~ Love MyselfAaaah! I love this song oh so much! And again, the video is killer and I am in the process of asking my mom to make me a sequin hoodie because it looks fucking amazing! Plus, that bodysuit? Mmm yes please. Never mind that the whole song is about being able to please yourself with a partner...that's pretty empowering if you ask me!!3. Alicia Keys ~ Girl On FireAs a photographer, I appreciate the cinematic quality of the video, but more importantly I love the lyrics because Ibelieve that every woman has a fire burning deep within her soul. Some of us were born into the world with a killer support system to help foster that fire, where other women are brought up into a world where water is being thrown on her fire every turn she makes. This song is for those women to remembe that the flame is always there, regardless of how small it is. Let it burn, babes, let it burn.4.Kacey Musgraves ~ Follow Your ArrowNot a country fan? Well, you may want to skip this one, BUT the message in it is awesome. Essentially, just do you and "Follow your arrow wherever it points" because people are never going to be happy and judge you anyway.5.P!nk ~ F**kin' PerfectAn oldie, but a goodie. P!nk is always there to set us straight when we start to veer down the negative thought path. This video brings about some serious feels, so if you haven't seen it before prepare yourself. Remember, babes, you are stronger and more amazing than you think you are. And there will be times when you feel less than perfect, but please know that I KNOW you ARE fucking perfect as you are. Shoot me a message just to vent if you want.6.Shakira ~ Try EverythingSure, it's for a feel good family movie, but the lyrics are pretty good. Too many adults are afraid to go for it, to live their dreams, to achieve their passion and I think it's important to remember that everyone starts at the beginning and it's in the failure that we become empowered to succeed and grow. Moral of the story: Whatever scares the piss out of you, maybe give it a try and see where it takes you.7. Empire Cast ~ You're So BeautifulOkay, yes, yes, maybe I binge watched Empire on Shomi, but hey! This song came out of that effort. This is just a fun, boppy song to remind you that you are fabulous when you may not be feeling it yourself. Remember, you're so beautiful!8.Sarah Bareilles ~ BraveAnother oldie, but I frickin' love the lyrics to this song and the whole musical composition. It makes me want to dance, sing, and do the things that scare me the most! 'Nuff said.9.Misterwives ~ Not Your WayOver being told to be undressed to look our bestEverywhere my eyes go, our figure is less, voice suppressedBut look how very far we have comeCast a vote, wear pants and prop up a gunNo, it's not your way, not your wayNot going to obey, to obeyThis is my body, bodyAnd you don't have a say, have a sayThis is my own life, own lifeNot growing up to be a trophy wifeSo don't parade us 'round, 'round we goIn your twisted world and I'm saying no, noNo, it's not your way, not your wayNo no no no, no no noLower and lower our standards go as your money growsFill us up with plastic and cut us up and tie a bowBut look how very far we have comeStrip us of our width, disguise it like we have wonLike, c'mon....these lyrics are pretty epic...10. Eurythmics ~ Sisters Are Doin' It For ThemselvesWe are taking it way back to when women put the power in "power suit." Props to these babes for helping to move the female empowerment movement forth. Annie & Aretha killed it.