Here's to strong women!

Happy Friday, my friend!

I have just come back from a ten-day trip to Germany.

(Last week, actually, but I caught myself Covid on the way home,

so I've been out of commission for a good week.)

?

I went to Germany to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday.

Funny coincidence:

One of my big role models, Gloria Steinem, is exactly 15 days older

and turned 90 on March 25 of this year.

?

Unlike Gloria Steinem,?

my mom is not much of a feminist (and no activist).

But like Gloria Steinem,?

she beats every stereotype you may have about a woman of that age.

She lives by herself, still drives, dresses incredibly well,

and regularly goes out to events and to meet people for dinner.

?

Actually, I often think she has more of a social life than I do!

?

But I see that she's not in good spirits a lot more these days.

?

Why?

To put it bluntly, my mom has outlived not only her husband?

and her younger brother, but many of her friends as well.

And most of those who are still around are not as fit as she is.

?

I've known this for a long time,

but today, conversations with my mom really drive it home

how important female companionship is for women –

both private friendships and business bestie relationships.

(My mom used to be a business owner,

so she had both, and with a fair share of overlap.)

?

That's why women-only gatherings are one of my top priorities.

?

I love getting together with my girlfriends,

and I love being part of networks and groups of women,

be it industry-specific or interest-based.

?

And I also prefer to discuss my challenges, professional or personal,

with other women as my support system and sounding board.

?

So here's a bit THANK YOU to all of you

who are part of my women's network.

I appreciate you!?

?

Here's to strong women –

May we KNOW them,

May we BE them,

May we RAISE them,

or in my case: BE RAISED by them.

Love, Micha

And here's another pic, just because I feel like showing you

how beautiful and stylish my mom was. :)

?