The problem is I have a finite amount of time and energy and as 11:50pm comes and goes I realise I have WAY more inspiring women in my life than time in the day. I started at the top of my friends list, and systematically began writing to each of you, only realising with heavy heart that I don't want to miss anyone and discourage people who had seen me write to mutual friends and not them.
So I had another idea. I scrolled through my list and paused to write descriptive words for people who stuck out. I filled a page. A whole page, you guys. I hope my technologically challenged self can stick it to this blog.
I got to thinking about women who had encouraged me over the years. Given me a word of comfort when I needed it. Stood by me when times got tough. Trusted me with their story and honoured me as a friend in honesty and vulnerability. Laughed SO hard with me/at me. Had babies at the same time as me.
There are neighbours, aunties, cousins, sisters, fellow mothers, dear and well missed grandmothers this is only a small number. There are too many things that each of you are or have been to me. I am simply overwhelmed by the positive impact fellow women have had in my life. And here's the thing, I am only one person armed with one, relatively small, list of friends. We as a body of women are half the population of the world!
On this day, or what's left of it, I propose each of you who are reading this pick a handful of women who have inspired you or gave you encouragement, support, love or friendship - whatever it is that they have taught you, and tell them! This isn't just for the women, you men are invited to take this up too. You never know how much it will mean to say to someone,
"when this situation happened, you had the wisdom to tell me this, and it gave me such courage/made me feel not so alone/helped me realise someone understood."
It's just an idea, and it certainly doesn't have to be public, but there is so much value in building one another up in love and support. You'll be glad you did it.
I'm so privileged to have you ladies in my life. You are brave and you have what it takes. You are strong and wise. You are funny, smart, determined and valuable. You are people who have seen and gone through hard things and come out the other side changed and stronger. I am thankful to call you sister and friend.
I also have no idea how to stick a picture to a blog.
