March 8 is International Women’s Day, which is a global day spent celebrating all of the social, cultural, political and economic achievements of women across the world. Everyone knows some incredible women who have made an impact on us — from mothers to teachers to friends and more. To celebrate the day, we asked members of the Creative Memories® team to tell us about a particularly influential woman in their life. Check out what they had to say and then tell us your answer in the comments below!
“I have always been inspired by my maternal grandmother, Grandma Dee, who passed away almost one year ago. She always showed strength and faith through the adversity she went through in her life, which inspires me to do the same. She was an avid outdoor lover and often took solo trips to Alaska and Northern MN. She was also a crafter like me and would make décor for her apartment lobby for every season, bringing a sense of home and comfort to all the residents who lived there. She has taught me so much about being strong, loving nature, living a simple life not depending on technology and using one’s skills and talents to help others. I will always look up to her for so much!” – Jaclyn, Creative Memories® US
“I’ve always known that my mom is amazing. The energy that she brought to my childhood – the books we read and the games we played are all now fond memories. As I grew older, she cared for me during one of the biggest challenges of my life, going through cancer treatment. When I look back at that time, what I remember is not the challenge of having cancer in high school or how the treatment even felt — what I remember most vividly is going to Panera with her after treatment. I remember going to the movies with her when I had to wear a mask – just because she was willing to try to go somewhere to get me out of the house. I remember buying charms with her to signify each treatment that I completed. The memories of my life at that time pretty much all include my mother. To realize what an impact someone has on your life, you have to look at your memories and see what your mind and emotions decided was important to keep. It is recently that I realized my mother is not amazing but actually incredible. I now have my own daughter and in these first six months, I’ve often wondered how my Mom did it – where does she find the endless energy? And, when she engages with a person, it’s individual – she focuses and connects with you. She is a constantly giving to other people and seems to have an endless light inside of her.
Now, I get to see her with my baby, Taylor. I’m so lucky to have my mother be an influence on Taylor as she grows up. The biggest challenge in my life is now to be a great mom. That’s not going to be easy, but I’m lucky that I have the best example to guide me. Happy International Women’s Day, Mom. I can honestly say that I could not do what I do without you. You will always be my Mom and I will always need you.” – Alison, Creative Memories® US
“I’m inspired by my aunt, Ann! Despite the fact that she juggles running her own law firm with a hectic home life, she never seems to let the pressure get to her. She always remains so calm and composed and is always the first person to reach out to me whenever something big happens in my life. She’s the most selfless person I know, and it’s really remarkable to see how she is able to take on each and every challenge thrown her way.” – Mat, Creative Memories® US
“It is impossible to choose just one woman in my life to celebrate. I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women. From my friends, Eva, Janet and Kara who are tirelessly supportive, inspiring and brave, to my two daughters who impress me, love me and teach me new things. My mother-in-law is also one of those wonderful women in my life who manages to do it all and never tire of trying new things, taking care of a huge extended family and leading by example by unconditionally loving us all! On top of all that, I get to work at a job where I am constantly in awe of the brilliant Advisors I work with, who are strong, creative and brilliant. I am grateful and cheer you all on! Happy International Women’s Day!” – Sandra, Creative Memories® Canada
“My grandma inspires me because she is always so happy, kind, patient and she has the most positive outlook on life of anyone I know. I hope to be like her when I get older!” – Laurel, Creative Memories® US
“I have been and always will be inspired by my mom’s patience and kindness that she not only shows to her family, but to everyone she comes into contact with daily. I think her kindness touches people in a way that’s very special and I’ll always be thankful to have her as a role model. Love you, Mom!” – Nicole, Creative Memories® US
