The Day After International Women's Day

Yesterday was International Women's Day. I know most of you know this, as you perused through social media platforms throughout the day and caught glimpses----streams, rather---- of advocates and promotion. Instagram and Twitter hashtags of #IWD2016 or #PledgeforParity or #Empowerment or simply #Women flooded timelines, while snapchat changed from Monday's "National Cereal Day" theme to yesterday's "International Women's Day". But what did the day really mean, past the hashtags and social media presence?

Celebrated March 8, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year, the theme was a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Events were held around the world, perhaps some of you even participated in them. From free aviation lessons in Ontario to "Fun Runs" in Brisbane to art exhibitions in Gibraltar, women united around the world through one word: empowerment.

As a writer of a women's empowerment blog and lover of all things to do with the word, I couldn't be more pleased for this day of awareness. What it brings to women and the community is so powerful, as it allows women to express themselves across a broad spectrum of mediums and regions around the world. Women can tell their stories. They can be real and authentic.They are free and confident. They are able to be unapologetic with where they are in their lives. Stereotypes are shattered and barriers are broken down.

These words and phrases can be cliche, though. It's easy to throw them around, but they can be monotanous and empty without action and consistency. What if we lived like every day was International Women's Day? Even more, what if we lived like every day was International Empowerment Day? International Love Day? International *you fill in the blank with whatever makes you unapologetic about your life* Day?

Truths to remember the day after International Womens Day ( a.k.a. EVERY day):

1. You don't have to think you have to have it all together in order to be empowering. You don't have to be Oprah or Ariana Huffington or Beyonce to be heard. Yes, these women are amazing and have insight beyond belief. But the truth is, no one has it all together----we are human. (Yes, Beyonce is a human too believe it or not, despite her utterly confident and persistent persona.) Don't let anyone fool you, especially the media. Wherever you are in life, love it, flaunt it and don't wish it away. Don't put what you want to say on hold. Chances are, you will speak to numbers thinking the same exact thing. And what happens then? Well, that's where I like to think this idea of empowerment lies. And it doesn't stay confined as an adjective, but rather a verb in its call to action. In the wise words of A.A. Milne, "There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

2. It's always easier to be more vulnerable with your past than it is your present. Think about it, you're always more willing to tell your parents three, four years down the line about the little white lie you told them in high school, and you're usually confident no trouble will be had now that the moment is long gone. Or what about that self-confidence "issue" you had in college holding you back from helping others with their own insecurities? Reaching out and forming a community, empowering yourself and thus empowering others, could have been the ticket to loving yourself fully and helping others to do the same. I am not telling you regrets of past decisions are necessary or should even be considered. I don't believe in regretting anything, but I am simply encouraging you to be vulnerable today. Share today's struggles, today's triumphs, today's insight you sometimes note as being unfinished or unworthy. Those thoughts you have that you think, "I'll save them for when I have my mind set or have some credibility or for when I have followers who will listen." Halt these negative thoughts----shut them down right there. You or your thoughts does not require validation from anyone. In THIS moment, in THIS stage in your life, SPEAK OUT. Unload. Communicate. Refresh. Empower. I can assure you, they're listening.

3. Empowered Women Empower Others. Yesterday was International Women's Empowerment Day, but empowerment doesn't stop at one gender. As Emma Watson points out, "both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum, not as two opposing sets of ideals." It is important to realize what the word empowerment truly means. It is even more important to realize that the idea and action taken does not discriminate. While "pledging for parity" is often perceived in response to gender discrimination towards women, parity means equality for everyone.

Today is Wednesday March 9. It is no longer International Women's Day, Snapchat's default theme is now an Under Armour sponsorship, and our fleeting world is now looking to the next "day" to follow and be committed to, just for the day.

But I am calling you to commit further. Continue to raise awareness and empower. Use these themed days to help yourself and the world understand the cause, but don't stop at a hashtag or inspirational quote. Dig deeper, reach further.

Remember, there are 364 more days in the year. Shine even brighter tomorrow than you did today.