I am not here to throw muck on Women’s Day, much as I get riled by the mindless WhatsApp forwards that want me to have twelve hands and a heart that holds everyone together.
I like Women’s Day. It is a day of remembrance, of all the women who came before us, who moved the needle one push at a time. It is also a day of chagrin, of reading / listening through charades of the same trope, mulling over all the work yet to be done to make our world more equitable and inclusive.
But, this Women’s Day, I am here to ponder over none of that. I am here to tell you to lean in, on the four things that really matter.
It will apply whether you celebrate Women’s Day or not, whether you start following it today or tomorrow, because it was due a year back.
Body: Get those health check-ups done, blood, bone, and everything else in between. Cervical cancer. Breast cancer. The works. Enough and more studies, surveys and anecdotes, remind us how little women take care of their own bodies because “no time today”, “no one to fill in for me tomorrow”, “am sure nothing is really wrong”.
Wealth: Get a handle of your finances. Often, women focus on expenses, the spends, and how to manage them. Growing income is equally if not more important, and definitely more lucrative in the long run. Check out this Girl At Work article on money management if you are looking for practical tips.
Mind: The phrase, self-care, conjures up images of spas and foot massages. But but. It actually is about giving the mind a rest, an hour each day when we don’t keep all tabs of our mind open. Groceries, home repairs, kids’ schedules, you name it. What is your poison for the mind? Mine is reading before bed / listening to a book during my morning walk.
Career: I understand everyone isn’t looking for one, but if you are a subscriber to a substack called Girl At Work, you might be. Be mindful about your career. Be your biggest advocate. Be intentional and state your intent, periodically, not just once in a blue moon. I know it gets tiring, but hey, we spend most of our waking hours working, don’t we.
What else are you going to resolve to do this Women’s Day? Care to share?
P. S. Views strictly personal.