On 8th March, International Women’s Day 2021, I woke up with plans.

• To write a blog post.
• To wish my women friends.
• To read the book that has been patiently waiting by my bedside.
• To buy a special treat for my daughters.
• To sit by the pool and enjoy the pleasant evening breeze.

Instead — I went to the office. I wrote emails. I returned calls. I cancelled the yoga class. I made an appointment with the dentist. I paid the bills.

That’s how it has always been.

A wish list and a to-do list. Never the twain shall meet.

Nothing new – as a woman, I know the rub of wanting one thing and doing another.  Of deferring dreams and stepping to the side. Of holding space, of making peace, with others, and with myself.

There’s much to complain about.

Patriarchy. Gender inequality. Glass ceilings.

It’s easy to pay lip service to catchy slogans and trendy hashtags. But there’s only one way to make a meaningful difference.

By being true to yourself.

On International Women’s Day, I had no plans to reveal deep insights or grand thoughts.

What I have shared is a true slice of my day as it transpired. Doing what needs to be done, for others and for myself.

The daily battle to find a space to nourish myself amidst the clamour of the needs of others.

I wish all women the strength to find that sliver of sanity everyday, not just on International Women’s Day.