Not the International Women’s Day Post I Planned

I’ll be honest, I’m struggling today on International Women’s Day and this is not the post I had planned.

The theme of International Women’s Day this year is #EmbraceEquity. Let today serve as an opportunity to ask yourself and those around you some important questions.

I had planned on writing about some of my experiences since the last International Women’s Day, celebrated each year on March 8. Last year, I had created an audio project while still working in radio around the 2022 theme of #BreakTheBias. Here’s what I had to say about it then:

“I’m proud of the project I set out to do for International Women’s Day at the station. I had invited a diverse group of local women to share their thoughts, stories, and perspectives on this year’s IWD theme: #BreakTheBias. The stories and voices that came back were incredible. Each one unique and sharing an important message. Personal, thoughtful reflections and calls to action. The response was moving and affirming. I’m grateful to have spent this IWD helping to amplify the voices of more women in our community.”

You can listen to the project here. The perspectives shared by the women who took part in my project are still incredible and important to hear today. This year, I was planning on sharing what has changed for me since leaving radio at the end of August, 2022.

This is my first IWD as an entrepreneur. As it turns out, there was a different lesson to share today. Perhaps it’s one that could be a reminder for other women as well.

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.”
- internationalwomensday.com

I’m not good at making mistakes, and I made one. I’m not always good at admitting to myself when I need rest, and I need some.

There’s no denying that these are just a couple of the things we are taught as women and girls: strive for perfection, don’t be weak, keep smiling. I’m continuously trying to unlearn so many things we are taught as women and girls. All the while, trying to help others unlearn what they were taught about women and girls as well.

My mistake was dropping off an order package at the wrong location. It caused confusion and I feel awful about it. I’m also missing the IWD event we’re a sponsor of today because I don’t feel well and looking back, I should have asked for help yesterday when I made the mistake.

I get migraines and this Winter has been a tough one for them. I feel like a failure because I’ve been working on doing everything I can to prevent them and they had lessened for a time. I feel like I failed myself again by not asking for help and not asking questions to ensure clear communication when I should have. That cloudy migraine mind.

Writing this (or screaming into the woods, or quiet journaling, or talking to someone else) is one way of recognizing these feelings and letting them go.

I will examine, I will learn. I will attempt to be gentle with myself, because… well, shit happens. I will learn to give myself the patience I give others. I will learn to give myself the forgiveness I give others. I will learn to to embrace myself and all that I am the way I embrace others.

I am a woman. I am imperfect. I am learning. I am growing.

I am an Indigenous woman. I am worthy of care. I am deserving of softness. I am allowed to hurt.

I have empathy. I have courage. I have a voice. I am a woman.

I hope you offer yourself the same gentle reminders and affirmations.

I am grateful and privileged to have a positive and loving support system. My parents surprised me with numerous stacks of hot, fresh, traditional homemade pancakes. My Mom’s are my favourite. My Dad dropped them off at just the right time. I smothered them in bakeapples and maple syrup. My husband was here to listen and offer hugs and his ever present support. ♥