Happy International Women's Day!

Bouquets of Mimosa flowers and tulips are the first thing that comes to my mind when this day is mentioned. It brings me back to childhood memories, when you would get the flowers the moment you wake up. 

Later, I would realise that Women's Day is not about the flowers. For me, it's about the power to choose. 

I think about my daughters. They are a big motivation for me to grow every day.  And I think about Kabir too. What kind of example am I?

I hope the kids remember that you can change countries and your professions, but you can also pursue your dream and succeed.

I remember my grandma, who had only one profession. She was a teacher, a school principal, and a teacher again once she got older. My mom was engineer all her life. The amount of changes in my life surprised and scared them sometimes. I went to work in India, stayed there for six years and got married. We moved to US, i started a totally new career and business at the same time. I bet they were worried for me. I think all those changes helped me to figure out very deeply who i am, and what are my strong and not so strong sides are. I miss talking to my mom or grandmas. The older i get, the more i recognize and value what they gave me, or at least tried to. Sometimes, when Kabir rolls his eyes and says 'Mamamaaa', i smile in my head. I was like that at some point of life.

I hope they remember that you can choose your surroundings and that you don't need to keep relationships with people who don't value you.

I love the community of women I have in my life now. These women genuinely lift each other and help each other grow!

I hope they stay strong and aware of themselves, with healthy and kind boundaries.

I saw one of my daughters on the playground today telling her friend that she'd love to play with her later, but right now, she'd love to play with another friend because she wants to know them more. And she had no hesitation or doubts about that.

(I'd think 100 times if I hurt someone's feelings, but I have a people-pleasing side).

And I hope they remember how I looked at different stages of my life.

I started to focus on being in the frame when Kabir turned one. I realized most pictures were of Utkarsh and him, while I was barely visible. Something clicked in my head.

A couple of years ago, I did a newborn session where the mom asked me not to retouch her wrinkles or skin imperfections at all because she wanted her daughters to remember her just the way she was. Something clicked again. 

Sometimes, the girls ask if I will die. I hug them tight and tell them that I hope to live a long life and create many memories together. Hope for tomorrow is the strongest belief we have.

What's International Women's Day for you? 

See you soon,

Olga

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