Celebrating the Women in your Life in honour of Women’s Month
Honouring the women in our lives this August month
The dictionary describes the word “August” as consecrated respected and impressive. Words like distinguished, respected, eminent, hallowed, esteemed and honoured are also found in the synonyms. Is it not then fitting that this be the month to honour women, their achievements and the important role that they have played and continue to play in our lives.
From that very first breath, women have been playing a major role in our lives, feeding, nurturing and comforting us as infants, expanding the role as we grow older into moulding, mentoring and nourishing our minds. As little ones, our mothers are our first “turn to” mechanism, the bonded cord being tightest during that times. As we grow and develop, it stretches to allow us the space to become our own little person. Hitting the teenage years, we start to twist, turn and yank at that cord, fighting for our independence with childish abandon, yet she still holds on gently, guiding and walking the mire with us during those tempestuous years, never far away and always ready to step in when needed and all the while holding herself back as she watches us grow, mature and take our place in the world.
Women Leadership within the family
And how much of that do we really see. How much of her struggles, heartaches, frustrations, all her sacrifices, wisdom and guidance is apparent to us. She is the one that balances work, life, family, society and a myriad of other things all at the same time, like a never-ending ebb and flow twirling and rolling into itself over and over. And what do we see – we see Mom. The one who is just there. The constant figure that we don’t give a thought to having challenges or feelings. Until we truly grow up and mature. Sometimes it takes a life-altering incident that makes us take stock and really see and appreciate, and sometimes it is becoming a mother yourself that unravels the same threads and the penny drops into place that not only her, but your grandmother. her mother and so on back for generations, where the same things have been taking place, and the real appreciation of what she did for you starts to grow and you feel her strength and quiet influence deep within your being.
Women create a supportive circle
Some may say “that is not what I experienced” but if we look deep into ourselves we will find the one that gave these things to us. The one that was there even in the background silently watching and being that strength for us, waiting for her recognition with the resilience and tenacity that women hold, even though we felt it not to be so at the time.
So whether it be your birthmother, your grandmother, a substitute or a mentor that you have taken into that role, take the time to feel their strength and the love and nurturing that they have given to you. Honour their sacrifices and celebrate their joy. After all, a little piece of them lives on in you.
