Today is a special day for all of us double XXs. International Women’s Day, a day where we can all celebrate one another and come together.

We sometimes find it hard to do this, celebrate each other and come together. If women are great at one thing, it’s bringing each other down. We all do it and we’ve all done it. I have, you have, grandma has, even that person you look up to the most has. Why? Why do we feel the need or urge to do this?

The simple answer: It’s easy. Envy is great at creeping in and is notorious for doing it. Heck, if the Deadly Sins had their own Olympics, Envy would probably win gold at everything. When you walk down the street and maybe have had a bad morning or something hasn’t quite gone down as you expected, it’s safe to say that you and yourself are not really in a sunny mood. You see another woman walk past. She is radiating happiness for whatever reason, she looks flawless, perfect from every angle and just to top off your frustration she smiles and says, “Good morning, beautiful day isn’t it?”

Nice too? You can’t help it, this feeling of envy just manages to overcome you and you can’t help but hate her.

This kind of reaction happens all the time. When the guy you have your eye on turns up somewhere with another woman on his arm it happens. “Why her, what does she have that I don’t?”

When you don’t get the job you wanted but you find out that another girl you know of has bagged it, it also happens. “Why her?”

Beauty Queens may be besties most of the time but when they are both in the running for that crown, they both secretly hope the other one screws up or falls over in her 7 inch skyscrapers.

Women spend way too much time trying to be perfect. We see images of other women and feel pressured into looking and acting a certain way because it seems to be in vogue. But when are we going to accept that NOBODY is perfect and that we are wasting time on trying to be perfect rather than spending it trying to be happy?

Today’s motto ladies: You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be you.

You may not have as much patience as your colleague but you may be better at solving problems. You may not be dating your dream guy but you may be the one he calls his best friend and can tell anything to. You may not feel as pretty as one of your girlfriends but she is probably thinking the same thing. You may not be as intellectual as another woman but there are different kinds of clever. Maybe you are funnier than her.

Focus on your strengths and embrace what you are good at. Don’t ignore the things you struggle at but accept that you won’t be great at them. Find yourself and be proud of who you are. Shut out everyone else for a few seconds and accept that this is you. Accept that not everyone is going to like you, you can’t please everybody but know that you are true to yourself. You are not perfect but you are unique!

Every woman is unique and we should embrace the things that make us different. So let’s raise a virtual glass together and say a big fat “CHEERS!!” to all of us around the globe. Let’s come together and celebrate being a woman because let’s face it, we are amazing! Quit hating and bitching on one another, leave that to the men! Give them something to complain about while at the pub with their buddies.

So the next time you feel the urge to bitch, hate on or criticize another gal, stop and breathe. Let the green eyed monster suffocate and instead of bashing her, focus on the positve side. Compliment how dazzling she looks in that dress rather than mutter under your jealous breathe, “UGH! Who does she think she is wearing something so short?”

Tell her she has luscious locks, a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes or amazing skin. Compliment her on being a great public speaker or for throwing an amazing party. Ask her how she walks in such heels. Get tips rather than hope she falls and breaks an ankle. Make her feel good. Don’t make yourself more miserable by bringing her down and trying to feel good.

Bat envy out the park and let happiness take over! ;)