March is for women and that woman is my Nanima
This marks the end of Women's History Month and International Women's Day for another year. There really is so much buzz around the month and celebrating women. I tried to plan an event where people could play and connect over the Female Empowerment Deck but things just didn't work out and I struggled to find a venue in enough time to then gather attendees.
Last year I made about 20 mini decks and handed them out on the streets of Richmond in an effort to spread the word about Love Your Company, and well, female empowerment. I'm not sure I achieved either to be honest. It was a nice sentiment but hard to prove impactful. I thought about doing something similar again but it didn't feel right so I decided to leave it and I’m happy I did. It's nice to see women being treated to nice things and experiences but I think you need to be intentional about it and not just add to the noise.
A few days later ironically, I came across this article all about the history of Women's History Month and why it's so much more than having events and gifting. And let me tell you, I learnt a lot so please do have a read. There are so many women behind big inventions like the electric refrigerator and car heaters (!) and you'll understand how the day of recognition came to be in the first place.
On the topic of brilliant women, we also celebrated my Nanima's birthday this month. She is my maternal grandmother and the heart and soul of our family. Every year, and on her birthday especially, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have such a strong presence in my life. It's a real honour to be a granddaughter and I don't take my role lightly. I often think of how much change my Nanima has experienced over the generations and within her own family. Times were so different for her growing up and she's had to experience so many firsts with her own children and then some more with her grandchildren. No longer living in joint families, moving in before marriage, marriage not being the final destination, interracial relationships - these are all things that simply weren't acceptable when she was younger. I'm grateful for her acceptance because no matter how much times have changed, it's still an adjustment.
I've noticed over the past few years Nanima has really embraced her birthday and celebrating it so we like to make it a thing and shower her with excitement and celebrations. I find it interesting when people dread getting older because I think it's such a privilege and joy. I don't think it helps that we live in a time of comparison making us feel not good enough, loved enough or successful enough by a certain age.
Growing up I used to love my birthdays. The parties, blowing out candles, making a wish, all of it - and that's because my family made it a big deal which made me feel really special as a child. As I've gotten older I still like to celebrate but I'm more chilled about it. Do something nice on the day that doesn't have to be anything grand, just something to fill my cup and make me smile. A lil party is a bonus but not a must anymore, haha.