Too often, women hurt and intentionally undermine other women. There may be many examples of this and many reasons to be bitter. But if you look around, there are incredible women in the world. Women who love, who care, who serve as an inspiration and who are known for their excellence.
I am sharing this post to celebrate some fantastic, strong, compassionate, wise, clever, and talented women in my life. These women teach me many lessons all the time.
Here are just a few lessons learnt. May they inspire you.
1. Lida
The Who
Lida is an amazing riding instructor, dressage rider and yard owner (and person). Everyone wants to be her best friend (and expresses this openly).
The Lessons
- Progress takes time, discipline and showing up.
- You don’t give up. You get up and keep trying.
- Celebrate small wins (because they add up).
- More leg.
- You cannot control what others say about you. But you can control your response.
2. Liza
The Who
Liza is amazing, I repeat, an amazing counsellor. She transforms lives one session at a time.
The Lessons
- Boundaries are important.
- Don’t give away your power. Don’t accept abuse or manipulation from anyone.
- It’s okay to say no.
- Dealing with your past and trauma is your responsibility. Healing takes effort and intentionality (and homework).
- Life isn’t just about attaining happiness. There will be ups, and there will be downs.
- Your voice and feelings matter.
3. Hannie
The Who
Hannie is the best mom in the world (she also happens to have the best daughters). She is an emeritus professor, a loving, caring, wise, generous person and touches many lives.
The Lessons
- Do your best in each situation – you will be rewarded for your steadfastness.
- Remain grateful.
- You can fix all problems with a humble heart and prayer.
- Make wise financial decisions and provision for your future.
- Give generously (but discern when an open hand must be closed).
- Take it one day at a time. Just keep going; everything will work out.
- Food is delicious. Celebrate life.
- Always look neat and presentable (even when going to the stables).
4. Melanie
The Who
Melanie is the best hairdresser in the world. She has the best one-liners and will make you laugh.
The Lessons
- A good cut, colour and blow can give you the confidence to face any situation in life.
- Hugs sometimes speak louder than words.
- You can never have enough cats.
- Despite what you are facing, keep going and make a plan.
- More hairspray!
- No matter your age, you can still can-can.
5. Mari
The Who
Mari is a talented copywriter/community manager/account manager/designer/ content strategist etc. (everything that goes under the copywriter title these days). And an exceptional friend.
The Lessons
- Being an introvert is awesome.
- Memes and humorous clips are the future.
- A friendship isn’t a financial transaction. You don’t have to give to be enough.
- Boundaries are important.
- Food is good.
- Exercise is fun.
- Get a wealthy benefactor and a chateau with friends.
- Love your tribe fiercely. Always check-in.
- Have many adventures.
6. Sarsih
The Who
Sarsih is everything. There’s nothing she can’t do – lash tech, make-up artist, musician, baker, balloon arranger, artist, embroidery extraordinaire, early childhood development specialist and more.
The Lessons
- No matter what life throws at you, you can be kind, loving, and enjoy life.
- Boundaries are important.
- Deal with your past, even if it’s complicated.
- Have adventures.
- Be authentic.
- You can do more than you ever imagine.
- You are enough. You are special. You can do anything if you work at it.
- Don’t tolerate abuse.
7. Dr. Elmarie
The Who
Dr. Elmarie is one of the best veterinarians out there. She cares for animals and their owners. And she is excellent with diagnoses.
The Lessons
- You can be professional and still show love, care, and affection.
- Knowledge is power.
- Kindness and sincerity cost you nothing.
- Know your animals – their skin, behaviour, and rituals – and investigate when these things change.
8. Liezl
The Who
Liezl is the exquisite definition of a friend. And an example of a friend in need is a friend indeed.
The Lessons
- No matter what life throws at you, you can either be a fountain or a drain.
- Understand it’s a season and not a life sentence.
- Pretty things matter.
- Appreciate sleep.
- You can still be kind, compassionate and present even when your world is turned upside down.
9. Mandi
The Who
Mandi is the best big sister (that looks like the little sister). She is an artist, an academic and a fibromyalgia ass-kicker.
The Lessons
- You can be strong even when your body may be weak.
- It’s okay to express yourself.
- Work hard and invest in your talents.
- Practise sharpens your skills.
- You don’t need a massive inner circle, choose wisely and love them fiercely.
10. Madré
The Who
Madré is a talented strategist with an endless well of wisdom and a beautiful soul. Plus, a friend in need.
The Lessons
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask hard questions and ask for more.
- Don’t sell yourself short.
- Negotiate.
- There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want in life.
- Always keep growing.
- Be kind but firm.
- Love and loyalty cross geographic boundaries.
- Laugh from your belly.
11. Jodie
The Who
Jodie is a natural in any marketing role, an impressive and emphatic person, and a dear friend.
The Lessons
- Keep growing. Pursue your dreams. Think bigger.
- Enjoy your life.
- Be kind and gentle but fierce in pursuing your goals.
- Shake off negativity.
- Know your worth.
- You are never too young to smash goals.
- Set boundaries and reinforce them.
- Smile.
12. Heather
The Who
Heather is a talented marketer, a woman with true grit, an advocate for standing up for what’s right and a laugh-a-minute.
The Lessons
- Don’t allow people in power to bully or intimidate you.
- Laughter and love are musts.
- Be authentic.
- Be realistic but still dream big. Don’t settle.
- Listen and hear what people are actually saying.
- Beauty is from the inside out (but out matters too).
- Keep swaying and rooting.
13. Delia Herberg
The Who
Delia is a grandmaster photographer, artist, precious moment capturer and beautiful human.
The Lessons
- Keep writing. Keep creating.
- Beauty is in the small unposed moments.
- Be kind to all people and creatures.
- Everything happens at its appointed time.
- Expect good things to happen at any moment.
- See the beauty in the world – see it in textures, colours, objects, people’s eyes, hearts, hands, nature, and life itself.
- It will all work out in the end.
If you look around you, there are so many women with beautiful hearts, wisdom, and tenacity that kick derriere. There are more than 13 in my life. And I celebrate them all. May you do the same during this Women’s Month and beyond.
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