Happy International Women’s Day! I am not on strike today, as many women around the world are. It’s pretty much impossible for me to strike, as a stay at home Mom, because my kids would dismantle the house; no joke.
I did give myself an extra five minutes in bed and ignored my alarm clock this morning, which made Taylor come into my room to try to get me up. I told her I wouldn’t get up unless there was coffee made. I overheard her saying “Daddy, Mommy won’t get up unless she gets some coffee, and I’m not making it!” At least she made me laugh. I’ve had lots of coffee since then.

A lot of women are wearing red today in support of this day. While I was explaining what this day meant, I asked Taylor if she wanted to choose an outfit with red in it. She said “No thank you. I want to wear my puffy pink shirt from Auntie because it makes me feel beautiful!” Now, I wouldn’t have had a problem if she chose to wear tie dye colors or leopard print, but the fact that she chose her own color for today because of how it made her feel, made me feel so proud as a mother. For me, that is what today is about. I am glad that she is empowered. I am glad that she knows what she feels the most beautiful in and that she has her own voice to express her opinions and feelings. I am so proud of the little girl Taylor is now, and can already see glimpses of the extraordinary woman she will be one day. I try to lead by example for her. She knows that girls can do anything boys can do. She knows how smart she is. She knows that not only is it okay to tell someone ‘no’ if they are bothering her and making her feel uncomfortable, but she also knows that if someone tries to touch her inappropriately, she can knock them out, with absolutely zero repercussions from us. I don’t teach violence, but I do teach safety, self-respect, and protecting yourself and am proud that she is learning these things.

I was lucky enough to be raised with incredible female role-models. Both my mother and my grandmother were always (and still are) instilling in me the notion that I could be anything and do anything I put my mind to. They lead by example by running their own very successful business for nearly two decades. My mom taught me that not only is it okay to be a strong, successful woman with a voice, but you need to make sure your voice is heard – – something she is very good at!

Taylor not only has me, my mother, and grandmother (how lucky are we that she is still around) to set good examples for her, but she has other strong female role models to look up to as well. My closest friends play an important role in her life. Taylor knows that Auntie loves her more than anything. She knows that Auntie is a teacher and helps kids at school. She knows that she can be a teacher like Auntie and G or she can be a doctor or nurse (like the many female medical professionals we have in our life). She knows she can be a paramedic, as she has seen Ann working on the ambulance, numerous times. She loves her teachers (female) and looks up to them with adoration and respect. She sees these women doing whatever it is they choose to do in life, and she knows that she has choices too. She can be anything and I can hardly wait to see what she decides to tackle in her lifetime. I’m certain that she will be great with whatever she chooses.

I know there is a bigger picture here, and that is what today is about, but I don’t personally feel the need to strike within my setting, although I fully support all who do! I know that women are important, and not all women are recognized and respected the way we all should be. It is a very sad fact and it needs to be changed. However, Todd respects and cherishes me to no end, and for that, I will always be thankful. He knows how hard I work, he appreciates me, and he always sets a loving example for the kids to see. Each one of our children know that Mommy and Daddy are partners in life. We are a team and we work together, always. They will however tell you “Mommy is the boss” if asked.

Tell the women and girls in your life how much you appreciate them. Show it in your actions each day and remember that we are all better together.