Friday, March 8, 2013

A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform


There is no better day than today to celebrate strength, perseverance, forward-movement, and beauty. Why, you ask? Because today is International Women’s Day. It’s a day wholly dedicated to the many incredibly powerful, sophisticated, intelligent, and thoroughly capable women around the world, a day we can all stand together in recognition of one another, with pride in how far we have come since our initial fight to secure our own claim in the workplace, government, military, and otherwise. So many women have contributed to the dozens of advancements our society has been fortunate enough to accomplish over the years, and I am so proud to have learned from those women, and to have been given the opportunity to reap the benefits of their hard work, as well as to continue on that work for the future generation of women of our nation.

I absolutely love that there is a day dedicated to my fellow everyday women, and I couldn’t help but throw together a post of some of my biggest female inspirations (my mother and sister are a given, but I’ll give them a shout out too!).

1.     Shonda Rhimes



Never before has there been a television powerhouse like Ms. Shonda. With a career spanning just 18 years young, she has achieved unprecedented success as a screenwriter, director and producer. If you think you don’t know her work, just think Grey’s Anatomy- yup, that’s her baby. Now think Scandal-my latest obsession to end all obsessions. Yeah, she’s incredibly awesome. She’s my biggest writing inspiration and I so want to be like Shonda when I grow up!

2. Alice Paul





You can't talk women's rights and not think of Alice Paul. She took suffrage to degrees that our world hadn’t seen- nay, expected or even thought possible. It’s because of her efforts and the many women that stood beside her that allow us the freedoms that we have today. I’m forever appreciative of this amazing woman, and the women that weren’t afraid to stand on the President’s door step (literally) and demand our equal rights without fear, and with dignity.

3. Meryl Streep 


She's beautiful, she's strong, and she continues to redefine what it means to be a Hollywood leading lady with her work in films like Iron Lady, and Doubt, all while remaining graceful, honest, and humble. I love her to pieces.

4. Coretta Scott King


More than just the wife of, more than a recognizable widow, she is the very face of black women of the civil rights movement. She is the most inspiring lesson of life after unexpected tragedy and forward movement. She’s inspired me all my life to not allow anyone to define me but me, and she dedicated her life to helping women find their strength, and take ownership of their own road to empowerment. I swear I think courage was simply a part of her DNA. She was and still is a woman of wonder. Long live Coretta.

5. Kerry Washington


Never before has there been anyone like Kerry, nor will there be long after she’s gone. I’ve mentioned before how much I swoon over her, how- if ever I’m lucky enough- I fully intend of becoming BFF’s with her should I ever meet her, and how O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D I am with her latest body of work, Scandal, but have I mentioned how courageous she is as an actor? If not, trust me when I say D’jango Unchained serves as proof of her courage and commitment to her craft, and that is enough to make her a huge inspiration to me in sticking to what you love, and letting it become as much a part of you as the skin that shields you. Go Kerry

I can promise you there are so many other women who inspire me each day, but the efforts and spirits of my fellow combat veterans are truly the biggest inspiration of all. All of you deserve your recognition and honor, and I hope today, that you take the time out to honor the women that inspire you.

 Happy International Women's Day Ladies!