Happy International Women's Day!
Mom, if you’re reading this… this is for you.
She is my source of inspiration and a big part of who I am. We have been through hell and back together and I am grateful to have you. She has shown me what it means to love someone unconditionally, make the impossible possible, and to never give up. She's given me a life philosophy that I cherish and live by. She’s the reason why I exist.
Let me tell you a story. When my mother was 27 years old, she was laid off from her job as an art teacher at a catholic private school in Japan. Being the woman that she is, she took that opportunity to take a trip to see New York City. She told the guy that she was dating at the time, "whether you come with me or not, I'm going to New York City". So she went off to New York City for two weeks with a one way ticket. She didn’t know a lick of English but took the leap of faith to go to New York because it was her dream and she wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip from her. Ballsy.
Her first day in New York, she dragged her suitcase down 8th avenue scared shitless but never turned back once. Long story short, my mother found an apartment her first day in New York and a job right before she was planning to leave for Japan. She ended up staying here for around 30 years. The guy followed her to New York but she married my dad and raised me with no support system in New York.
She raised me to be independent, walk to the beat of my own drum, follow my heart and chase my dreams. She's taught me to fight for what I believe in, do what's right and be compassionate towards everyone. She's pushed me to challenge myself so I could realize my own strengths. She's taught me to live hard and take more action. She's taught me to how to manage finances, think critically about the world and make my own decisions. She’s always been there to pick me up when I couldn’t pick my self up and continues to be there for me.
I've become strong, fearless and independent because of her. I am who I am, because of her.
We've grown so much together over the years and I’m excited to keep growing with you. So if you're reading this mom, I love you and thank you so much for being an incredible role model. Thank you for always picking me up and encouraging me. Thank you for loving me even at my worst. I love you so much.
Happy International Women's Day!