I have been inspired all of my life by incredible women that have crossed my path, or shared my journey. From my earliest recollections, strong, dedicated, caring women have been by my side showing by example, how to have my best life, full of bright moments, laughter and above all love of self and others.

My Mom is at the top of that list of inspirational women. She has taught me so many important lessons to live by and I am grateful every day for the time we share together. It is through examples from friends like Kelly and Meghan who inspire me each and every day, from colleagues in the not-for-profit community, including, Faith, Katharine, Luz, Tina, Annis, Linda, Leslie, Jasmine and Sandy, that I am reminded how lucky I am to share this time with them.

It is through actions of women on the international stage who have taken on the important causes of today, the moms working two jobs to make ends meet, our former Mayor Hazel who keeps on advocating as she passes the 100 year mark, our Mayor Bonnie who in the face of this difficult time keeps fighting for her residents and their health care, that inspire me to be a better example and shows us all the important role that women have in making the world a better place.

Recently, during the inauguration ceremony of President Joe Biden I was inspired by the presentation of Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. Her words created to celebrate this special day in the United States are so valid to all of us today. They speak of hope, togetherness in the face of adversity, an opportunity to create change and leave behind a country for our children, better than the one we were left with. The poem closes with “The new dawn blooms as we free it for there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it”, powerful words from one so young. It offers a vision of hope for a better future, inspiring all of us to participate in the making of it.

Thank you to all the inspiring women in my life who have shared my journey. I look forward to many more paths we will take together.

Watch: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/politics/amanda-gorman-inaugural-poem-transcript/index.html

Inspiring Read:

I love to read and enjoy many authors for their talents in telling a good story and especially their ability to make me laugh. During this difficult time we are all facing, I picked up Alan Doyle’s latest book “All Together Now”. This is the third book of his that I have read and I have not been disappointed in any of them. He takes you away to the shores of Petty Harbour Newfoundland and captivates you with the stories of his youth and experiences as a member of Great Big Sea. He is an excellent storyteller, inviting you to sit down at his Mom’s kitchen table to hear some of the best true tales you will ever hear.

Enjoy! 

Jayme Gaspar, Executive Director, Heritage Mississauga