I CAN Buy Myself Flowers

BY ROSIE RODRIGUEZ

Everyone is talking about the new song by Miley Cyrus called “Flowers”.

A few reasons the theme has exploded is because it speaks to the modern-day reality of both personal and professional relationships between men and women and a woman’s relationship with herself. It reminds the listener that everything they feel they are lacking or are trying to seek in another individual, they can find within themselves.

Key phrases like “I can ‘buy’ my own flowers” alludes to a woman’s economic power, while “say things you don’t understand” speaks to the intellectual side. Essentially, it reminds women of their power.

That Boss Girl

Let’s begin by discussing how the song’s message connects to the boss ladies in the business world who have had to climb their way to the top and, despite all of the limitations, have still made it.

Crazy Fun Facts:

1. Women were not allowed to vote until 1920. (Only about 100 years ago)

2. Women weren’t granted equal rights until 1964. (Just over 50 years ago)

3. Women weren’t allowed to have credit until 1974. (No kidding)

4. Women could not own real estate or homes without men until 1974.

So how does this play out in the working world, and what does it have to do with the song “flowers”? Let me put it into perspective for you.

Let’s assume we have a 25-yearold male executive who grew up in the workforce in the early 70s. That 25-year-old guy, 50 years later, is 75 today. That means that there may be an entire generation of men in leadership positions today that have grown up in the business world with a different view of the role of women.

It’s no surprise that women have to work harder to earn only 86% of the same dollar compared to the guy sitting at the desk next to her, not to mention the other realities like the “me too” movement and other similar campaigns.

The song “Flowers’’ is only one of many songs with similar themes that have hit the top of the charts. Shakira’s recent savage song “Pa’ Tipos Como Tú” reclaiming her self-worth after her recent breakup with her cheating ex, broke Youtube’s record for most views within 24 hours at approximately 64 Million. A key line in the song goes, “Today’s women don’t cry; they get paid”.

There are countless others like “Victoria’s Secret” by Jax, “The Man” by Taylor Swift, “Run the world” by Beyonce, “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood, and of course, “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. I could go on and on. The point is that the ladies are speaking up and owning their strength.

Songs like these speak to women’s desire to express their independence. It reflects their realization of the power of their autonomy and the expression of their internal power. Simply stated, “I can buy my own flowers” in the business world means that women can walk the same walk as men.

Now, let’s go a little deeper into the personal and relationship side of the conversation: I Can Love me Better - I’ve got this.

Self- Love has been such a foreign concept to most women. “I can love me better” - what does that even mean? In relationships, especially immature ones, sometimes a person is looking to be fulfilled or made whole by the other.

There is a perceived lack within, and the woman is trying to fill that void externally. This is not so much about not needing anyone but more about just realizing that you are whole and complete just the way you are. Everything that a woman needs is already within herself.

Ladies, Ask yourself this: first and foremost, are you taking care of YOU? What are the things that you enjoy and are important to you? What are your dreams? What are your goals? What lights up your soul? What is, in essence, your path?

Having an unrealistic view of what relationships “should“ look like results in unreal expectations of the other person and vice versa. The reality is that each of us has an individual journey through this life, and each person has unique gifts. These gifts will develop over time, and as we grow and become aware of them, we become a more fulfilled version of ourselves.

Inevitably that leads to each individual discovering our own gifts, the sources of energy, the things that inspire us, the things that bring us joy, and quite frankly, the things that don’t. This is what makes a complete individual and a complete life.

This is what makes you - YOU!

Listen, Ladies, if you are looking for that perfect partner who will “make you complete”, stop, look, and listen: You are perfectly whole the way you are. Learn to love you: own all the parts and pieces, and explore your own interests. Discover all of the wonderful things about this life, and find the journey that fills your spirit.

Take yourself dancing! Wear red lipstick! Go write your own name in the sand!

You might discover how much you enjoy your own company. And then, you can offer the best version of yourself to your goals, dreams, career, partner, and the rest of the world.

We will continue to hear women screaming from the rooftops singing songs like these, as we continue to celebrate the power that we truly hold and as this new generation of women continue to own their power.

About the author:

Rosie Rodriguez is a successful Real Estate- Multipreneur, Investor, Businesswoman, Best Selling Author of the book “Women Who Boss Up”, and a Personal Development and Success Coach. She also serves as the current president of Exp Latino Nationwide.

Rosie has a passion for wealth creation, educating future businesswomen, and supporting orphanages in Baja, California, through her non-profit organization, the Amparo Organization. She is also a proud mother of three and a health fanatic.