The Bold Type: Top 5 take-aways from this freeform show for the millennial girls in India.

Currently airing on Netflix, The Bold Type dives into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for the global women’s magazine, “Scarlet.” The rising generation of Scarlet women leans on one another as they find their own voices in a sea of intimidating leaders (majorly grey-haired men). Together they explore sexuality (Yes, that thing which we don’t talk about), identity, love and fashion. This show offers plenty of lessons, personally and professionally, to learn from. Here’s my list of top 5 take-aways and how a millennial Indian girl can relate to it.

5. Own your identity

Stop for a second, think how much of our identity is programmed by our parents, family, friends, religion, law and enforcement, television, social media subconsciously. Later, we realize that we don’t resonate with either the social norms (patriarchy, choice of food, religion, partner, sexual preference, lifestyle, habits, career etc.) we are surrounded by, or the edges we have pushed towards during this rebellion. The important thing is to start recognizing those constructs and understand that they no longer need to define us, not if we don’t want them to. In the standard process of fitting in (where we actually don’t want to), we miss to stand out. Work out what works best for you. This show helps in learning how to become me — really, the most me version of me.

4. You get to have a dream too

Women, in India, are being told to stay realistic, slow down on dreaming (slow has become the new stop) and get "their heads out of clouds," play safe and don't take chances. Whereas, for some women, it is tempting to compromise when offered with love or secured life in return. This show says exactly opposite. Dare to explore your career choices (and personal choices), make bad decisions and make amends, fail and try again, unleash holy hell on anybody who tries to hold you back, be bold and speak your mind, decide your own timeline and you deserve everything you dream of. Don’t feel powerless and don’t be unsatisfied with your own life. Discover what you like to do with your life and live every bit

of it.

3. Overcome fear of loss

Of all the things that scare us, loss can seem like the most terrifying. While quitting an unsuitable job, like assistant Sutton had at her first job, there is the fear of losing financial security. While leaving a bad relationship, like Jane had with Ryan, there is the fear of losing comfort of companionship. Every day, we are dreaded losing our people, respect, health, youth, comforts, opportunity, authority and so much more. The fact is every loss provides opportunities for future gains - new relationships, experiences (whether good or bad), and ways of being that may fulfill us in ways we can’t possibly predict. This show makes us believe that we all have potential if we are proactive, have trust in our abilities to create new connections, take risks and put ourselves out there.

2. Support other women and be inspired by strong women

My most favorite character from this series has to be Jacqueline Carlyle, editor-in-chief of scarlet magazine. Her way of uplifting employees, raising voice for women and at the same time accepting advice from her subordinates when she is losing it has truly moved me. Speaking of other women in this show, supporting each other made them strong and battle all the fights. (remember emergency calls to fashion closet). As women it is important that we share our collective wisdom, whether this is to do with our career, motherhood, relationships, etc. This show made me believe that there is strength in numbers; each of us can do something that someone else can’t do, so we really are better together. Also, social support is important for every bump in the road, every achievement, every rock bottom and every celebration. Surround yourself with that kind of support group and be one for someone else too.

1. Dress up for confidence, dress up for yourself

This show validates the fact that the way we feel about ourselves is often directly linked to our appearance, whether we realize it or not. Dressing well increases your performance, boosts your mood and make you feel important from within, whether you are at home or at workplace. Have you ever experienced this after wearing a pair of new good clothes? (Oh yes, I have!) I don’t insist you to buy the most stylish or expensive brand but to wear clothes which benefits your confidence the most (Sorry boys, we are not dressing up for you). The symbolism behind what you wear has more of an impact on your behavior and self-confidence than the clothes themselves.

This show is comforting, unconventional, unapologetic and inspires us to be #TheBoldType Looking forward to watch the fifth season. I insist you to watch the show if you haven’t yet and let me know what you think.