Do you give much thought to International Women’s Day?
When I was a lawyer, I worked in an office and there was always an International Women’s Day event. It was usually a nice breakfast or a lunch, some great food, an inspiring woman would speak about their personal experience and then I’d go about my day like usual. It was a thoughtful gesture but didn’t really resonate much with me.
This week my sister asked for my help. She needed someone to pick up her 4 year old at Kindy as he only goes for a half day on Wednesday. She works in a mostly male-dominated professional environment and said it was really important she attend the Women’s Day lunch to set an example for younger women in the office. And it got me thinking, isn’t it ironic that what is meant to be a lovely event, recognising how far women have come, turns into a battle for childcare. Unfortunately I can’t help her out as I’m working in my own business till lunchtime, then running a Pilates workshop at my daughter’s Kindy, picking the other child up from school, running to gymnastics, throwing together a healthy nutritious dinner and then working my usual Wednesday night shift in the studio. Happy International Women’s Day to me!
But in all reality, I love what I do. Yes, I still rush around at times but as I head towards 40 this year, I'm starting to reflect on things differently.
So here’s some of my life lessons I wanted to share for International Women’s Day
Women can do anything… but not all at the same time
“Leaning in” can mean leaning into many things (career, motherhood, a new business, something out of your comfort zone etc).
Life is not a race. We are not in competition with other women! Support and celebrate each other's achievements.
You are never too old to learn something new.
If you don’t carve out time for yourself every week, it won’t happen.
Exercise should not drop off the list if you are too busy.
Define what success means to you. This definition can also change over time.
And I raise a glass to the career women, the work from home women, the mothers, the child-free women, our own mothers, our daughters and our girlfriends. We are part of the same village. We want the next generation to be better than ours so lead by example, whatever that example may be for you.
Love to you all and Happy International Women's Day,
Holly
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