“I am inspired by my Aunt Susie. She has been a constant in my life, through thick and thin. She has always been an example to live by with her compassion toward others, her easy-going nature, her love for laughter and her never-ending search for adventure. Even though I’m in my 40’s, I still like to tell her, ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like you.’ She always has a soft spot in her heart for my children and I, loving my kids and I like we are her own. She always show support, shares bits of wisdom, makes us laugh until we cry and is always on the go – living a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without her in my life. She is a true inspiration and I love her more than words can say.” – Carrie, Creative Memories® US
“The woman who most inspires me is my mom. She is a woman of faith who stands behind her convictions — she spent the first seven years of her adult life living as a missionary in Palau. She is a woman of determination and grit — she completed her degree and postgraduate while raising three little girls. She is a woman of compassion and grace — she has been the rock in our family through good times and hard times. For her 60th birthday, we put together a gift that had 60 reasons we love her and asked our extended family, her friends and coworkers to contribute to the list. It was amazing to see how many people she has touched and how important she is in so many people’s lives. She’s an inspiration and I’m so blessed to call her mom!” – Marja, Creative Memories® CA
“My Grandma Cathy has always been someone I have looked up to and been inspired by. Her kindness, fun-loving personality and smile are contagious. She is strong in her faith and loves her family more than anything. I am in awe of the strength and courage she has shown over the course of her lifetime. Thank you so much for being the wonderful woman that you are; you inspire me to be the best person I can be.” – Kelsey, Creative Memories® US
Who are some of the women in your life who have inspired you? Let us know in the comments below!
My younger sister Beverley is my inspiration. Not only is she a Creative Memories consultant but she is also a wonderful friend, mother, and Grandmother. She is kind and gracious to everyone and shares her time and knowledge freely. Bev is also involved with the “Make a Wish” foundation, willingly giving her time and energy to create scrapbook albums for children who are going through emotional and health traumas. Although we live miles apart, I admire her so much, she is definitely my inspiration.
what a delightful read….congratulations and keep your hearts in this direction.
My mother has inspired me. She left the farming community she grew up in the 40’s to move to the big city and become a Nurse. She left all she knew behind her to follow her dream. She met my father on a blind date and they celebrated 65 years of marriage. She raised 8 children and still worked as a Nurse the 3:00 pm. to 11:00 pm shift at the hospital but in the morning she always was there to see us off to school. She taught us to follow our dreams and never be afraid. There was always room at our table for any one who needed a meal, she cared for the sick and she took care of both her parents and my father and my sister who both predeceased her. She died at 95 and there isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I wish I could hear her voice or speak with her again.
My mother was my inspiration. She was born in 1913, the youngest child of 7 children. Her parents were Italian immigrants. She contracted polio as a toddler and endured many trips to Boston for many operations. Her right arm never grew bigger than a 4 year old. She raised 4 children, myself and 3 boys. She made all our clothes, including suits and coats. She drove us everywhere, even though cars had standard shifts.
She would hook her right thumb on the steering wheel while shifting gears with her left hand. She could knit, sew, crochet, paint, do ceramics and cake decorating and more. When she was in her eighties, she said to me: “You know, there is only one thing I haven’t been able to do. I wanted to re-apoulster (spelling ?) but I can”t figure out how I can hold the fabric taught while hammering with one hand. She lived by this saying “It never hurts to be nice.” I’m not sure where it came from or if she made it up. She died at age 92. I’ve lived by her words and passed them on to my children and grandchildren.
Like so many others who have been blessed with a wonderful, caring Mother – mine was creative beyond imagination!! Her attic can still give a GLIMPSE of her talent: Sewing, knitting, crochet, porcelain dolls with lace, painting, bead art & jewelry, floristry – including dried flowers, embroidery thread & napkin angels, costume making, embroidery, paper art… the list continues. She showed us that we could do anything and everything was worth trying if you had an interest. For me – she passed on her love of remembering the past thru scrapbooking. I think she must have been one of the 1st Scrapbookers who kept all kinds of memorabilia with the pictures. When I shared with her Creative Memories over 25 years ago, it seemed that Inspiration went full circle! And it became something that my 2 sisters and I still share with CM retreats!