The HOPE Connection – WINTER 2024

It is not uncommon to get caught up in every day shenanigans and to put yourself on the back burner amid the chaos. This month is dedicated to prioritizing yourself and your health, both mental and physical. What does “self-love” look like? Well, it essentially means for you to be at your best, whatever that may look like for you. It is not just about loving yourself, but taking care of yourself, which may take some practice. So, here are some ideas to help you.

• Nourish your body! Nutrition plays a big role in your physical and mental wellbeing. Without nutrition, our bodies cannot perform at their best. Feeding your body what it needs to be at its best can improve your mood, your brain function and increase your body’s ability to manage stress.

• On top of feeding your body, feed your soul! Do things that make you feel good–whether that is listening to music, creating art, running, spending time with loved ones, reading, journaling, or even taking time to be alone—anything that brings you joy.

• Practice mindfulness! Live in the moment, pay attention and focus on your breathing. A great way to learn this skill is through meditation. Meditation has been proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, chronic pain, diseases, and high blood pressure. All you need is a few minutes each day. If this is new to you, go on YouTube and check out some videos.

• Positive affirmations! How you speak to yourself matters. Give yourself a compliment and talk to yourself as you would your best friend. Even if you do not believe it at first, still participate and give compliments. Your mind is much more powerful than you may realize. Ways to do this include, but are not limited to, looking at yourself in the mirror and make “I am…”, “I will…”, or “I can…” statements, write it down on sticky notes and put it in a place you will see/read it every day, give yourself a pep talk out loud, or repeat them in a mantra.

• Rest! Life today can be very busy, and you may feel pressure to constantly be busy or to make sure everything on your to-do list is crossed off. Know that it is ok to rest, and rest does not mean you are being lazy! Overworking or pushing yourself too much can negatively impact your health all around. It can even result in disrupted sleep, hypertension, and digestive issues.

As you can see, with self-love comes self-care. There are many ways in which someone can practice both. If you’d like a little guidance this month, check out ‘Just Breathe: A Guide to Wellness’ created by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. This guide will help you get back to the basics, assist you with a self-care plan, and learn different coping strategies.

International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate women’s economic, political, and social advancements and highlight the steps that still need to be made to achieve gender parity. Held annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day grows every year, as women around the world pause to reflect and make plans for constructive change.

But how did the day begin? In February 1909, the foundations of International Women’s Day were laid in the form of a “Women’s Day” held in response to a large-scale New York City garment workers’ strike for better pay, shorter hours, improved working conditions, and voting rights.



Originally a national day marked in the USA, the idea quickly turned international. It was first adopted by European countries after, and today, International Women’s Day is an official holiday in several places and widely observed in many more. Depending on where you are, celebrations range from the giving and receiving of gifts to political demonstrations and protests. Here are some ways International Women’s Day is observed around the globe:

Argentina – Celebrated since the 1900s, Argentinians typically marked International Women’s Day by giving presents to the women in their lives. However, in recent years protests have become a regular feature, with citizens increasingly taking to the streets to demonstrate against violence, the still-present pay gap, equal representation in the arts, and other social changes.

Australia – Australians have marked International Women’s Day for decades, though marches have become particularly widespread since the early 1970s. The day itself plays out across the country with a variety of panel discussions, breakfasts, and events featuring prominent women in their fields, speaking publicly to call for more representation, equality, and diversity across the board.

Chile – The day is marked by marches through several cities, particularly Santiago the capital, with protesters likely wearing green handkerchiefs to symbolize their support of sexual and reproductive rights. Chants, drumming beats, and elaborate costumes are featured.

China – While Girl’s Day is March 7 in China, the country has recognized International Women’s Day since 1949. On March 8th employers are encouraged to give their female staff a half-day off. However, there’s also a strongly rooted commercial side to the day, in which men are encouraged to purchase presents for the women in their lives.

Italy – On March 8 women are traditionally given bunches of small yellow mimosas: the chosen symbol of International Women’s Day in this country. Also seen to symbolize female strength, it’s common for women to pass bouquets of mimosas to each other as a sign of female solidarity. Cakes and pasta are also created with vibrant yellow colors to resemble the flower!

Romania – In Romania, International Women’s Day is celebrated in a similar way to Mother’s Day, providing a reason for people, particularly men, to recognize their mothers, grandmothers, and friends with children by giving them cards and flowers.

Russia – Though the date has been an official national public holiday in Russia since 1918, its original meaning seems to have largely forgotten its political roots, instead, women are recognized in general terms through gift-giving.

Spain – After the unexpectedly large-scale success of the general strike in Spain in 2018 in which more than 5 million people walked out for 24 hours, the country continues to take to the streets. While a mass strike is not necessarily the focus of future International Women’s Days, the Spanish people are clear in their aim to increasingly focus on rights for women and girls.

United Kingdom – Held over three days in London, including International Women’s Day, the Women of the World festival features speakers, activists, and performers who come together to tackle the issues facing women globally. Founded in the UK, WOW now has sister festivals in other parts of the world, with discussions, talks, and exhibitions that intertwine and feed each other under one name.

United States – International Women’s Day is not an official holiday in the United States, though March is known as Women’s History Month; a period to call attention to women’s achievements throughout history both past and contemporary. On March 8th itself, capital cities host rallies, conferences, and business events bringing together conversation and thought leadership around the topic.