I asked some women in my life to share their wisdom as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.  The theme for this year is Breaking the Bias, but I didn’t want to restrict the wisdom to a specific topic, and so asked them to share something that rang true with them, no word limit, no other criteria given, and this beautiful collation was created…

1. Super interesting article that Steph wrote for this piece, and I love how at the end she encourages us all to gather and listen to the wisdom of other women, there is so much gold out there amongst us, and I hope you gain some insights, thoughts, or comfort from the words shared here.

Steph writes “It’s really significant for me (and many other women) who have turned 60, that the theme for this years International Women’s Day is Break the Bias.  It is more fitting this year than ever before, that we acknowledge the women who led the way in breaking down bias. They achieved amazing things in very different times. Read more

2. Bronwyn shares “I have had two friends recently that were going through a very bad time. One was diagnosed with cancer and was quite sick in hospital and the other friend lost her Dad. I offered on numerous occasions to visit or support them and both of them just chose to go it alone.  The former was too self conscious due to hair loss (I gathered, from another friend that surmised this) and is a fairly private person and the latter just didn’t need my support. That was hard. What I realised though was that I had put what I would have wanted at the forefront and had such an empathetic need to help, that it made me feel really down when it wasn’t accepted.  I had to stop overthinking it and just get on with things. I have learnt from that and won’t worry myself to death over someone that doesn’t desire my heartfelt empathy and I feel a lot better, having given myself permission to do so.”

3. Lisa shared this with me.  “I am an audiologist and when a person comes to the decision to improve their hearing, typically after years of putting it off, they will often say “I should have done this sooner”. It is a matter of extending grace and reassuring them that the past doesn’t matter, they are doing it now and we will continue to move forward on the journey together. This goes for a lot of different situations in life, don’t worry about the past, just move forward.”

4. Mum’s contribution follows on beautifully from that. Mum says “I see lots of sayings about “Not living in the past”, “Leaving the past behind”, “Not reacting in the same way you did in the past.”  But in thinking about the past, I think it is important to remember those times that give a lovely warm glow, bring a smile to your face, memories that bring you close to someone again, a saying that has stayed with you. Maybe not to “live in the past”, but call on the good bits and be happy to have those memories.”

5. Nic shared “I was sitting with two other incredible wahine this morning over our regular Wednesday morning coffee. As we grind the beans and wait for the percolator to steam, we sit down to talk about anything and everything. This is an important part of our self-care, and this morning we were reflecting on some lessons we’ve learnt. Here are some of them.

  • Sometimes you’ve gotta be away from the situation in order to see its true influence on you.
  • Life has a gloriously shit way of refining us.
  • Good nutrition really does make a difference
  • Dogs continue to be the best medicine
  • Taking time for yourself is paramount. To destress the stressors, always take time to look after the number one person in your life: Yourself!
  • It’s OK to say no
  • Sometimes you’ve just got to go through the day with gritted teeth and there’s not a lot you can do about it.
  • Live by your own values and not someone else’s
  • Pick your battles
  • Cry, laugh, have hissy fits. Be authentic with yourself and others.
  • Speak your truth! Your perspective is the only one the world has!! Sometimes your opinion will be unpopular. Speak it anyway.
  • Although this life is not what we imagined for this moment, it’s pretty good for what it is.

6. Lindsey builds on one of these points on the topic of success… “Success comes in many forms; define what it means to you and work towards it. Don’t be swayed by others’ versions of success.”

7. Evita shared about one of our favourite topics – courage!  Evita writes

“Well, the following is about two things:

  1. every person in our lives is for a reason and
  2. every single decision is worthy, and changing it could change our life by 180 degrees.

Never underestimate your impact and meaning… I have always believed that each person we meet in our life, is there for a reason – to teach, to learn, to guide, to reflect… And that every decision, the tiniest one is part of something bigger…

I recently got a message from an acquaintance that I last spoke with 4 years ago saying: “Been a while we talked but couldn’t miss a chance to thank you for making me meet this girl years ago [sent the photo of my other friend]. So it happened that we ended up dating all these years after and couldn’t be happier now. And if not for you, I probably wouldn’t have met her! Thanks for the connections you gave me many years ago!”

I started to cry at the beauty of this. Of the acknowledgement, of how everything fell in place and now looking back seems to have been in right timing…

How did this happen? I’m a Latvian, the girl from the story is Lithuanian, but we met in Slovenia, the boy is Lithuanian and we met at a concert in Latvia, but I introduced them in Vilnius, Lithuania, when I was visiting and just wanted to catch up with everyone I know in the town. If I wouldn’t have gone to the Student exchange programme in Slovenia if I wouldn’t have been brave enough to volunteer in the concert if I wouldn’t have taken the time to travel and message these guys for a catch-up… This would have never happened. Oh, and all the other stories, where that one minute difference in your plans, one decision, that one glimpse of an eye – and everything would be different…”

8. Annie builds on the theme of randomness with her sharing about random acts of kindness.  Annie shares this learning as part of her story.  Annie and I recorded a podcast where Annie courageously shared her story, which can be found here.

9. Charlotte shares “live with grace and kindness, know that other people you meet have a story and you never know what they are dealing with inside or on that day you meet with them.  So offer a smile freely, lend a hand where you can and remember it doesn’t need to be big or amazing just needs to be from you to them.  Never expect a return.  Just know in your heart you made a difference to that person for that split moment they were noticed and cared for.  It makes everyone feel like a better person, and indirectly makes others want to be a better version of themselves.

Look up and see the beauty in every day things, the flower the bird on your walk, the smile you receive back your favourite song on the radion, a smell that returns precious memories, the fresh crips air of a quiet morning, the rainbow after the rain.  Breathe deep before you tackle anything scary or big.  You’ve got this!”

10. Beverley shares “age is no barrier to success. After 33 years teaching I am now fully immersed in a new career – helping couples plan their special day and families farewell their loved ones! How privileged am I and so grateful that I have at last found ‘work/ life balance’ ……… well almost! ………and flexibility within a day

  • time to spend a little longer exercising each morning (either swimming, walking or cycling- a leisurely walk along the beach even! )
  • time to enjoy my garden sanctuary (Manu Haven) –
  • time to help out family if needed
  • catch up with friends
  • and time for my celebrant role which I love.

Never be afraid to follow your passion and launch into a new career at whatever age.

Have the courage to believe in yourself – trust your instincts.
At times you may feel the fear …… but do it anyway! You will be rewarded!
Make every day count, treasure your loved ones, live life to the full – don’t wait for it to be perfect – perfect is now…….
And leave behind memories, stories, and most of all truths.”

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