So, 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 does when they glance at the calendar: so, what day is it today? That's right, March 8th, International Women's Day. But it's more than just a date to post flowers on your feed. It's a day to remember the strength, the grace, and the struggles that span generations. And, as someone from Minas Gerais who was raised in Rio, I've learned that you celebrate a meaningful day with stories – and those stories come from books, from everyday people, and from those who turn their lives into an inspiration.
They Move the World
You can't talk about March 8th without thinking about the women who've shaped our lives. I'm thinking now of my mom, who raised four kids on her own, and my first girlfriend, back in high school – that innocent kind of love you carry in your heart. 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 says it all: "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 specializing in palliative care, teaches us that death is a part of life and that, because of that, every day needs to be lived to the fullest. Today is the day to hug someone close, to send a message to that friend, to appreciate the here and 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
Switching gears a bit, I'm also a big fan of Isabel Keats. She's one of my go-to authors for light, fun romance novels. Her books have that cozy feel, perfect for a Sunday afternoon read. And speaking of atmosphere, "The Blue Hour" by Alonso Cueto is one of those books you devour and then can't stop thinking about for days. Set in Peru, it weaves together 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 Inspiration
Speaking of inspiring stories, I have to mention Rick Chesther. He became a phenomenon on social media by showing the reality of street-level entrepreneurship. A guy who started selling bottled water at traffic lights, he's now a speaker and author, proof that determination can take you far. In a country like Brazil, where so many women are heads of households and hustling in the informal economy, Rick's journey really resonates: it's possible to start over, it's possible to succeed. Today is a day to remember that success has no single face or gender, it's all about grit.
Three Takeaways to Carry You Through the Year
If you've made it this far, you've probably figured out that today is a day for reflection. So, here's a short list of ideas 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 way to show you care.
- Follow Rick Chesther on social media – daily inspiration from someone who hustles and never gives up.
In the end, what day is it today? It's the day to celebrate women, to embrace life, to read a good book, and to be grateful for another chance to make a difference. So, have you decided how you'll make this day unforgettable?