International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8th. Each year, countries all over the world celebrate the social, economic and political contributions made by women. Its’ purpose is to inspire women and celebrate achievements. The theme for this year is, “Make It Happen.” With so much talk about equality issues women face both in the workplace and home front, March 8th is a day to reflect on how far women have come and to remind us of our power in numbers.
I read in a Huffington Post recently that quoted Madeline Albright as saying, “we, as women, we have a responsibility – and an incredible opportunity – to lift up our colleagues, friends and global neighbors.” As a health and fitness professional for 30 years, I have seen the power of women helping other women through physical movement. Physical activity can be the catalyst toward personal empowerment. I have witnessed personal transformations through gains in strength, power and endurance.
As this years’ International Women’s Day approaches, I think of ways we, as women, can continue to serve each other in our mission of empowerment through physical activity:
- Start a walking group in your neighborhood or in your workplace.
- Join a group exercise class; you never know what friendships will develop.
- Make family games part of your activity; setting an example for your daughters (and sons, too!) is the best way to lay a positive foundation for exercise.
- Research MeetUp groups in your community. This is a great way to seek out like-minded women.
- Remember – we are in this together and there is strength in numbers.
Make it happen. Move toward a more powerful you and bring a friend along, too.