Hello Again - Women's History Month

When I think of Women's History Month or International Women's Day, I often think of the women who came before me. The women who lived through the arrests that gave me the right to vote, the right to work, the women who wrote under pen names, so they'd get published, the women who were instrumental in putting men on the moon, the women who won more golds then the men, the women whose work was stolen by men, and the women who are succeeding with the rights they received.

And I look at my own life. I wonder if I've done enough in their memory or honor. Did I take advantage of their hard work or honor them with my life that was partially due to their work and sacrifice?

In a way, I guess I did. I went to college, graduated, and got a job. I chose to get married, have kids, and stay home. I chose to attempt my lifelong dream to become an author.

I used my voice to write about strong, yet vulnerable women; relatable women who had something to say.

The hard work led me to 10 published books, but unfortunately, no audience, except for the two super fans who encouraged me to continue to write and publish even though I know I shouldn't throw good money after bad.

So, in my own way, I tried to honor those who came before me, use their sacrifices to craft my life, my way. And while it hasn't exactly gone the way I hoped, I know I tried. As I work to figure out where I go next, I carry the weight of those who came before me and thank them. I know it's about finding your thing, putting yourself first so that you have the emotional energy to pay it forward and maybe be an inspiration for someone else who's struggling.

That's why we honor women this month. Those brave ladies worked to make the world better, happier, and more successful for many who weren't in the position to do that.

While I'm not a bestselling author, or even a well-selling one, I know that I worked my butt off and succeeded in at least part of the goal.

I'll probably always write, but it might only be for me, at least for a little while. Life is here for living, so I'd better find the next thing.