Uncertainty clouds my understanding of what exactly we're commemorating on this International Women's Day
As I sit here in my car, drowning in caffeine to sustain my momentum, the fear of unravelling lingers — I realise there's no safety net to catch the pieces if I fall apart.
Who will fetch the kids from school? Who will be the sounding board for their tales of the day, be they good or bad?
I am pulled back as I hear the school bells and decide to shake off these thoughts. It's time to pick up the kids.
The stories spill out simultaneously as we navigate the school gates
A herd of tired but resilient mothers exchanging weary smiles — Happy International Women's Day.
Reality hits hard; everyone is hungry and irritable. The car echoes with the cacophony of bickering kids, and my phone incessantly demands attention, reminding me of urgent work matters at 3:30pm.
Panic sets in as I realise there's no bread at home. The supermarket awaits, a battlefield where I don my armour and march in with the kids in tow — Happy International Women's Day.
The mental checklist intensifies — extra activities for each child, scattered in different locations with minimal time between. I act as their taxi, juggling their schedules. Amidst the chaos, Client X urgently seeks a meeting, and a nagging text notifies me of an overlooked bill.
I remember I have to call the doctor to make an appointment for one of my kids and find time to buy a costume for a princess party — Happy International Women's Day.
The evening continues its chaotic dance
Dinner plans and homework assignments loom overhead. I question the nutritional value of toasties and veggies.
The battle over homework ensues — a relentless tug-of-war with meltdowns and resistance. It takes a good half-hour, but the homework is completed and dinner is served — Happy International Women's Day.
Yet, the day's demands persist as another parent pings about a playdate. My brain feels overwhelmed; I postpone the response for later, acknowledging the fullness of my mental capacity. Happy International Women's Day, a day that encapsulates the intricate dance of resilience, chaos, and triumph that defines the everyday life of women around the globe.
I collapse onto the couch for a minute, utterly exhausted
I take a deep breath and glance at the clock. It's been a whirlwind of a day, and as the chaos begins to settle, I realise the irony in the phrase "Happy International Women's Day."
The reality of being a woman, a mother, and a professional often feels like a perpetual juggling act.
As the evening unfolds, I settle the kids, devour dinner, and restore a semblance of order. The constant demands from work, the unexpected twists and turns of parenting — it's a relentless cycle.
But then, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror
I see resilience etched on my face, the mascara seeping into the growing creases around my eyes. I am the unsung hero of this everyday epic, navigating through the challenges with unwavering strength.
Later, as I finally sit down for a moment of solitude, I receive a Whatsapp message from a friend. She shares a TikTok expressing our shared lack of mental stability, and that’s why we're friends, not just today but every day.
It's in these moments that the true essence of International Women's Day begins to dawn on me
The celebration isn't about flowers, messages, or a token acknowledgment. It's about recognising the strength, determination, and resilience that women embody every single day. It's about acknowledging the silent battles fought in the midst of mundane chaos, the sacrifices made for family, and the unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
In this reflection, I find a renewed sense of purpose
Yes, the challenges persist, but so does the indomitable spirit that defines women around the world.
As the day winds down, I tuck my kids into bed, grateful for the bond we share. The messages from work can wait; the unanswered texts will find their replies, but this moment is mine.
With a smile, I raise a metaphorical glass to all the women out there – the multitaskers, the problem solvers, the caregivers, and the dreamers. Happy International Women's Day, where the real MVPs are the ones who can laugh in the face of chaos, conquer the battlegrounds of daily life and still find humour in the absurdity of it all.
Cheers to those women, the unsung heroes in this everyday circus!
This piece was written by our resident Psychologist Sinem Ibrahim.
If you’re in crisis and need to talk to someone, remember to call a friend or contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 44 for 24-hour support. You're never alone.
