Do You Dare Celebrate Yourself During Women's History Month?

I'm an older black woman, over sixty-years-old, so I've earned the right to celebrate myself during Women's History Month.

This is actually a holiday occasion that embraces woman of any age, for the entire month of March. 

We live in a very gender biased society, so it's up to women to lead the charge in reflecting on some of the things we're most proud of in life, even if we reflect on ourselves and our own accomplishments.

It's too bad that so many times, when it comes to lifting people up, a woman may not always feel comfortable singing her own praise. 

By contrast, human behavior is tricky, and all too often, we have no problem with being down on ourselves.

Like many others, I've found myself guilty of this in the past, and sometimes I still am. But not this year.

In 2026, during the month of March - Women's History Month - I've decided to spend some time tooting my own horn, in addition to writing and talking about other significant women, prominent or not.

In addition to several related stories that I happily submitted to the women focused Viva Community on Vocal, I recently wrote and published an updated bio story to serve as my "About Me" story on the Medium platform.

In it, I vocalize some of the things I'm most proud of as an older African American woman. I'm doing pretty good for a 67 year-old black woman who is still dealing with the trifecta of obstacles in life:

1. Ageism
2. Racism
3. Sexism

…and not necessarily in that order.

With that being the case, I think it’s more than fitting that I spend a little time during Women’s History Month, celebrating myself and doing something to lift myself up.

My proudest accomplishments include:

• Motherhood
• Authorship
• Being a good friend
• Shows of compassion
• Social awareness
• Self awareness

I’d dare to guess that if I thought about it a little longer, I’d probably come up with a few more things that I’m proud of having accomplished.

But in my 67 years on this earth, the above entries top the list.

Surviving Ageism, Sexism and Racism in 2026

I can proudly report that in spite of the difficult life I’ve led and the challenges I’ve encountered, I’m a survivor of it all!

As I currently stare ageism in the face and deal with society’s constant off putting attitudes about growing older, I’m fearless. That's why I’m taking early steps in advance, to make sure I have a smooth transition to an independent living lifestyle, when and if the time comes.

In one way or another, racism has been a constant in my life, living as a black woman. The stigma attached to being viewed as an angry black woman has reared it's ugly head in many shades and appearances, yet I press on in combating hatred with love and sometimes even laughter.

The sexism that I’ve experienced over the years (often without even knowing it) is something I’ve finally learned how to recognize and even call out for what it is, when necessary.

Final Thoughts

As an elderly black woman who has finally learned to embrace myself, faults and all, I take pleasure in pointing out what I consider to be some of my more notable accomplishments in life.

Thanks to the love and support of awesome women (and a few men) who have been a motivating part of my life during the early days and up until now, I’ve become a productive member of society that I can actually be proud of.

In summary, as I continue on the rest of my journey through life, for however long I have left, I’ll try to remember exactly how proud I felt this year during the Women’s History Month, and vow to do even better in the future.

I plan to continue striving to find creative ways to celebrate my siblings more and stop taking for granted how essential the bonds of sisterly love can be for women, especially as we get up in age.

But more importantly, I’ll also make a point to not let so much time pass without taking a moment to celebrate myself and all that I continue to achieve.

My accomplishments as a woman, a sister, a friend, an author, and a decent and caring human being are enough to be proud of at anytime, and not just during Women’s History Month.

Life hasn't been particularly easy, having to live through racism, sexism, and now ageism, but somehow, being the resilient woman I am, I'm still here, and I'll continue fighting the good fight.

This renewed self examination about the hurdles I've been successful in accomplishing has helped me share the kind of profile story that truly speaks to the woman that I am  - an older black woman that's actually quite awesome :-)

Thanks for reading.