Hi cuties!

I’m excited to share this post with you all today because it isn’t something I typically write about.

When I started my blog years ago, I wanted to focus on fashion/style. Jess Undecided eventually evolved into a space where I shared with you all a look into my every day lifestyle, and my passion for nutrition. This post was almost going to be just another styling post in celebration of International Women’s Day, but one of my goals this year was to start stepping out of my comfort zone. To be bolder and write about things I’m not necessarily used to writing about.

That’s why I’ve partnered with Saks OFF 5TH to bring you this piece celebrating International Women’s Day!! … and why I’m wearing RED, and loving it!

I’m wearing this super cute t-shirt because Saks OFF 5TH has partnered with Girls Inc. to create these exclusive t-shirts in support of International Women’s Day. Also, 100% of the net proceeds will go to Girls Inc., which is a non-profit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and BOLD!

When I think back on what made me into the woman I am today, I think the most important factors were the strong female influences in my everyday life. I’m talking about my mother, my aunts, my cousins, my teachers, and the girls I grew up with. It wasn’t necessarily the people I saw on tv or read about in the newspaper, but the people that immediately impacted my life.

The world, of course, was a much different place back then. My cellphone flipped open, and the only game on it was that snake game where you inevitably ate your own tail!! (You’re now welcome to guess my age :p).

I didn’t have access to an infinite number of strangers’ every move, and I wasn’t connected to everyone I ever knew at any given second.

I find it so easy to get lost in the digital world now, especially since my job requires me to be online almost 24/7. As much as I love that I’m able to read and communicate with amazing women around the world, I fear that I have forgotten to take the time to connect with and thank the women in my real life.

That’s why I want to take this International Women’s Day and really celebrate and thank all the women that have made a direct impact in my life. The women who have helped me become the strong, smart and bold woman I am today.

To my grandmother, who even though is no longer with me today - thanks for teaching me what true kindness and respect is. I remember spending everyday with you and watching you take care of everyone around you. You taught me how to give and care for others without expecting or asking for anything back. You showed me how to earn respect from others without asking for it. Your grace and strength will always be something I hope to one day achieve.

To my mom - you’re the most loving woman I know. You basically raised your sisters and brother (my mom is 1 of 6!!), and all the while started a family of your own. You’ve created a family where there’s nothing we could ever be afraid to tell or ask you for. I never knew how special and rare that was until recently. I’m forever thankful that I can always be completely open with you. The safe and honest environment you created for us is the reason I can be so independent and fearless in my own life.

To my baby sister - first of all, what would I do without you?! You’ve always been the more “mature one” even though you’re 5 years younger than me!! Even before everything your latest journey has thrown at you, you’ve always been the STRONGEST woman I’ve ever known. The way you’ve handled yourself this last (almost) year and a half has made you a real life superwoman in my books. You’ve shown me how to keep living and thriving even when everything seems to be going the other way. Thanks for showing me what real inner strength looks like.

To all the other amazing women that have made a direct impact in my life (you know who you are) - every one of you have taught me lessons in being resilient, persevering, making sure my voice is heard, making sure we’re being treated fairly, showing me how to be a leader, teaching me how to get back up when I fall (which let’s be honest, happens to us all), and lastly how to be STRONG.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, I want to challenge you to celebrate and thank a woman (or all of them!) in your life that has made a real impact in your life, IN PERSON. We really should be thanking them everyday. So let’s try to make, EVERY DAY, WOMEN’S DAY!

xx

Jess