This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year, so I wanted to write a post about the beauty of being a woman. I had an idea about what I wanted to write, but I got off track. Oh, the joys of the writing process. One day the ideas are all organized and words seem to dance in perfect harmony, and then something happens and I find myself far from where I wanted to be.
I took my time to analyze why I lost my inspiration around this post, and I want to share my results here. It’s a fact that we all have our own ways of dealing with situations. I respect them all. I might disagree with some coping mechanisms that are extreme (in my perspective), but I still respect them. For instance, some people choose revenge as a way of dealing with the pain inflicted by other’s people actions. Even though I don’t agree with it, I understand that revenge is one way of dealing with pain. What pushed me off track when I was trying to write this post was the fact that for a moment I forgot my respect principle. Let me explain.
In the past months, I have witnessed some behaviors from women with which I don’t agree. Of course, that’s a very over-generalized statement—I’m not saying all women are acting weird, if that’s what you thought. All I’m trying to say is that some of my fellow females are dealing with some situations in ways that aren’t aligned with my values. My mistake was forgetting my respect principle. I became angry and disappointed, and when we’re angry and disappointed, we don’t think clearly. I was so blinded by disappointment that one day I even told my boyfriend I wasn’t feeling proud of being a woman. 😱 I know! I’m sorry! I take it back!
I even considered not writing anything about this subject at all. I’m telling you, anger is a strong feeling, but it doesn’t last forever. Disappointment, on the other hand, is a little harder to deal with because it kind of looks for a way to settle in, and if we’re not aware enough, it can take a lot of space in our minds. Inside my disappointment, I wanted to write about and criticize the things I’m seeing some of my fellow females doing as a way to deal with their pain and insecurities. However, I took my time to meditate about it, and in doing so I was hit with the answer. My intention when I write here is to bring the positive out of every situation, and criticizing women for their behaviors is not positive at all. Even when I disagree with them, it’s not my job to judge them. Truthfully, I was focusing on a small group, anyway. When I opened my eyes and cleared them of disappointment, I realized most women around me are just phenomenal, and they deserve my admiration and ovation.
Of course I’m proud to be a woman! We are the strongest of all species in this world … period. We’re capable of anything, even when we’re told we can’t do it. We’re able to go through the strongest physical pain that exists on the planet and come out of it with a big smile and a heart full of love (hello, labor pain).
The phenomenal women around me are wise and noble. They’re humble when they talk about themselves, yet they feel extremely proud of everyone else’s success around them. The women around me are beautiful, and I’m not only remarking on their physical appearance. Their inner beauty can illuminate a dark room with a smile. The women around me are minding their own business at the same time they take care of others. The women around me are strong and determined. They get the job done when they must, even if that means they won’t be able to rest. The women around me are the best moms, the best daughters, the best wives, the best sisters, the best grandmas, the best aunties, the best cousins, the best girlfriends, and the best friends. The women around me are my daily inspiration to keep growing, to keep going, and to keep loving with all my heart. The women around me are all of you. I appreciate and value you all. You are placed in this beautiful world with a mission that only you can accomplish. You are important. You are loved. You are simply God’s favorite daughter. Please never forget your value!
This tribute is what my heart really wanted to express, my friends! I do feel extremely proud of being a woman because it’s an honor to share my duties in this Universe with the strongest of all species. Let’s keep shining and working together to help this place we all share and in which we all live become a better one, little by little.
To all the phenomenal women around me: Thank you for inspiring me to do better!
Love,
Irene
