When I was asked by two social media platforms who I would
recognize for International Women’s Day, my first thought was to name the
iconic women we often celebrate, the trailblazers who have influenced not only
my life but society as a whole.
But the truth is, the women who inspire me most are much
closer to home.
These are not distant figures or stories I’ve read about.
They are real women I know. Women I work beside, women I love, women I have
watched navigate incredible challenges this past year with a level of courage
and grace that continues to inspire me.
I work in an agency that is 70% women. I’m also
fortunate to have an extraordinary circle of female friends who have been my
lifeline through some very painful seasons over the past few years. When I
think about the women who inspire me, I think about them.
The mother who tragically lost her child and somehow finds
the strength to rise each day for her family, while still showing up at work
determined to contribute and carry on.
The mother confronting painful adolescent challenges with one
child while still trying to be present for her other children and her career.
The woman who lost her husband of 60 years and is
courageously learning how to navigate a world without him. Sixty years of
shared mornings, quiet routines, inside jokes, and a life built side by side.
Now she is finding her footing again, one day at a time, carrying both the
weight of grief and the strength of the love they built together.
The woman who endured profound childhood trauma and
transformed that pain into purpose, writing a book to guide others that went on
to win awards and be recognized by esteemed panels.
The new hire, fresh out of college, who moved across the
country for her first job, leaving behind everything familiar to boldly chase
the life and career she has been dreaming about.
The woman diagnosed with breast cancer who looked it
squarely in the eye, told it exactly where to go, and beat it.
The female leaders who work tirelessly to guide their teams,
make difficult decisions, while also carrying the responsibilities and demands
of life at home.
The woman who spent years battling through the courts and
finally secured a divorce settlement that allows her to move forward with her
life.
The daughter who lost her mother and is caring for her
rapidly declining father, all while never missing a beat at work.
The woman who slays all day at work and then spends her
weekends and PTO helping manage her father’s health, finances, and daily life.
The many women, young and seasoned alike, who made the
courageous decision to walk away from toxic and/or unfulfilling romantic relationships.
The entrepreneur who closed a successful business because
the commute was too taxing on her and her young children, and bravely started
over closer to home.
The women who are quietly carrying the responsibilities of
both mom and dad.
These are the warriors and queens among me that I have the privilege of
witnessing every day and every week. They inspire me more than they know. They
fill my cup when my reserves run low. And if I’m being honest, this past year
tested those reserves deeply as my family walked through my father’s illness
and eventual passing.
What I’ve learned is that the women we most need to admire
are often the ones right beside us — the beautiful souls we encounter in
ordinary places, navigating messy, complicated, and sometimes heartbreaking
life circumstances while still showing up with strength, grace, and
determination.
These women may never make headlines. But they are fierce.
They are resilient. They are extraordinary. They champion me as well as challenge
me.
They are my tribe.
They are the women I aspire to be.
And I hope, in some small way, I can be that kind of woman
for them too.
Happy International Women’s Day to the quiet warriors, the
resilient hearts, and the everyday queens who lift one another up and keep
moving forward.
