How to be a Strong Woman, (with the help of five television beauties).

These are not the only five ways of becoming a strong woman, or even a strong person in fact, but what I personally try to do every single day of my life. Throughout our lives we seem to be tested by various things, we go through heartache, hardships, pain and misery, and sometimes we just don't believe that we are strong enough. But trust me, you are strong enough, you can get through anything that you put your mind to. Now, with the help of these five beautiful television characters, these are what I believe make a strong woman.

1. Brooke Davis (One Tree Hill) - Determination

One thing always made Brooke Davis the best character of One Tree Hill and that was her determination. Her determination to become a successful fashion designer, to be a great friend, to make things right, to become a mother and find the love of her life, made her a strong woman. When she wanted something, she went for it. She was ambitious and creative, and her sheer willfulness pushed her towards her goals. "So here in sum is how determination seems to work: it consists of willfulness balanced with discipline, aimed by ambition." [http://www.paulgraham.com/determination.html]

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

2. Manny Santos (Degrassi: The Next Generation) - Make Mistakes and Learn From Them

It is no surprise that Manny Santos made a number of mistakes during her time at Degrassi Community School. From boyfriend stealing and getting pregnant, to revealing herself on camera, Manny made mistakes but also learnt from them. But these were vital mistakes, if she had not made these mistakes she wouldn't have grown as a person, she wouldn't have the strength and independence. I'm not saying going out there and make millions of mistakes, but if you make a mistake you should learn to accept it, learn from it and learn to move on.

1. Don't lie to yourself.
2. Don't cry over your mistakes.
3. Don't make up excuses.
4. Don't think any less of yourself.
5. Don't repeat these mistakes.

"You can only learn from a mistake after you admit you’ve made it. As soon as you start blaming other people (or the universe itself) you distance yourself from any possible lesson." [http://www.scottberkun.com/essays/44-how-to-learn-from-your-mistakes/]

Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars) - Don't Take Crap From Anyone

What I loved about Veronica Mars more than anything was not only her loyalty to her father, but how she dealt with the crap she received from the people at her high school and later on college. Her inner strength should be an inspiration for all young women. Veronica Mars was always herself, she never pretended to be anyone else or a lesser person than she was. Accept yourself for who you are, if you're good at cooking or enjoy watching science fiction television shows, don't let people put you down for being yourself.

How to Be Yourself (because who is better than you?):

• Avoid fixating on the past.
• Stop caring about how people perceive you.
• Be honest and open with yourself.
• Express your individuality.
• Don't compare yourself to others.
• Follow your own style.
• Be bold.

4. Elena Gilbert (The Vampire Diaries) - Don't Let a Guy Define You
Something that makes Elena Gilbert the perfect role model for young woman is her independence, bravery, loyalty and the fact that she does not need a man to define her. Despite loving Stefan Salvatore with every part of her being, she does not want to give up life to become what he is (hello, Bella Swan anyone?). She wants to have a career, a life, a family, but just because she loves Stefan doesn't mean that she is going to give all of that up. There is more to life than boyfriends and guys, and it saddens me that many young women define themselves by the amount of boyfriends they have had or the way their relationship is playing out. Yes, having a relationship is great, but allowing it to define you is not what you want. This goes for the same when you are not in a relationship. Not having a boyfriend or a husband or whatever, does not automatically make your future one with over one hundred cats.

5. Rachel Berry (Glee) - Do What You Love
Rachel Berry's passion is performing, and over the episodes of Glee we have seen that she not only has a passion for the performing arts, but she has incredible talent. Now, your talents may not be singing or dancing or acting, but could be along the lines of writing, science, mathematics or gardening. Knowing what your talents are and working hard at them, but also having fun, will make you a much more stress free, happier person. There is something about writing and reading that makes me happy, calming me down instantly. I always feel better afterwards. Doing what you love and not ignoring the fact that are good at it, will make you a better person. Being told what to do or being told you suck at something you enjoy is not something you should do. Follow your heart, follow your dreams.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.