What Day is it Today? Women's Day, Stories of Resilience, and the Beauty of Living
I woke up this morning and asked myself the same question everyone does when they glance at the calendar: what day is it today? That's right, 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 struggles that span generations. And, having grown up with a certain warmth and storytelling tradition, I've learned that a significant date is best celebrated with stories – and these stories come from books, from ordinary people, and from those who have turned their lives into 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'm reminded now of my mother, who raised four children on her own, and of my first girlfriend, back in my school days – that innocent passion you hold onto in your heart. They are the ones who set the tone for resilience. And speaking of stories of overcoming adversity, I recently finished reading "The Happiest Man on Earth" by Eddie Jaku. The subtitle gives it away: "The Inspiring Life of an Auschwitz Survivor". The man went through the horrors 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 deeply moved me was "A morte é um dia que vale a pena viver" (Death is a Day Worth Living) by Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes. The author, a doctor specialising in palliative care, teaches us that death is a part of life and that, because of this, every day needs to be lived with intensity. Today is the day to embrace those beside you, to send a message to that friend, to value the now. Women, with their unique sensibility, are often the ones who best understand this lesson: life is made of moments, and they pass by quickly.
Romance and That Blue Hour
Shifting 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 novels. Her books have that cosy quality, 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 then find yourself thinking about for days. The story is set in Peru and 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 Inspiration
And 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 man who started selling bottled water 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 work in the informal economy, Rick's journey resonates: it is possible to start over, it is possible to succeed. Today is the day to remember that success has no single face or gender, it has grit.
Three Tips to Carry 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, I'll leave you with a short list of suggestions that are good for any time:
- Read "The Happiest Man on Earth" – to understand that happiness is a choice, even in the darkest of times.
- Give a woman the gift of "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.
When it comes down to it, 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 decided how you'll make this day unforgettable?