March 8, 2020: Celebrating the Power of Women
As our two granddaughters, Maya and Zoe, lay quietly sleeping last night, I reflected on the world they are growing into. They are both very bright, highly creative and compassionate, three qualities that will hopefully help a world where too often ignorance, resistance to change and intolerance seem to have a visual prominence in our daily news.
When they woke this morning , we had a special breakfast to commemorate International Women’s Day, a global celebration on March 8, that was begun over one hundred years ago. to celebrate the “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.” *
We talked about the changes and challenges women have faced over the centuries, and the gains they have made through courage, intelligence, hard work and perseverance in the face of resistance. My dream for them is that as women, they will be able to fully activate the individual gifts and talents they have. Equally important is that they will be both accepted and valued for what they bring to their homes and workplaces.
The recent withdrawal of all woman candidates for our upcoming presidential elections and the disparity in income that still exists in many workplaces, clearly shows we still have miles to go for the potential power of women to be celebrated and supported. But history has repeatedly shown us how women can and will continue making a significant impact on our society.
One quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead, beautifully illustrates how powerful change can happen.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
It seems fitting today in our celebration of women, to select quotes from a few of the women who throughout history, have had a significant impact on our world. Other quotes share wisdom that seem to transcend time.
“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”
-Margaret Thatcher
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
-Gloria Steinem
“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”
-Helen Keller
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
-Maya Angelou
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”
-Katherine Hepburn
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
-Anais Nin
“A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Another one by the remarkable former First Lady
“I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”
-Oprah Winfrey
“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.”
-Nancy Rathburn
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
-Diane Mariechild
“We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”
-Marie Curie
“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes.”
-Claire Booth Luce
Well-behaved women rarely make history
-Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
-Golda Meir
“Women are the largest untapped reservoir in the world”
Hillary Clinton
“We know that whatever we do is simply a droplet in the ocean.
Mother Teresa
But if that droplet were missing, the ocean would be lacking.”
One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
-Simone de Beauvoir
“I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say ‘yes, women can.”
Dilma Rousseff
Which quotes speak to you? What other ones have you found to inspire you about the power of being a woman. We would love to read and share them.
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For more information on International Women’s Day
Judi D.March 8, 2020
Thank you so much for this blog, and especially the powerful quotes. Your granddaughters sound like you and Ron, as you are also bright, highly creative and compassionate! While many of the quotes speak very strongly to me, Maya Angelou’s quote about thriving, not merely surviving has served as a guidepost for my life. After being diagnosed with two very serious back-to-back health conditions years ago and having the required medical treatments, friends and family started to refer to me as a survivor. Every time this happened, I thanked them and explained that my mission was not to survive, but to thrive. Thankfully I am still thriving today!
WendyMarch 8, 2020
Hi Judi,
Thank you so much for reading our blog and commenting. I always find the quotes to be inspirational and full of wisdom. The fact that they are gathered from a variety of sources that transcend history, reminds me of how powerful human actions and thoughts can be to help bring needed changes into our lives and world. Do you have any other quotes that inspire you as a survivor and “thriver” as well?