What Day Is It Today? International Women's Day, Stories of Resilience, and the Beauty of Living
I woke up this morning and asked myself the question everyone asks when they glance at the calendar: what day is it today? That's right, it's March 8, International Women's Day. But it's more than just a date to post flowers on your feed. It's a day to acknowledge the strength, the tenderness, and the struggles that span generations. And, having grown up with a mix of cultures, I've learned that a significant date is best celebrated with stories – and those stories come from books, from everyday people, and from those who have made their lives an example.
They Move the World
You can't talk about March 8 without thinking of the women who've shaped our lives. I'm reminded of my mum, who raised four kids on her own, and my first girlfriend back in high school – that innocent crush you hold onto. They set the tone for resilience. And speaking of inspiring stories, I just finished reading "The Happiest Man on Earth" by Eddie Jaku. The subtitle gives it away: "The Inspiring Life of an Auschwitz Survivor." The guy went through the horrors of a concentration camp and chose to be happy. If he could do that, imagine what women, who face daily battles, are capable of?
Living Each Day as a Gift
Another book that really got to me was "A Death Worth Living" by Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes. The author, a doctor specialising in palliative care, teaches that death is a part of life and that, because of this, every day needs to be lived with intensity. What day is it today? It's a day to hug the people beside you, to send a message to that friend, to value the now. Women, with their unique sensitivity, are often the ones who best understand this lesson: life is made of moments, and they pass by quickly.
Romance and that Blue Hour
On a lighter note, I'm also a big fan of Isabel Keats. She's one of my favourite authors when it comes to light, fun romance. Her books have that cosy feel, perfect for reading on a Sunday afternoon. And speaking of atmosphere, "The Blue Hour" by Alonso Cueto is one of those books you devour and keep thinking about for days. Set in Peru, it blends love, violence, and redemption – a powerful read, much like real life. Both books, each in their own way, show that love and beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Rick Chesther: The Entrepreneur Who Became an Icon
And speaking of inspiring stories, I can't go past Rick Chesther. He became a social media phenomenon by showing the reality of street-level entrepreneurship. A guy who started selling water at traffic lights, he's now a speaker and author, proof that with determination you can go far. In a country like Brazil, where so many women are heads of households and hustling in the informal economy, Rick's journey resonates: it's possible to start over, it's possible to succeed. What day is it today? It's a day to remember that success doesn't have a single face or gender; it's all about grit.
Three Tips to Carry You Through the Year
If you've made it this far, you've probably gathered that what day is it today is a day for reflection. So, here's a short list of suggestions that work for any day:
- Read "The Happiest Man on Earth" – to understand that happiness is a choice, even in the darkest times.
- Gift a woman "The Blue Hour" or a book by Isabel Keats – because literature is also a form of affection.
- Follow Rick Chesther on social media – for daily inspiration from someone who hustles and never gives up.
At the end of the day, what day is it today? It's the day to celebrate women, to embrace life, to read a good book, and to be thankful for another chance to make a difference. So, have you decided how you'll make this day unforgettable?