Ten Things Every Woman Should Own

By Angelia L. White

Diamonds are only a girl’s best friend after they’ve been properly evaluated and deemed investments. Otherwise, they are just pretty things. We need more than pretty things. Though I’m certain there are more than 10, I’m offering the following as things every woman—regardless of age, size, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation and nationality—should own.

1. She should own herself. This is number one. If you don’t take full possession of yourself as a woman, then someone else can take full possession of you, and you will regret it. No one should know you better, understand you better and control you better than you. As children, we submit to our parents; as women, we surrender to no human.
2. She should own shoes that fit. It is so important to take care of your feet, and it begins with the shoes you choose. Yes, it’s great to own a beautiful pair of shoes, but it is a waste of money to buy shoes that you can wear only once. Save your money for a pretty pair of shoes that feel great, last long and—if possible—carry you into a glorious (and healthy) future. Maybe you can save to have a pair custom-made just for your feet.
3. She should own a passport. You want to go places, right? Well, get that passport as soon as humanly possible. Keep it renewed. Get one for your daughter, niece or a young woman you mentor. The important thing is that you’re always ready to travel to wherever you’d like and whenever you’d like.
4. She should own health insurance. You need insurance because you need to take care of your health. If you don’t have your health, then nothing on this list matters. Take care of your body, mind and spirit. Get insurance.
5. She should own a really good wallet. If you put money into the things you see, put money into the thing that holds the money so that you can buy the things you see. If you respect your money, then house it in something durable, functional and fantastic. It will serve as a reminder that your money must work for you.
6. She should own a business. You can work a day job and still own a side-hustle that brings in an extra stream of income. The job market is mercurial, so why not begin doing something that provides for you in the event of a sudden layoff, firing or illness?
7. She should own a formal dress or ensemble. Why do we always scramble for something to wear to formal events? You don’t have to do so if you keep at least one formal dress or ensemble—especially one you absolutely love—in your closet. This is something our mothers knew. If you see one on sale, don’t worry about practicality—buy it for later. Buy a beaded clutch and shoes while you’re at it. (If you ignore this advice, a formal invitation will soon follow. That’s how life goes.)
8. She should own a beautiful bedroom set with a quality mattress. The set doesn’t have to match if it makes you happy and makes you feel like you’ve walked into a sanctuary. Buy a mattress that gives your body pleasure as you rest at night. Spend extra, or wait for sales to purchase the best thread count sheets. Buy the most fabulous comforter or duvet. Get the best pillows—decorative and sleep—to throw on your bed. Purchase furniture you will be happy with for a very long time.
9. She should own the best set of luggage her money can buy. Buy classic or quirky, but make sure to buy luggage that can take you on an overnight trip or a European junket. You’re going places, darling, so be prepared.
10. She should own something utterly impractical, but completely soul-soothing. You work, yet you struggle with buying something totally out of your reach, need and budget. It is good for a woman to own that one thing that holds no value to anyone else but her. Make sure you own that one thing. It can be a painting, a piano, that ugly-as-sin lamp that makes you smile or the orange and purple pump you want just because. The point is, if it stirs your soul and brings you joy, own it.

This list is by no means exhaustive or in order, but it is heartfelt. What would you add to it? Do you own all of these items now? If so, share in the comments section.