Wisdom * Little Miss…

Sunday, March 8^th is International Women’s Day and the month of March is Women’s History month I thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight some incredible women.

These women each faced their own struggles and pushed past their own fears of self-esteem and self-worth to achieve greatness. They have left lasting legacies on the world that will continue to inspire future generations as well.

As a mom, one thing I want for my kids is to be strong and confident as they grow. Whether a daughter or a son, lessons can be learned from these strong women and what they overcame to leave a positive mark on history.

5 Strong Women to Celebrate on International Women’s Day

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor was a shy, insecure child who overcame obstacles in life to become one of the most important and beloved First Ladies, authors, reformers and female leaders of our time. She was born in 1884 to a wealthy, politically prominent family but that did not save her from her father’s alcoholism or the deaths of her parents and one brother before she was 10-years-old. After the deaths of her parents and brother, her maternal grandmother who was said to be harsh and critical of Eleanor raised her. She had a low self-esteem and was seen as timid and awkward believing she wasn’t as good as other girls.

Despite this, as she grew older she became involved in the settlement house movement, teaching children and families on Rivington Street. She held leadership roles in several organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the Women’s Trade Union League. When she moved into her role as First Lady she became one of the most politically active, influential First Ladies in history. She not only chaired but also helped write the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as well as worked on the Equal Pay Act. Eleanor took on many social issues related to women, racial justice, and immigration.

Low self-esteem is not an easy thing to overcome especially when you’ve had to deal with it starting from such a young age. Eleanor Roosevelt is an example of a strong woman who embraced grit and determination and who also understood that ONLY YOU can decide your worth.

Princess Diana

Princess Diana, was one of the most adored members of the British Royal Family. She was known for her shyness growing up and throughout her life she struggled with depression. Diana was born into a wealthy family on July 1, 1961. In 1969 her parents divorced and her father, Lord Spenser was given custody of the children. After leaving school in the late 1970’s she worked various jobs including cook, nanny and kindergarten teacher. She married Prince Charles who was 12 years older and stepped into Royal life. Her charisma and friendliness outshined her shyness as she was known for her compassion and advocacy. Initially, her patronages centered on children and youth but she also became known for her involvement with AIDS patients and campaigns to remove landmines as well as advocacy for people affected with cancer and mental illness.

Throughout her life she struggled with self-image even though she was seen as a fashion icon. There were times were she would seek attention but other times when she would stay at hospitals and charity events long after the press had left. Diana pushed past her own doubts of self-image to convey the importance of kindness and the human touch with those she met. She changed the way the royal family was perceived and after her death was referred to by Prime Minister Tony Blair as “The Peoples Princess” which captured people’s feelings of her around the world. Even the Queen, who had often been at odds with Diana’s ways noted, “[Diana] was an exceptional and gifted human being,” Queen Elizabeth said. “In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness.”

Princess Diana showed the importance of kindness, grace, and determination, making a lasting impact on the world.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn was a beloved actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian. Born in Belgium, she was known for her beauty, elegance and grace. To this day she is one of the greatest style icons. She starred in movies such as Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. During much of World War II, she studied at the Arnhem Conservatory in the Netherlands. After the country was invaded by Nazis, she and her mother struggled to survive. According to the New York times, it was during this time she helped the resistance movement by delivering messages. At the age of 22 she moved to New York to star in the Broadway production of Gigi. Years after becoming a film star, she became known for her work on behalf of children. She was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in the late 1980’s. She once said, “I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II,” said actress Audrey Hepburn on her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989. “I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does.”

Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was the first woman in history to fly solo across the Atlantic. From a young age, she loved adventures and the outdoors. She lived primarily with her maternal grandparents during the school year and stayed with her parents in Kansas City during the summers. Despite the disapproval from her grandmother, she enjoyed roaming the outdoors, riding imaginary horses, climbing trees, sledding and hunting. She broke stereotypes of what was known as “male jobs.” She helped girls realize their own limitless potential and that restriction placed on them by society shouldn’t dictate their success. She is remembered for her courage and strength. Amelia didn’t let anyone else define who she would be or what successes she could accomplish.

In a letter to her husband, she wrote, “Please know I am quite aware of the hazards.” She said, “I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.” A challenge for others to pick up and persevere through.

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel trademarked suits and the infamous little black dress, designs that are still popular today. In the 1920’s she introduced her first perfume and went on to later introduce the Chanel suit as well as the little black dress with an emphasis on making clothes that were comfortable for women. She was known for paring simple outfits with great accessories.

