I was recently glancing an online classified section when I noticed a curious ad. It said

"Smart Girls Wanted”.  I couldn’t resist a "click".

When I did I discovered something I never expected - an ad for an escort service seeking to expand their staff! 

While I can't say I quite "got" what they were getting at with the ad, I have to say it got me thinking: What exactly is the definition of a smart girl? 

If you ask a man -as I did - the answer may be a little disconcerting.  "It's how my college roommate described what turned out to be the worst blind date of my life -and I'll never forget it," he said.  Okay, let’s not even go there!

Ask your mom for her definition of a "smart girl" and you'll hopefully get an entirely different perspective.  In my case it consisted of a nod acknowledging the wedding picture of my third cousin Charlene tying the knot with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. "Now there's one smart cookie," said Mom with a wink and a smile.

And, if you're defining smart   to your 12 year old daughter - or your younger sister or niece or Godchild - then there's no question it's all about saying  "NO!" to drugs, sex, and even some rock and roll - regardless of how many times you may have said "yes" yourself.

But when you get right down to it, there is one definition of smart girl that applies to all of us - no matter our age, our IQ, our financial or martial - status – or dress size.   Being smart is the knowing, deep down inside; who we are -and acknowledging all we are.

 It's about discovering what makes us happy, what we need, what we want, and what we don't - and most importantly knowing   what we won't tolerate in our lives.  It's about doing what we can to cherish those in our life- at the same time refusing to honor those who don't honor us in return. 

And too, smart means not only hearing that "voice inside your heart" that whispers when things aren't quite right, it also means paying attention to that voice.

The ultimate in smart girl living:  Never giving up on the goals that shape your life - but at the same time knowing that when the journey becomes so harrowing you're developing blisters on your soul . . ., well, you're smart enough to find another way home. 

I believe we are all smart girls - if we give ourselves a chance. And in the months to come I hope to help you to do just that. I'll bring you insights and remedies, truisms and truths - all geared to help you not only find and honor  your inner smart girl -  but help let her out and let her shout!