Good evening all,

I hope you had a happy International Women's Day today! I hope you had a chance to give yourself some self-acknowledgement for how you, as a woman, young woman or girl, contribute to the world and women's future. And that you got to acknowledge the women in your life who inspire and support you.

Women's equality, freedom and respect has come a long, long way in the last century. We can be so grateful to the women who came before us and changed the world to be what it is today for us. Our best expression of gratitude is to continue that work in making a positive difference.

I have such admiration for all of you who travel this journey of self discovery with me and take responsibility for your mental and emotional health. Never underestimate the power of doing just that. In increased self understanding, we are freer to be ourselves, freer to be more confident, assertive, fully expressing who we are, accepting and respecting our bodies, aware of our strengths and weaknesses and all with a sense of humour! When we accept and like ourselves, we also do better at accepting and getting along with other people as we do not feel in competition with them. We can be grateful for their difference. And as we learn to accept ourselves, we grow in compassion, which means we are more compassionate with others as our journey gives us insight into why they do "quirky" things!!

So, congratulations on being a reflective, thoughtful woman, young woman or young girl and making the world a better place!! Keep it up!

I probably don't really need to say anymore do I? Well, from the suggestion box, I'd suggest allocating a page in your journal to reflect on all the wormen in your life who inspire you... Maybe even look for some quotes. And, don't forget to look close to home ... there's probably a Mom or an aunt or a teacher close by who supports and inspired you. And they may have more of a story than you know .. so do ask!

Here's Maya Angelou:

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

Warmest wishes,

Emilie