Coco’s early life was not as glamorous as the one she would grow up to lead. She was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. At the age of 12 after her mothers death her father put her in an orphanage where she was raised by nuns who taught her to sew. During a brief career as a singer she was known as “Coco” which is where the name her brand took on came from.

The international economic depression of the 1930’s caused Chanel’s company to be hit hard but it was the outbreak of WWII that led her to close her business and shut down shops. At the age of 70, she made a triumphant return to the fashion world with feminine, easy fitting designs. The designs received scathing reviews from critics, but shoppers loved it.

Coco Chanel not only made an impact on the fashion world creating comfortable, stylish clothing for women but she later at the age of 70 made a successful comeback showing that you’re never too old to accomplish more in life.

What Women Inspire You?

The word stems from the Greek word ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol). You just pictured the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding didn’t you?

Back to the question- The nine-pointed Enneagram symbol is used to represent nine distinct strategies for relating to one’s self, others and the world. Each one of these types has a different pattern of thinking, feeling and acting that comes from a deeper inner motivation or view.

How does The Enneagram Relate to Me?

I find it absolutely fascinating that answering a few questions I can get insight on my deeper inner thoughts and feelings. To put it differently, I can better understand the answers to why I do things, feel things in situations. It’s not that the test told me I was something that I didn’t know, it is that it said here are your tendencies; this is where you have strengths and this is your weakness.

Once you understand your Enneagram type, you can then study other people’s and how you relate to them. What you perceive one way someone else does totally different. It can help you see it from their point of view.

Do you ever find yourself feeling like you’re being held back from creating the life you want because of fear and self-doubt? Feeling like you want to improve but don’t know where or how to begin? The Enneagram can help you understand and create a roadmap that best works for you to reach your goals and gain confidence. That being said, it’s not an excuse. “Oh well, I’m this way because I’m a (insert Enneagram Type).” Once you understand the type there are ways and methods to help you learn how to best strengthen those areas of weakness.

How I found Enneagram Personality Test

It’s funny how scary accurate it can be. My sister had taken the test online and told me about it so I decided to give it a try. Because it nailed my personality, it also allowed me to look at the other types and relate them to people in my life which gave me a better understanding of the best methods of communication with those people.

My Top 3 types were: Type 5, Type 3, and Type 6. My wings were 5w4 and 5w6.

Test Online

There are various test out there, I’ve taken a couple and they gave me the same conclusions. The ones that I used were free. There’s The FAST Enneagram Testas well as Your Enneagram Coach. There is also a paid test ($10) through Enneagram Institute.

The Nine Types

The Reformer- the rational and idealistic type, principled, purposeful, self-controlled.
The Helper- the caring and interpersonal type, generous, people-pleasing
The Achiever (or Motivator)-the success oriented and pragmatic type, adaptable, excelling
The Creative (or Individualist)- the sensitive and withdrawn type, dramatic, temperamental
The Investigator (or Thinker)- the intense and cerebral type, innovative, perceptive
The Loyalist (or Skeptic)- the committed and security oriented type, responsible, engaging,
The Enthusiast (or Generalist)- the extroverted and spontaneous type, versatile, acquisitive
The Challenger (or Leader)- the powerful and dominating type, self-confident, decisive
The Peacemaker- the easy going and self-effacing type, reassuring, complacent, receptive.

It’s common to see some of yourself in all nine types, although one should stand out as be the closest to yourself.

Enneagram Wings

Not only do you have your main type, but it has been found that usually you will have characteristics of one of the types that lie adjacent to your main type. This is known as a “wing.” For example, you may be a type 5 and have a wing of a 4 or 6. This would be shown as a “5w4” and “5w6.” If you do not have a dominant wing, it is said that the wings are balanced.

Enneagram Instagram Accounts to Follow

Your Enneagram Coach Instagram– This Instagram account has a lot of good information and post about supporting other types. It focuses especially on marriages.

Social Enneagram– This Instagram account is all about conversation! There is tons of helpful and insightful information. Definitely a favorite to check out!

Enneagramandcoffee– This is another favorite account with lots of great information. Including…. Disney Princess Enneagrams!! Yes, I said Disney Princess!

It’s amazing how it can help you better understand yourself and the people you interact with. Enneagram is a fantastic way to help you do that! What’s your type?