Happy International Women’s Day!

Today is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate what it means to be a woman—to honor our unique strengths, stories, and the women who have shaped and inspired us along the way. It’s a day to recognize the courage, compassion, resilience, and wisdom that women carry into their families, friendships, communities, and workplaces.

Let today also be a gentle reminder: you are not forgotten. You are valued. You are deeply loved.

Women often carry a wide range of responsibilities, emotions, and challenges. In the midst of it all, our words matter. The way we speak to ourselves and to one another can bring life, encouragement, and healing. Sometimes, a single sincere word of kindness can make a lasting difference.

So today, from one woman to another, I want to offer a few words of encouragement—small reminders that I hope speak to your heart and uplift your spirit. ♥️

1. Your story matters

As women, we often work “behind the scenes,” going unnoticed or serving in ways that are unseen. It’s easy for our stories to be glanced over. No matter who you are–your insecurities, your successes, your desires, and your deepest struggles–they deserve to be heard. Try being vulnerable with those around you, and listening to others’ stories too. Being known and knowing others is extremely powerful.

2. You are equipped for the roles that you are in

You were made with a purpose. You would not be in the roles you are in if you weren’t qualified to do them. If you are struggling with feeling equipped in your various roles, look back at how far you have come. You have made it through many experiences that you didn’t think you could. Your talents and abilities will only grow from here. Keep your head up, you can do this!

3. You are better at being yourself than being anyone else

Comparison is a trap that many women fall into. It can be easy to look at others and wonder “Why can’t I be as ____ as them?” When we do this, we miss the strengths that are found within ourselves. We were not made to be anyone else but ourselves. Our communities thrive the best when we each practice our own individual strengths without fear, instead of trying to have someone else’s strengths.

4. Strength is found in weakness

When we are weak, we are strong. Often when life feels chaotic, we are faced with the choice to either tough it out on our own or reach out for help. Voicing your needs, asking for help, relying on the support of others, and taking time to care for yourself is not weak–in fact, it is strong. Let your strength be found amidst your weakness.

5. You are not alone

Whenever you feel like you are struggling all alone, remember that the woman next to you is struggling with something too. We all wrestle with self-doubt, comparison, and our identity. The reality is that 1 in 4 female adults experience mental illness each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness). There are people out there who can empathize with what you are going through. If you feel alone, know that others desire to walk alongside you. Here are a few resources below:

Schedule a first session with one of our compassionate therapists at Novo Life Counseling.
Read Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Read Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
Read more about women’s mental health at the National Institute of Mental Health

You matter. You are loved. Challenges are inevitable, but you were made to learn through, grow through, and overcome them with support from others.

Don’t forget to reach out to a woman in your life who has inspired you and encourage them today. The more we support each other, the stronger we will be. We are in this together!

With love,

Marissa Guthrie

Novo Intern