We can all think of those women who have made an impact on our lives for the better. If I asked you to pick the one most influential females in your life, could you choose only one? It’s likely your list is long, just like mine is. Let’s keep it top of mind to celebrate those badass women in our lives shall we?
March is National Women’s History Month, with March 8 designated specifically as International Women’s Day (you can celebrate by wearing purple!). Our team always looks for ways to support, lift, celebrate, and honor the many women who make our world turn. In fact, the majority of our Catalyst team have all met one another through the Female Integrator Mastermind group! We thrive on the energy each and every one of us brings to the table and believe that because of our differences in gifts, we are a stronger team together. In honor of National Women’s Month, we invite you to celebrate the women in your life too!
When you want to show appreciation for someone, the smallest of gestures, when delivered with authenticity, can make the biggest of impressions. We’ve got some ideas for you to honor and show gratitude for those women in your life, today, this month and anytime and they all range in cost. Now, these ideas are focused on celebrating any of the women in your life, not just those you work with.
THE POWER OF THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE
Think about the last time you received a handwritten note in the mail. I bet it had an impact and likely even made you smile. When you have something important to say, consider putting it in your own handwriting and send it off to someone who may need to hear it. Words matter. Being specific about what you’re thankful for in the person’s actions, efforts, or values can provide encouragement and a lift extending beyond just when the card or note is opened.
THE GIFT OF TIME
How about the simple gift of your time? If your mentor, team member, or favorite female inspiration is remote, why not suggest a virtual happy hour or coffee catch-up? Taking time to lean deeper into getting to know someone, encouraging, and just plain listening shows the other person you truly care. The chance to do the same in person can also be powerful and the gift of your time is one of the most valuable things you can give, especially in a world where busy-ness and so many competing priorities is overwhelming for all of us.
SHARE A MEAL
How about an impromptu coffee, lunch or dinner out. This gift not only gives of your time, but it can also show the woman you are honoring that you’ve paid attention by picking a spot you know they’ll enjoy. Sit and enjoy the conversation together…no phones!
THE DAY-LONG CELEBRATION
With a bit more investment, treating the woman (or women) who impact your life to a pedicure, spa day or day off can be a win-win for you and the friend/mentor/boss/mother/wife/etc. Of course, this works as a gift of gratitude if it’s an experience the person for whom you’re grateful would find it relaxing and rejuvenating. Living our ideal lives can’t be all about the work. Making the time for other passions and taking care of ourselves so we can be there for others is how we keep moving forward.
So, whether you choose a small, meaningful gift, a grand gesture such as a surprise party, a day off, or a big bonus, the gift of your time and attention are free and typically mean more. As you think about and then choose the woman or women you wish to honor and lift during the National Women’s Month this March, know that the Catalyst Integrators Team is grateful for those women who lead the way. The younger generation is watching and we have a responsibility to them, to ourselves, and to those powerful, badass women who have come before us.
Shout your gratitude to the incredible women in your life from the rooftops! Or, if you prefer, honor them silently or anonymously; or somewhere in between. Everyone appreciates being noticed. A word of gratitude, an acknowledgement of a job well done or an impact made, a gesture large or small can make someone’s day. Whose day will you make? Honor those badass women in your life with intentionality.