The women who shape(d) me

On International Women's Day, it is common to celebrate women that have brought about generational changes and impacted the world in a significant way. However, as Matt Haig says in his book The Midnight Library, never underestimate the big importance of small things. The littlest things that make a difference to our lives are just as important and influential as the big things that change the world. So, along with the pioneering women who led the suffrage movements, fought for women's equality, and pushed the glass ceiling, I want to acknowledge the women that nurtured me, taught me different aspects of life, helped shape my personality, and continue to inspire me and push me to be a better version of myself.

Like my grandmothers, who were opposites of each other, but strong in their own ways. Where one's strength was assertiveness and could shake down anyone, the other exhibited kindness and quiet composure in challenging times. All traits I hope to embody. Like my aunts who navigated work and family life, along with a huge extended family and religious rituals, making it all seem effortless. Even when I dropped in without notice, they never made me feel unwelcome. I always wonder how they managed it all without the conveniences of a microwave, or a huge refrigerator stacked with milk and vegetables, or processed/ ready-to-eat foods. There's an aunt who had never traveled on her own or stepped out far from home, but had to travel alone for the first time on a cross-continental plane and learn to live in a foreign country speaking an unfamiliar language. There are cousins who continue to amaze me with their achievements. Like my daughter who reminds me of my sister, both unafraid to call a spade a spade. Like my mother who had to learn how to ride a scooter without having ever ridden a bicycle, learned everything from booking tickets to traveling alone, and fulfilled her dream of getting a Master's degree.

The women I worked with that have gone years without seeing their families, yet toil to send them money so they could have a better life. A neighbor who fought with doctors to get the treatment she believed her husband deserved. An 80-year-old neighbor who proves that age is just a number and that being fashionable is not just for the young. The women who juggle full-time jobs and families, and manage to show up for all their kids' activities, while also prioritizing self-care. The women who stay home and wear innumerable hats from chef to gardener to trip planner and make everyone's days run without a glitch. The women who rediscover themselves and have the courage to put themselves out there. A friend who exemplifies the term girl-boss, a friend that is super creative, a friend that's calm and takes life as it comes, a friend with an infectious zeal for life, a friend that shows up to help selflessly. The women who run and play and prove that setbacks or injuries are not permanent. Friends that always lend an ear despite the cacophony in their own lives. 

Seemingly ordinary women that make everyday life richer just by being themselves and deserve acknowledgment and gratitude. As clearly as I realize that I'm standing on the shoulders of giants that came before me, I also am humbled by the women that continue to make the world a better place. 

Everyday, I continue to draw inspiration and strength from all those women - though they might not know it. Because some of the greatest influences in our lives come from those who may never even realize their impact.