I Look to Her
Today (March 8th) is International Women’s Day ( PS: Personally I think every day is a good day to honor women) and so when FTD.com reached out to me and asked me to collaborate with them to write this post for their #ilooktoher campaign and to mention one woman whom I think has inspired me in some way it was a no-brainer - yes of course I would say yes.
Long before female journalist Zoe Barns showed up on House of Cards, Murphy Brown (on the show of the same name) blazed onto the small screen in my house in the late 1980s. I was mesmerized by the character’s strength, take-no-prisoners attitude and ability to strive in a typically male dominated field. Every week I would watch Murphy as she strode into the office, shoulder pads squared and hair styled to perfection, her appearance immaculate. Furthermore, she was more than her looks and stylish attire. Smart, sassy and intelligent, she epitomizes the hashtag #likeaboss, even before such a thing existes. And so with such an inspiration I suppose I never doubted that women should make waves in the corporate sector or in business, doting boyfriend/husband completely optional.
Not only did Murphy Brown stride into the office in stylish slacks and blazers – defying the usual, boring and overly-girly attire seen on television back then – but she was on a par with any man in her professional realm. I wanted to be that character. Down to the neck-scarves and sassy retorts such as “And why do you guys need a movement in the first place? Tired of getting higher pay for the same jobs?” She was a beautiful, tough woman who refused to play by the boys-school rules. At the same time, Murphy Brown treated her colleagues and friends as equals and with the sort of respect and warmth beneath her gruff exterior, that caused them to rally around her through thick or thin. What more could a young girl aspire to?
As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I hope that you too will reflect on the women who influenced you, motivated you, and encouraged you. Do better than just reflect on them – if you can, tell them. Show them. Send them some flowers to say “thank you for helping me blossom into the person I am today.” If I could send them to Murphy Brown, I would. What kind of flowers do you think she’d like? I’m guessing some sort of orchid – blessed with a long-life and much stronger than its outward beauty implies.
Thank you FTD.com for sponsoring this post.
To follow the campaign on Instagram, search for #ILookToHer or follow me on Instagram here
Comments are closed.
Oh, I remember Murphy Brown. Yes, I used to watch her on TV when I was younger and somehow, something about her always enticed me to sit, stay for around 30 minutes as I absorbed her news, life, laughter, family and outtakes in between. She was one hell of a woman, indeed. Happy International Women’s Day to all of us!
What a wonderful tribute to the legendary Murphy Brown. I liked her too. Now, if there’s one woman I look up to, that’s gonna be Michelle Obama. I think she’s selfless, has a good head on her shoulders and can be charming and fierce at the same time. Plus, she’s the right hand of the most powerful man in the US. What’s not to like? She’s a #ladyboss in her own right, right?
I look up to Oprah, I think even after all these years, after she quit her daytime TV show, she still epitomizes the modern woman, powerful and enigmatic and influential. I’d love to be like her one day.
I know this is kinda late, but I still want to greet each and every woman reader here a Happy International Women’s Day! Long Live women!
Thank you! And a Happy International Women’s Day to you too!!
The whole of March is dedicated to women, because it’s the International Women’s Month and I applaud each and every one of you for all your successful endeavors. We rock!
Me. I look to Michelle Obama, because I believe she’s a great mother, a strong person and a force to reckon with. Happy International Women’s Month to all of us! Cheers!
This may sound cliche, but when it comes to idolizing women, I look up to my mom, a single parent who had done everything for her two kids and proved her worth in a sea of corporate men in the business.
Happy Women’s month to all lovely woman. Make the most of this time, we deserve this.
Yes Murphy Brown, I remember her! I loved her tv show/sitcom, too. I used to imitate her a lot at school, I even had my classmates call me Marnie Brown as I deliver a spiel like I am in front of a TV.
Oprah is someone I look up to. What I love about her is her generosity and genuine charisma with people.
I look up to my mom who’s sacrificed a lot. I think all moms are great gifts.
I agree. Mom’s are definitely the best!
Those are indeed gorgeous flowers, I love the arrangement! I actually look up to you Heidi, because you’re such an inspiration to us girls. Keep doing what you’re doing Heidi 🙂
This is flattering, Thanks!
You’re very much welcome Heidi. You deserve it.