What Day Is It Today? International Women's Day, Stories of Overcoming, 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 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 tenderness, and the struggles that span generations. And, as someone from Minas who grew up in Rio, I learned that you celebrate a special day with stories – and those stories come from books, from everyday people, and from those who've made their lives an example.
They Move the World
You can't talk about March 8th without thinking of the women who've marked our lives. Right now, I'm thinking 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 are the ones who set the tone for resilience. And speaking of stories of overcoming, 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?
Live Each Day as a Gift
Another book that really got to me was "A morte é um dia que vale a pena viver" 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 to the fullest. Today is the 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
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 cozy 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. The story is set in Peru and 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 in the most unexpected places.
Rick Chesther: The Entrepreneur Who Became an Inspiration
And speaking of inspiring stories, I have to mention Rick Chesther. The guy became a phenomenon on social media by showing the reality of street-level entrepreneurship. A guy who sold 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. Today is a day to remember that success doesn't have a face or a 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, 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 with "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.
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 thankful for another chance to make a difference. And you, have you decided how you'll make this day unforgettable?