March is a month that holds a special significance for women around the world—it's Women's History Month. A time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in our lives today. As I reflect on this month of recognition, I can't help but think about the journeys we, as women, have traveled, often overshadowed by doubts and shadows cast by our experiences.
Life has a way of piling on experiences, good and bad, that shape our perceptions of ourselves. From societal expectations to personal responsibilities, it's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of it all. As women, we are often trained to put others first, to be caretakers, nurturers, and pillars of strength for those around us. While this compassion and selflessness are admirable traits, they can sometimes come at a cost to our own self-image and beliefs.
Growing up as the eldest and a third culture kid, I've navigated the complexities of identity and expectations. Moving from country to country, navigating different cultures, languages, and norms, I learned to adapt quickly. I became adept at blending in, embracing diversity, and appreciating the richness of each new experience. Yet, amidst the constant change, I sometimes struggled to define where I truly belonged.
The transient nature of my upbringing often left me feeling like an outsider, an observer rather than a participant. I found myself molding into the expectations of those around me, trying to fit into boxes that never quite felt like home. I felt unsure, and that made me think I needed to be better, do more, and give more to be accepted.
But here's the truth that took me years to fully embrace: Women are human. We are allowed to prioritize our own well-being, to acknowledge our needs, desires, and dreams without guilt or shame. It's not selfishness; it's self-preservation. Just as we celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women who dared to challenge the status quo, we must also celebrate our own journeys to self-acceptance and balance.
Getting over the ingrained notion that our worth is tied to how much we sacrifice for others can be a daunting task. It requires unlearning societal norms that tell us putting ourselves first is somehow wrong. It demands we look inwards, listen to our needs, and grant ourselves the grace we readily offer to those we love.
As we honor Women's History Month, let's also honor ourselves—our resilience, strength, and the beauty of our complexities. Let's rewrite the narrative that says women must be everything to everyone, and instead, embrace the freedom of being unapologetically ourselves.
So, here's to the women who have walked before us, paving the way for our voices to be heard. Here's to the women who stand beside us, offering support and understanding. And here's to the woman within each of us, reminding us that we are worthy, deserving, and allowed to be fully human. This Women's History Month, let's celebrate not just the history we've made, but the incredible journeys we continue to embark upon every day.