Monday's Quote

“Fall Seven Times and Stand up Eight” - Japanese Proverb

I would posit that most women are truly indefatigable warriors. In today’s society, we are not only swathing our paths professionally at all ages, but still remain primarily responsible for caring for families, whether children, parents or partners, keeping the home in shape, and watching over all with a vigilante and protective eye.

Tomoe Gozen, was a fearsome Japanese female warrior of the 12th century, and there are historical records of women who made a name for themselves as warriors. These women were renowned not only as fearsome fighters, but also as inspirational leaders and artful strategists. Such women from the ancient world include Artemisia, the Queen of Halicarnassus, Boudica, the Queen of the Iceni, and Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra.

In Japan, the Onna-Bugeisha which means woman warrior, were women trained in martial arts and strategy who fought alongside the samurai to defend their homes, families and honor. Tomoe Gozen was a legendary swordswoman whose talents included archery, horseback riding and the art of the katana. She was known as one of the few women warriors who engaged in offensive battle – known as onna-musha – rather than the defensive fighting more common among traditional onna-bugeisha. On the battlefield, she was respected and trusted by her troops. In 1184, she led 300 samurai into a fierce battle against 2,000 Taira clan warriors and was one of only 5 to survive. Sadly, after the 19th century the legacy of the Onna-Bugeisha was buried in the pages of history, and Japanese women were portrayed as submissive and subservient, clad in kimono and tightly bound obi.

We are all warriors and have the strength, determination and intelligence to master all that challenges us in life. From failure, comes lessons learned that should be applied for ultimate success. Let’s embrace our inner warrior spirit, and, get up with alacrity every time we fall down, every time someone says no, every time someone tries to put us in our place…always get up!!!