Afterthoughts: Little Women

The beauty of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Little Women.

"Women, they have minds, they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for."

As I watched the 2019 adaptation of Little Women, I fell in love with the story and became attached to the characters, prompting me to read the book. A book that left an indelible mark on my heart. A powerful novel demonstrating that women can be heroes of their own stories, and that they can be bold, persistent, and self-assured in who they are and what they want for themselves in the present and future. A powerful piece worth sharing that is admired for celebrating female ambition, womanhood, and strong-will.

"Inspiring women to live boldly. To be all they can be."

About Little Women

Louisa May Alcott shares the innocence of girlhood in this classic coming of age story about four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

In picturesque nineteenth-century New England, tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy are responsible for keeping a home while their father is off to war. At the same time, they must come to terms with their individual personalities—and make the transition from girlhood to womanhood. It can all be quite a challenge. But the March sisters, however different, are nurtured by their wise and beloved Marmee, bound by their love for each other and the feminine strength they share.

Even though it was set in the 1860s, it’s still relevant for encouraging girls to be strong women today. The novel not only tackles about women's stories worth being heard but it also taught me so much about life, family, work, relationships and more. So without further ado, here is a breakdown of just a few of the life lessons I picked up from reading this literary masterpiece, so that we can remind ourselves of these messages and implement them into our own lives.

Kindness is the greatest value.

Each act of kindness alters our perceptions of ourselves and others, as well as how others perceive us. We feel more compassionate, confident, useful, and in control when our kindness has a positive impact on others. We are also feeling more appreciative and optimistic. Furthermore, nothing beats the satisfaction of giving back to others. Kindness and generosity have the power to change the world. Furthermore, even a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on someone's life, including your own.

Learn to forgive.

Forgiveness releases you from your anger and allows you to reestablish close and satisfying relationships with others. Anger is a poisonous emotion that arises as a result of being hurt. When you are consumed with rage and bitterness, you suffer just as much as the person who has harmed you.

Let go of other's expecations.

The key to letting go of other people's expectations is not to fight them, and certainly not to resent them, but to keep them in their proper place. You can certainly benefit from the advice of others, but only if it comes at the expense of suppressing your inner voice. Your life is entirely yours and yours alone. You are the most qualified to determine what is best for you. Don't let other people's expectations get in the way of being true to yourself.

Walk your own path.

Have the courage to walk on your own path. Enjoy the journey, no matter what your path looks like or where it leads you. Learn from those who cross your path. Know how you got to where you are, but don't dwell on your past. Look ahead and consider the possibilities.