International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

We each have the power and the magnificence to change the world. In our every action, even through a simple smile at a stranger, a kind word to a neighbor, an ear to a friend, and in the greater ways of using our unique gifts and talents- never for a second believe that you do not serve an extraordinary purpose here- you are an “Inspirista”.

Being a ‘girl’s girl’, I came up with the term one day when speaking with a friend who was talking about being a “fashionista”, to which I replied, “I don’t know, I think I’d rather be an inspirista.”

Then I grabbed my notebook and pen and wrote down what exactly I meant:

An Inspirista is a woman who has a positive attitude, an inner glow, a contagious energy that makes you want to smile. An Inspirista takes challenges with strides, and doesn’t allow a failure to hold her back, or a risk to scare her off. An Inspirista turns failure into her own success.

An Inspirista embraces her flaws, and finds beauty in the flaws. An Inspirista has a vision and is creating it for herself. An Inspirista inspires people to do what they love, follow their passions, and serves the world by using her unique gifts to help others.

A Fashionista is ok, but an Inspirista has style from the inside-out!!!

Here are just a few of my favorite quotes from Inspiristas:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.” ~Erma Bombeck

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” ~Maya Angelou

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” ~Helen Keller

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” ~Charlotte Bronte

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead

“There are only two ways of spreading light – to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” ~Edith Wharton

“Being joyful is the best ‘cosmetic’ I’ve got in my arsenal of beauty products. And, the price is right.” ~ Kara Oh

“As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.” ~Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

“The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance – and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” ~Oprah Winfrey

“Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.” ~Marianne Williamson