Growing up, I’d never heard of International Women’s Day (IWD). It wasn’t something that was celebrated in our household. I don’t think it was something that was celebrated in most of America.
I first learned of International Women’s Day when I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria. They celebrated it there. Husbands, partners, and children would get gifts for the women in their lives. They would give flowers and thank them for all that they do. They would thank them for the being the strong people they are.
I think the closest that we have in America to this is Mother’s Day. But let’s have a moment of honesty here – Mother’s Day is NOT International Women’s Day. Not all strong women are mothers, but they deserve to be celebrated just as equally. And for that matter, mothers do more than just play mom. They deserve to be recognized outside of motherhood.
A little bit of background about International Women’s Day, in case you are wondering where this “new” holiday came from. First of all, it isn’t new! But because of its origins in the socialist parties, it’s been largely ignored in America until recently. The first National Women’s day was actually held in New York in 1908. It was first observed as an International Women’s Day by Soviet Russia in 1913. It was moved to the now official day March 8, by German women in 1914. With such a past as that, it’s a wonder that it’s even starting to be recognized in America at all (100 years later). Thankfully, this was helped along when the United Nations recognized it in 1975.
This year, I’ve been so busy working, International Women’s Day kind of snuck up on me. I didn’t even realize it was on this past Sunday until Saturday and my husband mentioned it. Bravo to him for that! Instead, I’ve been busy working, running around, taking care of the kids and our family, writing and planning blog posts, and focusing on what was the upcoming daylight savings time fiasco. I didn’t have time to sit down and even think about what day of the month it was much less what holidays are upcoming.
And for one day, amidst our hectic schedule and battles with the clock, my husband looked at me and said, “You are my favorite woman. I’m glad I have you by my side. Happy International Women’s Day.” And then he turned to our daughter and said, “Little Miss, you’re my second favorite woman. Sorry, but your mama is first and that won’t change.”
It wasn’t flowers – thank goodness because the flowers he gave me from Valentine’s Day were still going strong – and it wasn’t an extravagant gift but it was just as precious. His words to my daughter and I showed he took the time to pay attention.
There are so many times when I feel, as a woman and as a mom, that people aren’t paying attention to the things I’m doing. They take my actions for granted. They know that I would do it no matter what – whether it’s running the household, taking care of the kids, or hustling to do x, y, or z – so they don’t see past the usual.
And that’s ok. It’s my personality, and I’m ok with being the person who organizes and runs our tiny world. I’m ok being the dependable one. There are worse things in this world than that. And I don’t need constant recognition to continue this roll. But my husband’s simple praise meant that, even when we are at our busiest, he still sees me.
With that in mind, here is a letter to my daughter, my Little Miss, for her future International Women’s Days.
Dear Little Miss,
There are so many out there who will be quick to point out the hardships of women. Who will not hesitate to point out how things are unfair, how women get less, and how we have to fight so much harder.
There will be people in this world who take advantage of your heart, your kindness, and your spirit. There will be people in this world who will try to break you and bring you down.
Sometimes, these people are the same.
As you grow and learn from this world, be not the person who takes advantage. Be the person who builds. Be someone who brings others up, whether by words, a smile, confidence or a hug.
As you grow and learn from this world, be not the person who complains. Be the person whose spirit shines so bright that negativity does not have a chance to survive.
As you grow and learn from this world, be not the person who dismisses. Be the person who listens with an open heart and an open mind.
There are all kinds of women in this world. There are women who are young and old, mothers and not, outspoken and soft-spoken. There are women who were born female and women who have worked hard to become their true identity.
But all women should fight for the same thing – to build each other up.
This will be one of your greatest battles in life – both internally and with those around you.
It is far too easy in this world to bring yourself down to the slander of others. You can be going forward, looking upwards for guidance, but the draw of having others like you can encourage you to cut down others. It can seem like small words, but even the smallest of words, if spoken harshly, can have damaging effects and can’t be taken back.
Though it has a day dedicated to it, every day we can celebrate being ourselves. We can celebrate our bravery and our dedication. We can celebrate the chances we’ve taken and the successes we’ve had. We can remember the failures and losses that have made us the strong people that we are.
As a woman, we are often categorized, labeled, and shuffled into positions where others think we fit best. We comply, trying to be liked, trying to fit in, or trying to be strong. What we often fail to realize is that we are a fluid people. We are constantly changing, rearranging our lives to fit our emotions, reinventing ourselves almost every day to continue on the path that seems aimed towards the next right thing. We are no singular thing. We are not singular label.
You, my beautiful and stubborn daughter, are made up of many different things. All things that I love about you. And you will become a million different things as you grow and learn.
No matter who you become, this day and everyday is yours. It is up to you to seize it. And remember to always surround yourself with people who see you for you. You don’t need to adapt yourself to please them. As long as you are internally happy, those around you will see this and you will let your light shine.
Love you always my Little Miss,
Your Mama
Happy (belated) International Women’s Day!
Mom says
It was a beautiful letter to Little Miss ❤️