GRANDMA OFFERS 10 LIFE LESSONS TO GEN Z FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

March is now National Women’s History Month. But how did it start? This month celebrates powerful women, so it should be no surprise that it began with powerful women, too.

According to the United States Census Bureau, “National Women’s History Month traces its roots to March 8, 1857, when women from various New York City factories staged a protest over poor working conditions.”  

During the Industrial Revolution, conditions were grim for many workers, but especially vulnerable groups like women. With no one to represent them, women had to fight for themselves.

About 50 years later, the first Women’s Day would be celebrated in New York City. And, by 1981, Congress established the first National Women’s History Week.

In 1987, the week was expanded to a month. Since then, Congress has passed a resolution recognizing March as National Women’s History Month.

Since then, the month recognizes the continuing achievements of women in our society. It’s important that we realize there is still much to do for creating a more equitable society for all.

RELATED: LEARN ABOUT THE WOMEN DESIGNERS MAKING HISTORY WITH SHOP LC

HER STORY

While we recognize strong women this month, and celebrate their achievements, it’s important to also remember the past. There is a strong opportunity for mentoring younger generations.

Sharing life lessons can help with overcoming obstacles, and hopefully help others from making the same mistakes! It creates a runway for youngsters to confidently handle whatever life might have in store for them.

Agota Gabor had dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. However, these were crushed with a polio diagnosis which left her body paralyzed.

As a child, after fleeing Russians from the bloody streets during the Hungarian Revolution, Ann has reinvented herself many times. A former TV producer and publicist, today she lives her life to the fullest – despite having post-polio syndrome.

Knowing how valuable our time on earth can be, Agota began writing a book to make sure these life lessons would live on for her granddaughter, now 16-years old. Her memoir provides details.

“The recurring theme in my book and in my life is optimism,” says Gabor. “While as a child during the war, I knew hunger and trauma, and my dreams were shattered when as a young dancer I was paralyzed by polio, I kept on fighting, always ‘shooting for the moon.’ I want to encourage women—young and old—to have the guts and tenacity to go for life! If you need to, be like a cat with many lives. I want to share my story, that while life can be very tough, it can also be a great adventure.”

GRANDMA’S LESSONS FOR ZOOMERS

Agota shared some of these life lessons with Shop LC. They come from her personal experiences as a woman moving through her stages of life, and here are some she considers to be essential.

1. Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid of trying new things.
2. The luckiest people are those who love what they do. Chose work you enjoy. Not just ones where you make money. 
3. Travel and keep on learning new things it will keep you interested and interesting.
4. When married, still have a life of your own outside of the marriage, as well as one with your partner. Don’t ever lose your identity.
5. Never give up good friends when married.
6. Try not to put up with how things are and what life deals you. When not happy, make a change, try to create a life you enjoy living. 
7. If you have kids, stay with them as long as you can, when they are small.
8. You will have hard times. Some of your dreams won’t come true. Pick yourself up. Start over.
9. Remember, you don’t have to be a cat to have nine lives. Reinventing yourself is possible and fun.
10. Working hard, living big, and making money is great, but one has to take risks and can’t be afraid to try.

Every woman has a lesson she can teach others. This is Agota’s story. What will yours be?

Visit the official National Women’s History Month website for more ideas on supporting women during this important month.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Third parties are not providing an endorsement of Shop LC goods or services. Shop LC is not providing an endorsement of third-party goods, services, or opinions.