from Sandy Hibbard, CEO, Sandy Hibbard Creative, Inc.

Today is International Women’s Day and I woke up with all manner of stories running through my mind and excited about what I would share on this day, yet overwhelmed by the magnitude of what it means. Excited because in this moment we have an opportunity to celebrate women and their stories; overwhelmed because I have been surrounded by a group of powerful women warriors, my whole life… how can I possibly communicate my gratitude effectively?

I have been shaped by so many – the lovers, keepers of the faith, helpers of mankind, counselors, teachers, my mom and sisters, my daughters and nieces, aunties, cousins, BFF’s and the incredible lineup of female clients and women-owned business owners and co-workers that I have had the pleasure of working with for 22 years! It is an incredible tapestry and one that I am so proud to be a part of.

When I was planning on what to share today, I felt strongly that I wanted to say sincerely that the women who have most affected my life have been plain ordinary women just like me. Not superstars or great influencers or famous writers or artists and such (although there have been those women who have made an impact on my life as well), but no, it’s really been the every day ladies that have helped teach and support me as a human being. I celebrate each of you (you know who you are if you’ve been in my life) and lift you up as the amazing creature/goddesses that you are. Thank you for all you have given to me to help me along my life’s path.

This month I’m going to be sharing a lot about women. In my mind, Women’s History Month is not just an American observance, but a human celebration for women everywhere. From Oklahoma to Texas, to Greece, Africa, Paris, New York, Russia, China and the Ukraine, and everywhere in between – YOU are the fabric of our kind that sustains this planet.

For Women’s History Month it is good to note that the year’s theme (set by the National Women’s History Alliance) is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” And was chosen as a tribute “to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.”

As a women-owned company doing business for 22 years, I am proud to honor this theme and the many women who have rallied around me to support Lyric Marketing & Design and Sandy Hibbard Creative all these years… I thank you!

Women have always served as emotional and physical healers, from ancient times to today, it’s what we do! We are counselors and teachers to our children, lovers and supporters to our partners, loyal confidants to our friends and loving daughters to our mothers and fathers. The work of women and mothers comes naturally and is never ending. Where ever you find us across the globe, we are a powerful force to be reckoned with!

It is a beautiful thing to stop and honor the contributions made by women throughout our history too. It reminds and encourages communities to honor local women who have given so much. As we reflect on the achievements of women and remember those who paved the way for us, let us all commit to see the vision of a more equal society realized – where every person, in every country, city, or town, has a shot at pursuing their dream of life.

The success of every woman is our own success, it is our inspiration. When women and girls are empowered to participate fully in society, everyone benefits. YOUR history is OUR future!

We are every woman.

Let her dream, for she has loved too long,
and no mortal world shall e’er take her;
let her seem, for she has cried her song,
let nightmarish tide dare not wake her;
let her give, for she has all beauty within,
that no love may e’er take her breath;
let her live, for she has life yet to begin,
and let gods be bereft upon her death;
let her cry, for she has tears left to mend,
no sorrow is spared for her want of woe;
let her die, for she will arise in the end,
and by her death, all love may she know.

Daniel J. Antil