OUR best self attracts the best opportunities. When we are at our best, we glow with a certain light that people are drawn to. Thus, my most important investment of all is myself.
If you are a woman who is just beginning to make a name or carve a niche in this world, here are worthwhile forms of investment that you can make to become your best self for a brighter future.
1. Beauty - Make the effort to look your best. Invest in skin and hair care products, treatments, and services that will bring out your best face forward. Get a facial, a lash lift, or a full body scrub. Buy good clothes and footwear too.
2. Leisure - Get a massage, treat yourself at a spa, lounge in your favorite coffee shop, whatever rocks your boat. This, combined with advice number 1, will not only make you look great, but feel great as well.
3. Health - Invest in healthy food and take multivitamins daily. Get enough fruits, veggies, and cut down on processed meat, soft drinks, and other artificial beverage, fast food, and junk food. Eating healthy does not always have to be expensive.
4. Travel - It doesn't have to be far or expensive. You just have to be at a different place at a given time. You can maybe take a trip to beaches and resorts with people you love. I particularly love the beach at Samal Island and the pool at Davao Bamboo Sanctuary.
5. Insurance - It's better to start investing in life insurance while you're young. Insurance companies got you covered for illnesses, accidents, retirement, and death, unlike current popular pyramid investment schemes that only take your money based on promises but offer no guarantee. With insurance companies, your money will also grow over the years. There are many insurance companies that you can get a life insurance from like Manulife, Prulife, and Sunlife to name a few.
6. Education - Knowledge is the only thing that no one can take away from you. So make sure that you finish school. Get a masters or doctorate degree, or study law. Read as much as you can, learn about new fields, and continue to make your art. Write, sing, play music, draw, paint, create. Feed your mind, heart, and soul.
The money I spent over the years, in retrospect, was not just a reward for myself, but a form of investment that is by far my most important one. And the self is never a waste of time and money.
However, there is a line between merriment and responsibility. So keep your priorities in check and make sure you don't spend beyond your means. Save up, keep your goals in mind, and work your way towards achieving them. Also remind yourself to never trade these dreams for a man. The right one will support you and will never pressure you to give up your dreams to start a family.
And above all, give. Provide for your family and help those who are in need. For after all, caring for yourself does not necessarily mean being selfish.
Andrea Isabelle Mejos is a young writer from Davao. She likes to seek beauty from all angles - people, products, places - and writes them down. She can be reached at her email address: mejosandrea@gmail.com