IWD 2018

What a time to be a woman!! I feel so happy right now seeing posts all over social media by strong, courageous, independent women. Women celebrating women! I have been so fortunate in my life to never truly feel put down due to my gender. I never felt beneath the male population when I was younger. Growing up, I had to learn that not everyone is this fortunate. While prejudice hasn't always been directed towards me, it still exists. There are women out there who have to fight for their right to an education and who have to suffer through marriages of physical and sexual abuse because people in their countries have "normalized" these inhumane acts. Women all over the world are still facing struggles, but the beauty is that more and more of us are willing to fight! Women are rising up and speaking LOUD and PROUD. Today, I am overjoyed to be a part of the women's community--so many brave souls out there.

I only felt, on a day like today, that it was best to share about the women who inspire me and have helped shape me into the woman I am today.

To start, I suppose it is appropriate to begin with the first woman I knew in this life--my mother. I am so fortunate to have the relationship I have with my mom; she has always been my best friend. My mom grew up struggling with a non-diagnosed mental illness. It was not until my mom was over forty-years old that she learned she had Bipolar Disorder. I share this because my mom has always been honest with me--she struggled a lot with her anger and frustration in her younger years, yet, somehow, my mom grew up to be one of the most loving, caring individuals I know. She is the epitome of the term mother. She has loved my sister and I with her whole being; she has cared for us unconditionally. She taught me to be strong, to be independent, and to speak my mind. She taught me to not judge others, to be kind to people, and to always make good choices. She is my hero, and who I am, is partly due to her.

My sister, Chelsea, is the second woman I met on this earth, although she was just five at the time. She has impacted my life in more ways than I could count. My whole life I have looked up to her. Even though we are complete opposites, there was always this part of me that wanted to be just like her. She is smart, funny, and kind. She helps take care of me, gives me advice, and plays the role of my "second mom." She lifts me up when I am down. She baked me cupcakes just to celebrate my engagement. She kicks ass at being a Maid of Honor. Yes, she frustrates me to no end because that's what sister's do, but at the end of the day, there is no one I trust more. She has had my back since birth. Mom used to say, "make sure you look after your sister," and guess what? She still does. Even at this age, I still admire her. She works her butt off to achieve her dreams and accomplish her goals. I only hope that one day she'll give herself the credit she deserves.

The third woman to mention is my grandma. I could probably devote about five pages to this woman because she is so amazing and inspiring, but I will do my best to keep it short. My grandma is the strongest person I have ever met. She was born into lower-class and had to drop out of school at a young age to help support her family. She raised my mom as a single mother, and she worked multiple jobs to give my mom the best life possible. When her grandchildren came into the world, she spoiled them even more. My grandma is a "spit-fire" with the best spirit. Anyone who meets her loves her because how can you not? Put simply, she's amazing! If I can be half the woman she is, I think I'll be alright in this world.

My best friend, Erin, is next on the list. We became best friends my freshman year of high school, and looking back, I honestly don't know how I would have survived without her. Erin probably doesn't know how special her friendship has been to me all of these years. High school was a hard time for me, and it was because of Erin that the really bad days weren't so bad. She opened her home to me, shared her family with me, and accepted me for who I was. We spent most of our lives together from ninth through twelfth grade. Even now, almost four years after graduation, spending miles apart, and barely seeing each other, she is still one of my best friends. I am so grateful for a friendship like ours. All I can say is-- Erin, thanks for being there and being you!

Since I didn't go to college with my best friend from high school, I had to make new friends, too. Dena and Kristen--these two have been God-sends. Dena is probably the most hilarious person I have ever met. When I am with her, I always laugh, I always have fun, and I always enjoy myself. She listens when I need a friend and checks in on me regularly. Kristen has basically become my twin the past three years, literally. People actually mistake her for me on occasions, but I enjoy the laughs we have about how she just lets them think she is me. Kristen and I have so many similarities, and it has been great having a friend I can talk with and connect to, especially in the times when I was feeling down or alone.

To the women I have never met, but still felt inspired by- thank you! Thank you to my great-grandmother, Mag. I never knew you, but it seems maybe I didn't need to. Everyone tells me I am you reincarnated. To Betty White, I consider you a second grandmother (imagination goes a long way since you have no clue I exist). You are the coolest woman alive, and I admire your spirit so much! To Elinor Roosevelt, thank you for being so strong. Thank you for setting an example of what women should be like. You were full of wisdom and intelligence, and you believed in people. To Ellen DeGeneres, thank you for be you. You truly are one of the kindest people with the best souls, and I am glad you exist in this world.

Even though he is the opposite sex, I must give him a shout-out. Thank you to my wonderful fiancé, Jake. He supports me, encourages me, and cheers me on. It is very important that your person sticks up for you, and to me, it is very important that our men are standing there next to their women, as she should be there next to him. This is love and equality at its finest.

To all the other women in the world, you are amazing. I don't know you all personally, but I to know you are special. We all are!!! Stand tall, stay strong, and be you!

Happy International Women's Day!! Love the women around you, and love the woman you are (or are becoming)!

[And if you are a male reading this, love yourself, too, and support the awesome women in your life!]