How will I #BalanceforBetter this International Women's Day? With Gratitude and Commitment.

International Women’s Day is finally here! As part of the Women at Linkedin global team, we have been planning for this milestone event for months. Walking into our office this morning seeing a sea of purple and scrolling through my feed reading everyone's commitment confirms that we are on the right track and ready for more #BalanceforBetter.

Today signals a day to to pause and reflect who and what we are grateful for. It just so happened this week during our sales meeting we kicked off talking about gratitude, being tasked with expressing our gratitude to 3 key people in our lives this week. We simply don’t do this enough.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. William Arthur Ward

1. My Husband: For being my true north and standing by side through challenge and ease, defining and exemplifying what it means to be in a true partnership. For always encouraging me to pursue any challenge - big or small and reminding me to crush my self doubt. I am a stronger woman, daughter, friend, leader, colleague because of you.
2. My mom, dad and sister: For not only being the best role models showing what it takes to balance work and family while endlessly supporting each other along the way, but showing me that you can literally do anything if you put your mind to it. That hard work, passion and grit can only take you so far... But it’s when you have compassion and empathy to reach beyond yourselves to help others that takes you even further.
3. My colleagues: From my managers, team members, co workers and friends - you all make it so easy coming into work everyday to grow, challenge and become a better version of myself. This is a place where I can drive my passions and curiosities with incredible support and gusto. 

I am so grateful for all of you.

So, what am I going to commit to today, tomorrow and the rest of the year to encourage #BalanceforBetter?

1. To my Daughter: This year is going to be a big year for me personally - I am going to become a mom for the first time. Which is wonderful, weird and daunting all at once. As parents we will work together to set the best example of gender parity for you. It may not be perfect, and we are still learning along the way. The future is bright and we can't wait.
2. To my friends: To continue and consistently be your champion and mirror - to push, support, celebrate and also be your sounding board. We are all better when we help each other and actively listen.We all need our girl and guy gang!!
3. To my community: This year, I am committing to getting involved with helping those in need in our community, especially young women and mothers. To play my part in support of equal opportunities beyond my network.

What will you commit to this year to #BalanceforBetter?

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