Honoring the Women Who Never Make the Spotlight

Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, I want you to take particular notice of all the women you encounter at work, at the grocery store, at the gym, at your kid’s school, or at the coffee shop.

Take a moment to acknowledge that each woman carries a lifetime of struggles, achievements, hopes, and dreams deep within her soul.

Today, let’s celebrate her.

You.

The unsung hero.

When we think about International Women’s Day, we often think about the strong, courageous women who have fought hard to further women’s rights, equality and advance the greater good.

As a matter of fact, there are plenty of women doing that right now in politics, in music, in sports, in medicine and so on. And to them, I take my hat off.

But for today, let’s also honor the women who never make the spotlight and still make a huge impact with their families and communities.

Let’s celebrate her.

In my case, I celebrate:

• The cashier at my grocery store who always greets me with a big smile and whom I know works from 6am – 2pm in order to be home when the kids arrive.

• The woman who praises my older son’s trombone playing. I know that she dreams of becoming a singer and is in a job she doesn’t like much, to help her get there.

• My friend, a mom of 4, who often feels like throwing her arms up in the air and having a good cry, yet she perseveres and mothers like a true champion.

• The little girl in my son’s 2^nd grade class whose mom is very ill and who graciously accepts all the help offered by other parents.

• My son’s piano teacher, an elderly woman who is teaching him that even though the keys are black and white, the music you create can be a million different colors.

As I think about these individuals that have made an impact in our lives, both young and old, I wonder what we can do in order to acknowledge their efforts?

Not just today, but every day.

We do so by seeing the truth in them, noticing their efforts and speaking what you see.

Celebrating International Woman’s Day starts with you, you have the power to be a champion for all the women around you.

Start right now.