Today is international Women’s Day, and so to the women in my life...
Dear women,
If there’s anything I know it’s that you have had, and continue to have an immeasurable role in my life. I quite literally wouldn’t be here without you – in fact none of us would be.
Thank you for bringing me into this world, and more importantly for keeping me in it.
You have loved me when I was unlovable; you listened when no one else would.
Thank you for giving me your time, and helping me feel not so alone in this world.
Some of you know me better than I know myself.
Thank you for the advice you have given me, even though I don't always listen.
You have fought and continue to fight the imbalance in this world.
Thank you for showing me that just because things are the way they are, does not mean they are the way they should be.
You have given me love, pain, and resolve.
Thank you for showing me how to love, that heartbreak isn’t the end, and that it is possible to love again.
You made me laugh even when I didn't feel like it.
Thank you for all the joy you bring.
You were kind, caring, and compassionate when there was every reason not to be.
Thank you for showing me that kindness is one of the greatest strengths anyone can pass onto another.
You showed me that we all feel.
Thank you for giving me the insight that a part of being human is having emotions.
You showed me that there was more than one way to be a man.
Thank you for letting me, be me.
You showed me that we are so much more than what can be seen.
Thank you for reminding me that a person’s value comes from who they are, and how they treat others; not what they look like, or what they have.
Some of you have hurt me.
Thank you to the rest of you who loved me through it.
You prove time and time again that women can do anything.
Thank you for reminding me that despite our differences, we are more similar than we are different.
When it’s easier to take the wrong road, you show strength, wisdom, and courage in taking the right one.
Thank you for inspiring me to do better.
You are our mothers, our sisters, our grandmothers. You are our friends, our partners, our loved ones. You are our doctors, our teachers, our leaders. You are our equals.
You are invaluable as individuals, and as a collective. I don’t need to be a woman to believe in your rights, or fight for them.
Even though today is your day, remember that every day is a day to stand up for yourself and those around you. To fight for what you believe in, to demand better, to earn respect, to have an equal place in this world, to be you and live without fear.
Know that your place in this world is as necessary and valuable as anyone else’s. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do.
