Thoughtful presents: International Women’s Day

Okay so today’s post isn't about a thoughtful present I gave, rather a thoughtful gesture. Today is International Women’s Day and when first hearing about it I thought it was a gimmicky commercial day, but the first time it was celebrated was in 1908, and it’s been recognised by the United Nations since 1975.

With that in mind I thought I’d write about two things today; the first is my Grandma who lived to 101. Yes my Grandma, not my Great Grandma, my actual Grandma lived to 101 with all her marbles intact and could still beat me at cards.

She was very much the independent woman, right from the start. She would travel to her family on her own on the train at a very young age; she’d sit in the train managers' carriage I think (no doubt my dad will correct me on that one as I think I've got the facts slightly wrong.)

She would go to dances on Saturday nights and if there were no men that wanted to dance with her, she’d dance with her girl mate who she went to the dances with, as she didn't want to miss out on the fun. And after my Grandpa died she lived on her own, so truly independent.

So what did I do today to celebrate International Women’s Day? Well I wasn't going to do anything but then I had an idea that it was a good opportunity to tell my female friends why they’re great! So that’s exactly what I did. I sent a text message to a fair few of them, and apologies if I missed you out. For my friend Emma I said how I admired how she achieved her goal of being a teacher and that in even in tough times she stuck with it. With Humaira and Louise I said how I admired how they had jobs and were mums and having that combination is really hard work. My old pole teacher Lucy; I said that her teaching pole gives so much confidence to others who are learning pole moves. And my friend Alice who took a major career change last year which was really brave and is now thriving.

I love how Lizi has explored the world, how Mel loves seeing new places and Ro lives life to the full and tries new things. With Jen and Carmella I admire their work ethic and drive and with Jas I admire her sense of humour and how she can get anyone laughing, no matter how stressful the situation is.
And I admire Laura and Linsey’s and Vicky’s determination as they take different steps in their careers.

I wasn't expecting any replies, just wanted to celebrate my female friends but I got some lovely replies; saying how they admire all the challenges I take on, as well as my kindness and determination.

It’s a shame that in essence you should celebrate being a woman once a year and I think from now on I’ll say to my friends more often why I admire them and why they should be celebrated.