Happy International Women’s Day!

It’s time to celebrate all of the wonderful women in your life and around the world! We are strong, capable and powerful. Women rule the world! We want to send a big THANK YOU to all of the women who have supported and loved us on our journeys. We want the young women and girls looking up to us to know that they can accomplish ANYTHING! Their dreams are valid. As women, we’re so often pitted against each other but we have the power to change that. Let’s stand united together and focus on lifting each other up as we move forward.

The definition of feminism according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”.

We asked a group of incredible women the same question. Here’s what we asked: “We were wondering if you could say one thing to any woman or women in your life/all around the world, what would you say?”. We were blown away by the compassion, love, and strength that are packed into these beautiful messages. Let’s share these messages with the women in our lives today and every day. Please take a few minutes to read the words below and watch Emma Watson’s speech (link at the bottom). You are worthy!

Woman…you must take the lead into the future. It is only with the caring heart of a woman we will see the chance for peace for our children. Stand up for them…live a truthful and passionate life for them…if you follow that path, you will make every difference…by being. -56, Coach, Mother, Mentor

You were born with a purpose. Go fulfill it. Make your ripples and don’t ever apologize for being who you are. -34, Mother, RN

You are beautiful. Find that love in yourself and you’ll find happiness! -24, Student, Fitness Enthusiast, Adventurer

Always give more from your heart and you will truly put a “smile ” on your face and a twinkle in your eye….love is endless! -55, One Love, One Hearts

You are loved, you are cherished, you are forgiven. No matter how loud your head gets, how dark your day is, or how violently your past grabs at you, know that you are a precious treasure and that you are deeply valued more than you can fathom. Live loved! -20, Daughter, Sister, Warrior

Work on loving your body for all of the amazing things it does for you every day. It’s a process but, slowly change the way you talk to yourself, and you will begin to love who you are more and more. -22, Actor, Painter, Adventurer

Don’t act small. Being big can be scary but the world needs your voice too. You’ll never know whose life you could change if you believe in your own strength. You are important. You are so needed. And you have the right to be heard. -20, Sister, Dreamer, Mediator

Be nice. Be ok and be happy. Help other people. -6, Student, Runner, Optimist

You are always stronger than you think you are. Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and always trust your gut instincts. -38, Mother, Entrepreneur, Runner

Always believe in yourself and that every day brings a new opportunity to make small changes that add up to big changes. -48, Mother, Daughter and Champion of Supportive Friendships

With every hardship, a stronger woman arises. -20 Essence, Reservoirs of Talent, Strength

Please never stop believing that the world is a beautiful place. Don’t let the voices of negativity overshadow the hope and light in this world. Your voice is powerful beyond measure and I urge you to speak up in the face of injustice. Be loud. -21, Warrior, Artist, Traveler

Her success is not your failure -21 Actor, Optimist

Love yourself and the body you were born with. Every individual is a unique creation. Surround yourself with positive people. Strive to achieve your ambitions and be kind to others. Cherish and enjoy every day as time passes by far too quickly. –63, Wife, Mother, Grandmother

We are all on the same team. Stick up for one another and love each other. One day everything will be exactly how it is supposed to be, so hang in there and work hard. -21, Student, Swimmer, Proud Nova Scotian

Don’t ever believe you don’t deserve the best. You are a queen. Don’t ever believe you are less valuable than others. You shine brighter than any gem. Don’t ever believe it’s impossible. You are a woman. -21, Artist, Friend, Caregiver

Life is what you make of it – it doesn’t just happen! -64, Mother, Friend

You’re not alone, no matter what your struggle may be. Find your people and build each other up daily. – 20, Student, Musician, Romantic

Be honest with yourself, follow your dreams with a fearless heart, and never apologize for being your authentic self. -27, Artist, Actress, Goddess

To all the Mommas out there: You are doing a great job – so much better than you think you are. And when it feels like everything is going wrong; that is when your kiddos learn the most from you. Believe in yourself, love fiercely, and always look for the good in the world. -41, Mother, Runner, Dreamer

Always be strong-hearted. Believe in yourself. Always have confidence – it will take you a long way. Believe in your dreams. -9, Dancer, Musician, Artist

Do your work nice and neat so you don’t get in trouble. Be kind and love each other. -5, Writer, Healthy-Eater, Basketball Player

You are beautiful. Believe in your dreams and trust your inner voice to do what is right. Smile often. Enjoy your friendships. Don’t be afraid of failure, we learn from mistakes and grow. -69 Nurse, Wife, Quilter

Love your family! -85, Widow, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Passionate about my family

You are extraordinary! Your voice is magnificent and your creative potential limitless. Let your voice and actions shape your story! –60 Mom, Educator, Friend

Always know you’re worthwhile, unique & beautiful. If you’re too comfortable, it’s time to move on. Terrified of what’s next? You’re on the right track. -18, Daughter, Student, Future Social Worker

“A girl knows her limits but a wise girl knows she has none.” -14, Daughter, Dancer, Thinker

“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that ~ unknown” -23, Daughter, Mother, Survivor

Respect yourself, love yourself– be the best “You” you can be. -49 Mother, Daughter, Friend

Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Always remember this when forming your opinions. -67, Grandmother, Sci-Fi Fan

Talk to someone if you feel anxious, stressed, or depressed. Never feel like you’re alone. -16 Reader, Writer, Student

Love freely and generously. Help lift up the people around you. Don’t forget to spend time on your own growth. Be greedy. Take what is yours and remember that you both are and will be everything you dream of being. -21, Actor, Daydreamer, Feminist

Self-confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it. -38, Sister, Advocate, Dreamer

Be true to yourself and capture your dreams. -62, Loving, Compassionate, Strong

Never lose sight of how far you’ve come. You are strong, you are beautiful and you are worth it. Self-care isn’t selfish. Always remember to love yourself first. -19, Daughter, Friend, Baker

You are enough, don’t let anyone tear you down. Stand up for yourself and everyone around you, love hard and dream big. Smile often. You only have one life to live so shine as bright as possible. -20, Student, Dreamer, Yogi

Don’t forget the important things in life! -48, Mother, Sister, Quilter

“Life is tough my darling, but so are you. -unknown” -15, Sister, Skater, Dog-lover

If I could say one thing to women around the world it would be the words that I live by every day. “There’s no such thing as can’t”. -42 Mother, Survivor, Sales Rep

You are fearfully and wonderfully made, And always a child of the king. -19, Daughter, Hairstylist, Dog-lover

If I could say one thing to women around the world it would be “believe in yourself” I’m 19 years old and successfully running my own dog grooming business. -19, Passionate, Ambitious, Business Owner

When you’re at your worst and think you cannot handle anymore, push. Push for greatness, push to inspire, push to love and cherish. When you’re at rock bottom the only place to go is up, and that is motivating enough. Put time into loving yourself, you must be your own biggest fan. You can do this, I believe in you. -19, Daughter, Sister, Suicide Survivor

It is tough to follow words of such magnitude. We are calling for all of the women who contributed to this project, and every other woman everywhere, to make these words a part of your daily life. Live by them, meditate them, and consistently remind yourself of them.

Please keep this conversation going in the comments, on our Facebook, our Instagram, and our Twitter (@twowildtides). It doesn’t end after International Women’s Day. Keep this love and this strength alive year-round. After all, we’re all in the fight for equality.

We love you all,

char&linds