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 glance at the calendar: 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 delicacy, and the struggle that spans generations. And, as someone with deep roots in Brazilian culture, I've learned that special days are best celebrated with stories – and those stories come from books, from everyday people, and from those who've made their lives an example.

They, Who Move the World

There's no way to talk about March 8th without thinking about 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 high school – that innocent passion you hold close to your heart. They set the tone for resilience. And speaking of stories of overcoming hardship, 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 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 moved me was "Death is a Day Worth Living" by Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes. The author, a doctor specializing in palliative care, teaches 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 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 by quickly.

Romance and that Blue Hour

Switching gears a bit, I'm also a fan of Isabel Keats. She's one of my favorite authors when it comes to light and fun romance. Her books have that comforting 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 keep 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 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-level entrepreneurship. A water seller at street corners, 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 work 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 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 realized that today is a day for reflection. So, here's a short list of suggestions that work for any date:

• Read "The Happiest Man on Earth" – to understand that happiness is a choice, even in the darkest moments.
• 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.

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. So, have you decided how you'll make this day unforgettable?