Celebrate Yourself on International Women’s Day

A Personal Reflection on Achievement

Every year, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women around the world. We look to inspiring figures—leaders, pioneers, visionaries—who have broken barriers and paved the way for others. However, today, I want to shift the focus inward. Let’s take a moment to view ourselves as role models.

For as long as I can remember, I have struggled to acknowledge my own accomplishments. I could admire others, cheer for their success, and recognize their resilience. But when it came to my achievements, I hesitated. I minimized my wins and magnified my setbacks. I believed that to be worthy of recognition, I needed to be flawless or have accomplishments viewed as lofty by society. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment.

Understanding Our Struggles

Why do we feel this way? Why is it so hard to see ourselves as others see us? A significant part of this stems from our upbringing. Many of us were raised in environments that encourage comparison instead of self-celebration. We are taught, often unintentionally, to measure our worth against someone else’s journey. We strive for the next milestone, chase perfection, and avoid failure at all costs. Consequently, we fail to celebrate our achievements, believing we’ve done insufficient work. When we do stumble, we perceive it as proof of inadequacy rather than a learning opportunity.

Perfection is a myth. The real markers of success are not just moments of triumph, but also the lessons learned through failure. My understanding deepened significantly when I took a step back from my work, specifically from Style with Tia.

The Challenge of Burnout

Last year, I hit a wall. Burnout, combined with a close family member’s major surgery, left me overwhelmed. Creativity, something that flowed naturally, became stagnant. I withdrew. I stopped posting, sharing, and doing what I loved. It wasn't just the workload; it was the weight of self-doubt and exhaustion that made me feel disconnected from what brought me joy.

Initially, I viewed this period as a failure. Now, I regard it as one of my greatest accomplishments. From that experience, I learned. I grew. I realized resting is not quitting. Stepping back does not signify weakness; it demonstrates wisdom and self-awareness. I recognized that I had been waiting for someone else to inspire me, when in fact, I had the power to be my own role model.

The Unspoken Burden of Burnout

Burnout is a topic we don’t discuss enough, especially among women. We shoulder so much—the mental load, emotional labor, and the expectations of being everything to everyone. We juggle work, relationships, parenting, and friendships. And somehow, we still feel we should do more. This perception is due to the conditioning that views struggle as a sign of weakness. Hence, we don’t always reach out for help when we need it.

However, the truth is that burnout does not stem from a lack of ability. It emerges from giving too much of ourselves without taking the time to refill our own cup. Taking a break or stopping something isn’t failing; sometimes, we need rest. We must listen to our bodies and minds to understand what they need.

Healing and Growth Through Acknowledgment

Trauma manifests differently for everyone, and we each experience it for various reasons. Acknowledging this is one of the first steps to healing and growth. When we grant ourselves the grace to step back, process, and heal, we allow ourselves to return stronger, wiser, and more aligned with our purpose.

This is why support systems are vital. We need people we can lean on—friends, partners, family, or even professional help. We need safe spaces to be vulnerable. In these circles, we can share our struggles and hear the words, "I’ve felt that way too." You’d be surprised by how many women carry the same doubts, feeling the same burdens, and waiting for someone to speak about it first.

Today, I encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations. Be honest about your struggles. Open up to your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. There is immense power in shared experiences. Sometimes, simply knowing you’re not alone can be the first step toward healing.

A Call to Self-Celebration

Every challenge you’ve faced, every moment of self-doubt you’ve conquered, and every time you stood back up after life knocked you down—these make you extraordinary. Others see it, even when you don't. Your children, friends, colleagues, and even strangers watching from afar see your resilience, kindness, and dedication.

This Women’s Day, I encourage you to see yourself through their eyes. Celebrate yourself not just for your achievements, but for your persistence. Acknowledge the quiet moments when you kept going. Recognize the times you believed you had failed, but in reality, you were simply learning.

My Ongoing Journey

As for me? I still struggle with the notion that I have accomplished anything. I need reminders occasionally, and that is completely okay. I am stepping back into what I love, embracing my journey with its imperfections. I remind myself that growth never happens in stagnation. Style with Tia represents my passion, creativity, and evolution. I am ready to show up for it again.

To every woman reading this: You are worthy. You are inspiring. You are a role model, whether you realize it or not. So today, don’t just celebrate women—celebrate yourself. Because you are incredible.

Happy Women’s Day.

With love,

Tia