8th of March is International Women’s Day!
Monday 8th March is International Women’s Day which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Here at Life Links our staff have taken some time to reflect on the women who have inspired them, and picked out some quotes that stood out to them!
Shannon (Service Manager):
When I think of this day and what it stands for I think of the women around me and in particular my closest friends. They embody the term ‘empowering women’ and I am grateful that our paths have crossed. They have been through, and continue to go through challenges and adversity in their lives and not only do they work through this, they are an incredible support system, leaders in their work, challenge societal perceptions and truly inspire me to develop further. Their tenacity, kindness and resilience are just a few qualities they possess and they empower the women around them to be unapologetically themselves. I want to thank them for mentoring, supporting and encouraging me throughout my experiences in life.
Jeni (Volunteer Coordinator):
My mum is my chosen person!
She inspires me everyday to be better and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me!
She has given me a few little quotes here and there which I can remember.
‘There is no one more fun than me’ – not exactly inspirational but it has been proven to be true, we have the best times together and I treasure each moment I have with her and miss her everyday (we live separately)
‘Pick your battles’ – this is something that has carried me through university and now through my work and personal life. Not everything needs a reaction and by prioritising my battles I have been able to deal with my anxiety a lot better and my general well-being has most definitely improved.
So yeah no specific inspirational quotes more of an inspirational person.
I love her more and more everyday!!
Leah (Volunteer Coordinator):
‘Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them’
I am fortunate in my life to be surrounded by strong women that inspire me every single day, from my incredible work colleagues to the women in my family.
My Step-Mum is the woman who inspires me most for more reasons than I can possibly say. I have learned so many valuable life lessons from her, some of which she hasn’t taught me per say, but I have observed from her. Not only is she incredibly hard working, determined and the smartest woman I know. She also, works and looks after my beautiful little sisters all while completing a degree in computer programming! Looking back, I am in awe of her continuous strength and determination when faced with difficult situations and life set backs. Most of all she taught me accountability, determination and that I can do anything I put my mind too.
Kim (Recovery Worker):
Megan Crabbe (aka bodyposipanda)
Megan Crabbe recovered from an eating disorder and now advocates for body acceptance. I have also been through similar things and feel like it’s really important for people to see that recovery is possible, but she’s not all glossy and fake.
I can’t think of lots of stuff to say about her, I get a lot of joy from going on her instagram but she said last women’s day…
“You don’t have to say the perfect thing this #InternationalWomensDay! Showing up for women every day is more important. Keep speaking up. Keep raising the voices of women with less privilege. Keep showing women in your life that you value the. Support women loudly, every day.”
Ravina (Recovery Worker):
Inspiration comes in all forms. Some take a visual stand for what they believe in, others can be quietly unassuming in their empowerment.
Despite my grandma battling dementia, she always continued to show love, selflessness and purity. In my eyes, anyone who can endure changes that no-one can explain and struggle to be able to complete day-to-day tasks yet still project happiness, kindness and positivity is more than an inspiration.
One thing I will continue to carry through successes and struggles is that if this radiant and loveable lady, who declining both physically and mentally, never gave in, why should I ever?
She’d always say “strength doesn’t come from winning, it comes from never giving up” and that will forever be enough for me to never give up.
Aliyah (Recovery Worker):
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” – Sophia Bush
This quote reminds me that I can effectively support others within my role, even if I’m not always feeling at 100% myself. It is also a quote that I will share with relevant clients, as we need to recognise that we are still a masterpiece, a work of art and are worthy, even when travelling through our recovery journey.
