Bad Ass Women

"There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise." –W.E.B. Dubois.

On a day as special as International Women's Day, I wanted to take some time to reflect. This year feels a bit different. We're celebrating women's history month in a year where frontline workers and doctors are still treating COVID patients, where war is raging in Russia and Ukraine, where the climate crisis continues to rise, and where protests against rape and violence are at a peak. That's a lot of heavy stuff. However, on the forefront of these problems and conflicts are women of resilience.

The women surrounding me are truly some of the most inspiring people I know today. But the power of women extends far beyond my immediate circle. In Ukraine, most of the people evacuating are women and children. These moms are brave enough to carry their kids out of their homes while running through war zones. I read an article the other day about a group of females who decided to stay in Ukraine, take up arms, and help fight. I have witnessed the resilience of female frontline workers during the storm of a pandemic. I have watched as the US women's soccer team won their lawsuit for equal pay. Everywhere I look, I see the strength of women in their work-life, within their families, and in society. But you don't have to do something big and bold to be celebrated. We don't have to look to the news or the history books to see the power of women. All you have to do is look around you. The change is around us. Our educations, voices, and willingness to take action are the women's movement.

I wanted to take some time to love the women who have shaped me and continue to shape me into the person I am today. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be so fortunate as to know so many amazing women. Women who make me laugh uncontrollably, who have hugged me when I cry, who encourage me to be my best, who inspire me through their determination and willpower, women who light up a room, women who I am proud to call friends and family.

To my Mother:

Mom, you are my everything. You are the epitome of strength, courage, and kindness. How you treat family, friends, and strangers has taught me the power and length of love. I am truly inspired by your ability to love each person in your life so deeply and well. You have shown me that there is power in independence and that life is as beautiful as you make it.

To my Sisters:

There have been many times where I take for granted how special it is to have such a remarkable bond with three sisters. Each of you have such pure and beautiful souls. You each love so differently yet so ferociously. Payton, I want to be like you when I grow up. Even though you're only 11, you are bold, confident, and wildly compassionate. PJ, you're going to change the world. You love your sisters and your family so well. You are equally intelligent and caring, the best combination. Megan, never have I met someone with a more pure heart. You carry yourself with such grace; you're goofy and loving. I love our conversations more than life; you are wise beyond your years and listen so intently. Macey, there's a special bond that comes with being a twin that not many people get to have. You're my person who knows me best and continues to love me forever. Your empathy is far-reaching. Continue to go out into the world and use it. You inspire me everyday to be inclusive, love fiercely, and have fun!

To my Friends:

I don't even know where to start. In each of you, I have seen such power. I am genuinely friends with women who are going to change the world. I am inspired by your work ethic and passion for doing something meaningful with your lives. My friends demonstrate kindness to strangers, curiosity in school, passion for climate change, fascination with the world and its possibilities. My friends offer support and a shoulder to lean on. These women are goofy and unique, and unapologetically themselves. I'm grateful for every conversation about boys, education, politics, religion, travel, future, etc. I'm thankful for every dance party, windows down car ride, and 4 am conversation. I wish I had the time to recount my experiences with every single one of you.

The power of women is infinite. But it's important to remind ourselves that there's a reason that we celebrate women today and why we have a women's history month. Women's History Month serves as an excellent opportunity to express our gratitude. To express our gratitude to the first wave of feminism, to the second wave of feminism, to the woman who fought for education, for our right to vote, for our freedom. To be grateful for the women who paved the way into the job market. To women who fought in courts to change housing laws and divorce laws. Women are resilient, complex, and astonishing. And there is work still to be done.

Happy International Women's Day! Love your people a little extra today!