What day is it today? International Women's Day, stories of resilience, and the beauty of living
I woke up and asked myself the question everyone asks when they look at the calendar: what day is it today? Well, it's March 8th, International Women's Day. But it's not just a date to post flowers on your feed. It's a day to remember the strength, the tenderness, and the struggle that spans generations. And, like someone raised in Rio with roots in Minas Gerais, I've learned that good dates are celebrated with stories – and these stories come from books, from ordinary people, and from those who have made their lives an example.
They, who move the world
You can't talk about March 8th without thinking of the women who have marked our lives. I just remembered my mother, who raised four children on her own, and my first girlfriend, back in my school days – that innocent passion you hold onto. They are the ones who set the tone for resilience. And speaking of stories of overcoming adversity, I recently finished reading "The Happiest Man in the World" by Eddie Jaku. The subtitle gives it away: "The inspiring life of an Auschwitz survivor." The guy went through the horror of a concentration camp and chose to be happy. If he could do it, imagine what women, who face daily battles, are capable of?
Living each day as a gift
Another book that moved me was "Death is a day worth living for" by Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes. The author, a doctor specializing in palliative care, teaches that death is part of life and that, therefore, each day needs to be lived intensely. Today is the day to embrace those 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 quickly.
Romance and that blue hour
Changing the tone a bit, I'm also a 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 afterwards. The story is set in Peru and mixes love, violence, and redemption – powerful reading, much like real life. Both books, each in their own way, show that love and beauty can emerge in the most unexpected settings.
Rick Chesther: the entrepreneur who became an inspiration
And speaking of inspiring stories, I can't fail to mention Rick Chesther. The guy became a phenomenon on social media by showing the reality of street entrepreneurship. A water seller at traffic lights, he is 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 struggle in the informal economy, Rick's journey resonates: it is possible to start over, it is possible to succeed. Today is a day to remember that success has no face or gender, it has grit.
Three tips to take with you for the rest of the year
If you've made it this far, you've probably realised that today is a day for reflection. So, here's a short list of suggestions that are good for any date:
- Read "The Happiest Man in the World" – to understand that happiness is a choice, even in the darkest moments.
- Give 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 – daily inspiration from someone who fights 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 opportunity to make a difference. And you, have you chosen how you'll make this day unforgettable?