Happy International Women’s Day!
I hadn’t planned a post today, but in line with my new branding and scheduling, I wanted to leave myself a little extra freedom to play around for days when I’m feeling particularly inspired, and if there was ever a day for me to be inspired, it’s International Women’s Day.
As Alison Janey said at the Oscars, “I did it all by myself.”
Kidding of course, I’ve never been so certain of something in all my life. I am most definitely the person I am because of the women around me.
I’ve grown up with strong women in my life. The kind who don’t take no for an answer and who strive to be their best – and have influenced me to be the best me. It’s led me to take risks, move across the ocean, say yes more. I’ve been shaped by the women around me into who I am at this very moment. Confident, strong-willed, a firm supporter of feminism.
And because of that, it’s meant that I’ve also been driven to meet women like me. Finding great gal pals in the blogging community – and especially over the last few months. It’s led to great friendships, routine get togethers, and countless WhatsApp messages.
And the women different to me in many ways, but have friendships where we just get each other. Of course, I’d be remiss without adding the friendships I’ve grown up with. My friends who have been there for me through it all – and who have always been supportive of everything I do, while I’ve moved away from the same time zones – and country. I’m lucky to have them all.
There’s so much to be said about the friendships we keep as adults. It’s incredibly hard to make friends as you get older. To meet people with that same ease as when you were younger. I’m grateful for everyone I’ve met over the past few years who I can now easily call my friends. I’m happy that we bonded together through commonalities or differences, because it’s hard to make friends as adults. So when you do, you hold onto them dearly. Which is why the friendships that we keep as women are fiercely important. My friends inspire me to do better, think smarter, be more creative. They challenge me to go after my goals, to chase my dreams and are right there beside me cheering me on.
And I do the same for them.
To the family that have kept pushing me to success over the years, who have shaped my personality. My mom, by far the best woman I’ll ever know. No words I write will be able to capture how much she means to me and has helped make me well, me. All of my aunts who have made me laugh, think differently and always made me feel at home in their homes. My cousins, both older and younger who have chased their dreams, had families, and are starting new adventures. (Or even just ones who have to message you about the brilliant deal they got on a ghd hair dryer and straightener). And to the new (well, not so new anymore!) women in my family, who I’m lucky to have now thanks to Joe.
And to all the other women who have inspired me. Women throughout history who have made sacrifices for our rights. The women who have made technological advances. Women who have taught and continue to teach the next generation. Women who write, from published authors to articles, to blogs, it’s anything I can get my hands on. You’ve inspired me. Pushed my boundaries and made me want to do better.
And to me. And to you. Because even with all the fantastic people who fill your life to make it whole, you have to believe in yourself and be your own best motivator. Your personality and characteristics make you great.
So a big, absolutely massive THANK YOU to the women I know, to those I don’t, and a cheeky pat on the back for yourself too.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Kelly xox