International Women's Day; Celebrating All Women

Today is a really cool day and I want to start this blog post off by saying that I would not be the woman I am today were it not for my mother and other strong, resilient women in my life. My mother is the strongest, kindest and most tenacious woman I know 😀 She reminds me how important it is to surround myself with people who make me happy, inspire me and teach me so in honour of International Women’s Day I want to highlight some of the incredible women I know, get to work with & are amazing!

The best part about my job other than helping women move and FEEL their best is connecting with women on different walks of life. Women who, unbeknown to them, teach me about love, patience, kindness, joy, pain, overcoming fear and more.

If there’s one thing I want any woman reading this post, who takes a class, messages me on Instagram, comments on my posts, joins me in some capacity, it is this: YOU ARE AMAZING! I want YOU to celebrate YOU today and always and the things that make YOU feel your best!

I wanted to get to know these women a little more so

I asked them these five questions:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

This is what they had to say:

Karina Cipriano:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement means independence, a sense of freedom to conquer anything you want.
Movement makes me feel alive.
Self-love means valuing your needs, take care of your wants and putting yourself first.
I love that I can adapt to any situation, I love hard, being adventurous and my self esteem. Even gaining weight I’ve always been able to keep it and I love that about myself.
My grandma is the love of my life and my godmother is my true role model. They’ve always directed me to be kind, loving and understanding of others feelings. They are truly my great women inspiration.

Michelle Agnelo:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Right now, when I think about movement it’s much subtler than I’m used to, but it means a beautiful outdoor walk with my daughter! Hopefully soon it will mean an hour to myself where I don’t think of anything else + get in a good sweat!
Movement makes me feel energized + strong, and ready to take on the day!
Self love to me is happily accepting whatever season of your life you’re in, giving yourself grace and knowing what is for you will not pass you.
I love that I’m witty, self-aware, funny and can make the people that mean the most to me feel loved + important! Also really grateful that I have long legs lol.
Hands down my mom. Even now being a mom myself I truly don’t know how she did it all and with a smile on her face!! She’s the best ever. And of course, my daughter. Literally all I want in life is to be someone she looks up and is proud of. Girls’ girl for life!

Alessandra Moretti:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement has become one of the forms of meditation for me, going for daily walks, weekend hikes, working out in your classes, and even just morning yoga and stretching… It is the time I carve out for myself, my sanity and my soul.
Movement gives me a sense of clarity and peace of mind. I feel centred and focused after I move.
Self-love is the act of having patience, love, compassion, and grace for yourself.
I love my hands. I have my Nonna’s hands, so when I look at them, I think of her. I am a creative so I use my hands to make things, and I think creating is the most beautiful form of expression.
RBG, Gloria Steinem, Josephine Baker, Michelle Obama, Emma Watson, Nonna, my Mother and my amazing girlfriends.

Patricia Nascimento:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement is what I do for my body to start my day and show the appreciation it deserves. I’m alive and heathy and want to keep my body as strong as it can be!
Movement seriously makes me feel amazing. After getting in any form of movement (run, walk, stretch) I instantly feel great. I could be having a bad day and getting in movement changes my mood instantly.
Self love to me means doing the things for myself so I can be my optimum self for my family. Getting in a workout, doing my hair or makeup, taking a bath, applying self tanner, painting my nails, anything that makes me happy.
This is always a hard question … but I love my determination and drive to get things done, my curves … 🤷🏻‍♀️
My big sister …… and of course YOU Karen Michelle. You’re so motivating and real!

Vicky Vy Tran:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

To me movement is anything in the physical form that not only moves you but also has the potential to inspire others and move them as well (mentally, physically, emotionally etc)
The idea of movement in all its forms can feel daunting if I am in a rut, but once I have worked past all the self imposed resistance I always feel more capable, stronger, and empowered once there is some momentum and purpose behind my actions.
Recognizing the strength and capabilities in myself that I am able to acknowledge in others so easily and freely, but for some reason it is so much more difficult to recognize and embrace in oneself. Not just recognizing all that good but then deciding that this good deserves time, space and energy to reach its highest potential.
I love that through food I am able to connect with so many others (not just women but mostly because representation matters!). I love that when I have a particular idea in my mind and feel inspired I don’t let anything stop me from getting my idea or vision across. I love that I have a pretty realistic view on life…. it’s not always sunshine and rainbows over here and it is an active effort everyday for me to manifest positive energy and that’s ok. I love that I can comfortably say that I am not for everybody and that is MORE than ok.
I am lucky to have an amazing circle of friends that I have known from high school who all inspire me in their own ways from being highly educated, creatively inclined, business savvy, spiritually independent, mindfully outspoken, career oriented, engaged and loving mothers etc. There are many womxn that wear many more crowns and I am grateful for them all.

Filomena Grossi:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement means getting up in the morning and taking the time to either stretch, go for a walk or workout. It means moving my body and being grateful that I can.
When I move it makes me feel good, whether it is going for a walk or going out for a run. Being able to move my body instantly changes my mood (makes me happier), and gives me energy! I always feel my best after moving my body, nothing beats a good workout and being able to challenge myself. Movement has made me have a better relationship with my body.
Self-love to me is realizing that you are in control of your own happiness. It is being kind to yourself, knowing your worth, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Self-love is knowing that it is okay to put in place boundaries, and that at the end of the day you should do the things YOU want too, and what makes YOU happy.
I love my smile, nothing is more beautiful than a genuine smile.
I am grateful to be surrounded by strong women. One person who inspires me constantly is my mother. She is so humble, resilient, beautiful, creative, and such a kind-hearted woman. She is supportive, and always finds the beauty in everything. She constantly motivates me to be a better person, and I look up to her.

