Inspiration

March 8, 2016

Today is International Women’s Day, which is without a doubt my favorite #(inter)national______day. Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to National Pizza, Donut, Icecream and Hotdog Days, but it is today that truly knocks me out.

Female relationships have long been important to me- friendships I fostered in elementary and middle school are still intact today, and on a daily basis I make a concerted effort to maintain these female friendships. The idea of “quality over quantity” is pertinent here; I just happen to be lucky enough to have scored both quantity and quality in the girlfriend category. In the recent New York Times article, What Women Find in Friends That They May Not Get From Love, Rebecca Traister states, “As women live more of our adult lives unmarried, we become ourselves not necessarily in tandem with a man or within a traditional family structure, but instead alongside other women: our friends.” I have not yet married and I do not have children, but I balance an emotionally taxing career with tutoring students, teaching yoga, advising high school student council kids and organizing and/or attending social gatherings on a weekly basis. In all facets of my life, I interact with many more women than men. Men are no longer essential to my happiness, they are just added bonuses.

Let me first state for the record: I have always greatly enjoyed the company of men, but I must admit I am grateful my days are primarily spent with women, both young and old.  As I age, and especially since I’ve transcended my 20’s, I have found my relationships with women to be secure, supportive, and filled with love. I am in awe of what happens when women empower other women. In yoga teaching and practice, I see this so often it literally gives me the warm and fuzzies.

I often joke with my friends about becoming a lesbian. My Kinsey scale result is a 3: equally heterosexual and homosexual, but physical evidence suggests my sexual preference is still men. That being said, I LOVE WOMEN. Very few women in recent years have made me feel small or question my self-worth- it is men who have done so. Disclaimer: this is not a forum to bash men- this is all about celebrating women.

Which brings me to the present moment- on this day designated to celebrate our gender, placed in the beginning of the month that recognizes its history, I got to thinking about inspiration and passion. So many women inspire me, in pop culture, in my profession, and in my social circles. I decided to ask some women and men if they have felt inspired by anyone recently, and if so, by whom? I do realize this is a completely arbitrary question, but most people who know me well understand my curious and random musings. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive:

“You. You’ve inspired me to be more of an adult.” -Male

“My mom because she’s not just not afraid of failure… it’s like it never occurs to her that it’s a possibility or would be a problem. She’s fearless in the best way.” -Female

“My mother, and my daughter. There are things that men have done that have made me respect them, but it is always women who inspire me to be a better person.” -Female

“I’ve been inspired by you. I’m going to be more direct, and use less bullshit.” -Male

“With the risk of sounding cheesy… our (female yoga) community! Such great energy!” - Female

“You… for sharing inspiring words, Instagram suggestions, book recommendations and your thoughtful gifts and gestures.” - Female

“My son. He recently faced adversity in such a strong way and without help from anyone, overcame it.” -Male

“Interesting question. My wife. For her patience and perseverance.” -Male

“My dad.” - Two females

What did I glean from these responses?

1. Mothers, daughters, wives, and female friends are all sources of inspiration. No surprise there. I could not agree more.

2. I serve as an inspiration for both men and women! This is both thrilling and humbling.

3. When men were found to be inspiring, it was for being a son or a father. I can speak for the two women who answered with “my dad,” as they happen to be my best friends. Both of their fathers raised three women, have been married to particularly challenging women, and display a profound respect for our gender as a whole. They are cheerleaders for us gals. I am also thrilled to report that my own father fits this description.

So in honor of this international holiday, I want to thank all the female warriors out there who inspire and empower, and thank you to the many men who recognize women as inspiring beings… We promise not to make you obsolete.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”