International Women's Day
Happy International Women's Day! Today, I'm thinking about my sister, Annie. She started her journey on the Appalachian Trail last week - a 2,200 mile trek from Georgia to Maine. Her decision has inspired our entire family…we are all so proud of her for making the leap and conquering something she's been dreaming about for years.
Can you imagine living in nature with just your backpack, hiking upwards of 13 miles a day, leaving everything behind and relying solely on yourself for 5 months? It's so brave and so inspiring. Side note: the other day she told me that more than half of the hikers she's met so far are of retirement age! It's a reminder that wherever we are in our journey, we can always start fresh and completely change our lives.
When we were kids, my mom painted a quote in our kitchen by Mary Oliver that read, "What will you do with your one wild and precious life?". That sentiment has been rooted in my subconscious and I continue to feel so blessed by the ambitious, courageous, and kind-hearted women who surround me.
In a bigger sense of the day, let’s think about what it even means to be a woman in today’s society. Living in the United States is a privilege in itself, and it is our responsibility to support and celebrate our sisters all over the world who are living in harsher environments. We can do that by raising ourselves up on a local level and setting an example for how we want and deserve to be treated globally. How can we do this?
Negotiate your salary.
Know that you deserve to be in any given room, and that your voice needs to be heard. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Support small businesses owned by women, support women releasing music, directing films, etc…champion them in the mainstream.
Celebrate women for their minds, bodies and souls…not simply what they look like or who they are dating. For example: change the way you compliment women. Instead of starting a conversation with, “Wow you look so pretty today!” you could say “You are such a smart person. I love what you had to say about ___.”
Mentor a young woman who could learn from your success. Hop on a phone call or grab coffee with someone who could use your help.
Help a new mother. Bringing a child into this world is a feat beyond my comprehension, and they need all the support they can get. On the flip side, support a woman’s right to choose. Let’s get rid of the shame around abortion.
Find a way to be around a group of women often - sisterhood is so important for our wellbeing. That could mean joining a running group, hosting a monthly self-care evening…whatever sparks joy and a gives you a chance to get together with your girls.
Show the women in your life that you care about them. Send someone a card in the mail just for kicks or buy a co-worker coffee when she’s having a hard day. Get creative!
Sending love to all of my ladies out here killin’ it today and always. And to all of the men in our lives who support us and champion us, thank you! Big hugs.
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