
International Women’s Day, a global day on March 8th to recognize the achievements of women and marks a call to action for gender parity, was embraced all over the world this week with endless events and social media shares to celebrate how fabulous and empowered women are and should feel.
In celebration of International Women’s day, I wanted to share about the strength in women. Do you have women in your life you can count on and look up to? Whether she’s your mother, aunt, sister, mother, co-worker or bestie, I’m willing to bet she has some if not all of the following characteristics of strength.
- Independent – she’s always willing to learn and be self-sufficient, she wants to take care of herself by doing her own thing and thrives when she has the freedom to make her own decisions
- Reflects and Thinks – she takes the time to think deeply and reflect on situations. Puts herself in other peoples shoes to understand multiple perspectives. She gathers her thoughts in order to be careful about her words and actions and considers the cause and effect of them.
- Imperfect – she accepts the fact she isn’t perfect and admits she doesn’t know everything but makes an effort to improve and learn as much as she can.
- Vulnerable – she recognizes that it’s ok to be emotional and this is her strength rather than her weakness. She knows that opening up and being honest and letting others in will let others truly get to know you.
- Forgiving – because she knows she isn’t perfect she knows others aren’t either. She’ll apologize when she makes a mistake and forgives others when they do the same. She understands that being angry isn’t the solution to mistakes but learning from them and forgiving herself and others is best.
- Positive – she knows being negative and judgmental and talking badly about people can be toxic. She makes a habit of avoiding this.
- Perceptive – she can easily recognize people who are genuine and those who are not. She knows who her true friends are and knows when to walk away from toxic relationships.
- Authentic – she’s real, she’s honest and she’s genuine in what she says and does. She’s trustworthy and means what she says. Her motives are never questioned because she truly cares and stands by her word.
- Appreciates – she says thank you a lot and expresses her gratitude in all honesty. She values every person and considers them a blessing in her life.
- Believes & Supports – she will always believe and give her 100% support to the people she is in relationship with. She will stay and stand by you through think and thin. She will always encourage you and have your best interest in mind
Do you recognize some of these characteristics in the women in your life? If so, I’d love to hear about who they are and how they have impacted your life. Let’s embrace them. Appreciate them. Learn to be more like them. I bet you even possess most if not all these characteristics yourself. Let’s celebrate our strengths together.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Photos by Suhyeon Choi, Becca Tapert and Kelsey Knight
Patricia G.
Great qualities of a strong and awesome women! I know a couple of women who embody these characteristics. One person that comes to mind when I think of a woman that has these qualities is my friend Vicky. She is always so positive and supportive of me, and of those around her.
Sandy
How wonderful to have a friend like Vicky! She sounds like an amazing friend as I’m sure you are to her, Patricia!
Hang Around The World
These are 10 reflections that are real. For me one of the most important is to believe and to support each other! Together is a symbolic word and means strength 🙂
Sandy
Agreed! So important to support one another together. Relationships are two-way!
Kristi Ann
Such a beautiful post! Happy International Women’s Day to you as well!
Sandy
Thanks, Kristi. Happy IWD to you too!
Marcela
Love this 10 reflections. They remind me of the women’s that I have friendships with. Happy International Women’s Day 🙂
Sandy
I’m glad you have women in your life with these qualities! Such a blessing!
Jocelyn
My mom is the most influential woman in my life. She represents all of the qualities you listed and so much more. I can only hope to be half has strong, kind, and independent as her.
Sandy
Aww how sweet – your mom sounds amazing, Jocelyn! How wonderful to have such a strong mother-daughter relationship!
Elisha
This is a great list. It makes me thankful for my awesome mother. Thank you for helping me feel gratitude today.
Sandy
You’re very welcome, Elisha! I’m so happy you feel that way for your mom!
Deborah Hunter Kells
I have a friend in her late 70’s who is helpful, generous and empathetic. She is a real blessing and I am thankful for the time we spend together.
Sandy
Hi Deborah, aww your friends sounds so sweet and adorable! Such a blessing!
Luci
Most of these words I can relate but the words that stick out for me is independent, imperfect and authentic.
Sandy
Hi Luci, I agree especially about imperfect. Contrary to how it may sound, our imperfections are what make us strong and authentic!
Amanda Martin
All great qualities to have! I’m lucky to have several women in my life who possess them 🙂
Sandy
That’s great you are blessed with several lovely women in your lives! Happy IWD to you and them!
Dyana
My best friend and I have been two peas in a pod since Kindergarten! She’s always been so caring and kind. She’s been SUCH a positive influence in my life and I know I wouldn’t be able to see the good in the bad if it weren’t for her.
Sandy
Oh wow, since Kindergarten?! That is so amazing and special, Dyana! Such a blessing!
Leah
Love this list especially about being imperfect!
Sandy
Hi Leah, I know right?! imperfection is what makes us stronger!