Lillian Buxton:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement means taking time to take care of myself and taking care of / showing respect to my body that does everything for me. Moving means being grateful for the fact that I’m able to move. It means taking a break and clearing my head. It means pushing myself and learning how strong I can be! We can do anything!
You may not feel like moving all the time, but you will never regret when you actually do! It gives you energy. It clears your head. It makes you appreciate how much you really are capable of.
It means taking care of yourself, being healthy to have a long happy life. It means prioritizing your happiness and what you need to take advantage of the short life we live.
I am extremely strong, stubborn, persistent and hate to fail or disappoint. So I will always find a way to do or get something I want. This is a blessing and also a curse. If I want something, I get it. I am honest. And I love to make other people happy and I love to be generous & help people when they need it. I am particular and like things a certain way and pay close attention to details. Small details mean a lot to me and going the extra mile I always think is worth it.
This isn’t a plug, if you asked me the number one person who just inspires being your best – it would be you KM. And then my daughter, nothing in the world wants to make you be the best person you can be than a little person watching and learning everything from you. I want her to grow up and say I had an amazing, kind, giving, funny, smart strong mom who supports me through everything and would do anything for me. She makes me so aware of what I do or say.

Krista Joyce:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Challenging myself physically and mentally. Trying new things. Ensuring a healthier future and developing a healthier lifestyle
Accomplished. Motivated like I am ready for anything the day throws at me. Happy. Strong.
Means giving yourself a break. Allowing yourself to feel or do whatever feels right. Being kind to yourself.
How much I have focussed on myself in the last couple years and how much happier I am because of it. How I no longer let other run my life and I make things happen for myself.
Might be cheesy but this 100% true – my core group of friends! Some married with kids that inspire me by what great parents they are how they balance being moms, working and still be available to be great friends And my single friends who inspire me with work ethic, career choices and personal growth Especially during covid I have actually become closer to some of my friends and the energy you get from being surrounded by friends that support you, encourage you to be your best and make the time to listen go for that work or skate is heartwarming.

Ashleigh Norris:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

A way to feel free and empowered. I work in front of a screen all day so it’s nice to be able to get movement in daily so my body can continue to function and thrive and show up for myself and my clients.
It makes me feel grateful and it brings me into the present moment so I can connect with my body and appreciate all it continues to do for me.
Self-love to me is about deepening the connection with all the parts of me (even my inner child) and staying with myself long enough to bask in that love. Sometimes it looks like baths but sometimes it’s just a simple act of journaling or going to therapy.
I love my freckled skin. Growing up I would hide them under makeup. I resisted loving my skin for many years, always wishing it was different but now I love it and focus on nourishing it as I age.
So many women lift me up and inspire me these days. My clients inspire me by committing to their health and healing while mothering 3 kids, working full time, exercising, and holding down their lives and homes amidst a global pandemic. Women’s capacity and resilience is truly astounding and something I’m PROUD to celebrate every day.

Takiyah Tannis:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement to me means being active and connecting with your body. It’s everything from a full workout to taking a walk on my lunch break to dancing as I clean the house.
Energized and refreshed! After even a short amount of activity, I feel like I think more clearly, my stress is reduced, and I feel overall that my well-being has improved.
I pride myself on being a loyal and loving friend – self love to me is reminding myself to be as loving, loyal and compassionate to myself.
I love my kindness, I love my empathy to other people, and my positive outlook. I also love my curly hair (wow, that took some time to get here lol), my bright smile and my strong legs (when I start to doubt myself, I remember that they help me walk my dog, and run/lunge/any other actions I need to play the sports I love).
The strong women in my family, like my mom and sisters. And of course my friends – all fiercely independent, funny and intelligent women who offer me constant support.

Tanya Ricci:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement means freedom, fluidity.
Energized, refreshed, appreciative of my body.
Self love means quieting the outside noise (or negative self talk) and always being honest and kind to yourself first.
Sweet n Spicy. My nicknames would probably best describe my essence: Firecracker, Spicy T, T$ (that’s my rapper alias) You’ll typically find me smiling, watching basketball (yes I’m obsessed), dancing (can’t stop, won’t stop ever), and I never take myself too seriously!
My tribe of women (Mom, Sister, Aunt, friends, trainer) – these women constantly lift me up, encourage me, support me and “see me”.

Jessica Kirk

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Freedom. A reminder that my body can do hard things!
Happy and calm.
Never turning your back on you. Life is difficult but self love is finding that inner strength to keep moving forward.
I love that I am a strong (physically and mentally), independent, and a gracious woman.
You (of course!) – you’re a shining light in our lives. You ALWAYS have a smile on your face. You encourage us, guide us and want the best for us. Plus you have badass muscles! Amanda Gorman inspired me when I first heard of her at Biden’s inauguration. I watched her interview with Anderson Cooper and learned she actually grew up with a speech impediment. As a mother of a child with dyslexia, I was so impressed that she was able to overcome her disability and speak at a world stage level. I can’t wait to see what else she does!

Giovanna:

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

Movement means taking time for myself.
Movement makes me feel productive and in control.
Self-love means taking the time for myself and indulging.
I love that I am resilient and don’t give up.
My mom, my Nonna, my sister, and my best friends. The women in my life are outstanding and strong who always teach me how to be better every day.

Happy International Women’s Day!

I really enjoyed learning more about these women and hope this post inspired you to think about these questions too. I would love for you take a few minutes and answer these questions for yourself and share them in the comments below!

What does movement mean to you?
How does movement make you feel?
What does self-love mean to you?
What do you love about yourself? and please, don’t hold back. Embrace what makes you, YOU and tell me what you love about YOU.
Who are some women that inspire you to be your best self?

💓I’d love to learn more about you, what motivates you and the women who inspire you!

with lots of love,

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY