Ladies, I would like to remind you that Saturday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day.
Without the progress that we have made in the last century, we would not be able to celebrate the achievements of many female entrepreneurs, politicians, doctors, celebrities, and activists. The way we view ourselves as members of a community would change entirely. Our imaginations would be stifled, and our dreams would likely burn out long before we began to pursue them. There are many famous women who deserve celebration, but I want to remind you that YOU deserve just as much recognition.
Perhaps you are a single mom, juggling two jobs and the responsibility of raising your children. Or, you are a student, waitressing your way through college. Maybe you are a cancer survivor, learning to face each day with the ability to enjoy your moments of happiness—without constantly living in fear of the future. The fact that we wake up and face each day with determination—even just a sliver of it—in a world where anything can happen, is worth celebrating. We balance the things we need to do to survive and the things that mean the most in our life on a daily basis. This may not always be graceful; it may not always be pretty, but the fact that we keep trying makes us strong women worth celebrating.
I am lucky, because I have had so many strong female role models over the years. However, there is one that I will not be able to thank in person tomorrow. My aunt, Joyce Young, was one of the strongest women I have ever known. 
Joyce Young
One of eleven children, she made it her personal responsibility to make sure our large family stayed connected after my great-grandmother passed away. At times she worked two jobs, kept up her house, and still found time for her husband, son and extended family. She would have given her last dime to anyone in need—no matter how hard she worked for it. Although she will never be famous, she influenced the way I work and interact with other people. There are days when her memory and the desire to make her proud inspire me to push forward.
Make the most of this opportunity to thank the inspirational women that you know. Pick up the phone and call your mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, or friend and thank her for all the sacrifices she has made in her life. Remind her that she is an amazing person, and congratulate her on her accomplishments. Also, please know that I am celebrating YOU, and that I appreciate every contribution you have made to our area and our world.
Feel free to share your stories about the influential women in your life in the comments below.