In Italy, the tradition on Women’s Day is to give the yellow Mimosa flower to women in your life. So today I have some Mimosa for you!

I had never heard of International Women’s Day before moving to Italy. Now, I see references to it quite a few places here in the US too. Maybe I was never aware of it before, maybe it’s come into greater prominence in the last few years. I’m not sure.

It’s an important day in a lot of ways, requiring a moment of pause. An opportunity to take a moment and reflect on the lives that we are able to lead as women in the developed world. For all of the challenges we may face, they pale in comparison to our counterparts in other places around the world. I have had so many opportunities – for education, for employment, for freedom in my relationships and life. I have practiced engineering for 20 years, a non-traditional women’s career, without serious issue with my gender. I have a voice here online, without fear of reprisal. We are lucky for the freedoms women have in our culture.

I think that’s why I resonate with the idea of what Nest does so much, helping women build a sustainable career and life for themselves and their families. Today I learned of Kiva, another microfinance organization. Through Marie Forleo, I heard about this special opportunity to give a loan to women in other countries without it costing you anything. Visit this link to see how Kiva and Dermalogica are making this possible, and you can take advantage of the opportunity to give a loan too.

If nothing else today, take a moment to reflect on the opportunities that you have had as a woman, and how lucky you are when put into perspective by other places in the world.

In the tradition of Italy, give a yellow flower to a woman who matters to you. You all matter, thank you for being here. Happy Women’s Day.