Did you know that today is the Internacional Dia de La Mujer? I was unaware until a colleague from work came over this morning and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a piece of chocolate in my hand.

She: ¡Feliz Dia!

Me: ¿Por qué? (obviously, unaware)

She: Porque hoy es el dia la mujer!

Me. Oh, right.

So, on this day, International Women’s Day, I have been thinking about the women in my life who have inspired me, shared their wisdom with me and answered my questions with warmth and truth. There is something to treasure and respect about a woman; a mother, a friend, a mentor, a sister, a roommate, an aunt, a daughter, or a teacher.

I think every women regardless of age, culture, religious belief, marital status or jean size longs to know that “I am ok. I am enough. And I am loved”

I have learned those things things because of…

The perseverance of my grandmother, who left her county and came to the US at eighteen and enrolled in med-school when it was more common for women to enroll in marriage, than college.

The faithfulness of my mom, who sacrificially and wholeheartedly loves me and lives a life demonstrating what it means to love others.

The presence of my sisters, who have shown me the beauty of accepting who we are and the challenge of not letting family roles define who we become.

The loyalty of my best friends, who always offer a listening ear, a hopeful prayer and the freedom to dance around in our bikinis listening to loud music (yes, you know who are)

The joy of my students, who remind me that celebrating the little things and squealing is sometimes acceptable.

The wisdom of my mentors, who understand that walking with me through the process, is perhaps even more important than giving advice about the end product.

I am who I am today because of the encouragement from professors and doctors, counselors and pastors, teachers and authors, who understand that the best gift any woman can give herself is the freedom to…

just.   be.   you.

These women listed above have modeled how to be vulnerable, how to share a struggle and a triumph; how to name a fear and walk through it. They have shown me how to pray and not give up, and how to admit that we need each other. These women have taught me that real beauty is not measured with numbers and scales, but defined by laugh lines and a deep sense of purpose.

I am so thankful for the women in my life.

If I can be a little more like Bettina, Charlotte, Kathleen, Chelsea, Jen, Kirsten, Ashley, June, Kelly, Stephanie, Christine, Katie, Jenna, Hayden, Carrie, Sara, Ruth, Cam, Audrey, Stephanie, Maggie, Serenity, Abigail, Cathi, Megan, Krista, Jill, Anissa, Dee, Jen, Kelsey, and Amy then I will be a very lucky woman.

What women in your life are you most thankful for?

photo credit: christielockwood