Hello. May I speak to the woman who is reading this?
Beautiful, This is Jamie.
You might not know who I am,
but the reason I am writing this is because…

If I asked you which woman was better, Beyoncé or Ciara, what would your answer be? Maybe you’d choose Beyoncé because you believe she’s an extraordinary performer and an icon. Maybe you’d choose Ciara instead, because you think she’s a talented dancer and is always fashion forward. Why not choose them both? Is that even an option in today’s society?

As women, it seems like were programmed for competition. We always want to determine who wore it best, who deserves the crown or the final rose. It seems harmless, but when your sister is your competition, no one really wins. I see women bashing each other daily, and it breaks my heart. In a country where women make up 50.8% of the population but just 4.2% of CEO positions in fortune 500 companies (fortune.com), why are we not uplifting each other? We should be each other’s cheerleaders. I mean, who can really understand the struggles of a woman better than another woman?

Can I tell you a secret? You can be a phenomenal woman and I can be just as phenomenal. We don’t have to compete. We can be great together because contrary to popular belief, there is room for both of us. If there wasn’t, God wouldn’t have created all of us with our unique gifts. All women have purpose, and when you stop focusing on yours to envy someone else’s, you lose sight of it. You can be the best hairstylist, best artist, best CEO, best wife, best mom, or even best dressed, and your sister can too.

…So I’m telling you these things
to let you know how much I love you, 
and woman to woman,
I hope you’ll understand
how much I’ll do to support and uplift you as my sister.

You are enough. You are beautiful. You have purpose, and you are loved. If no one else tells you today, I told you so. Now, go tell someone else. Happy International Women’s Day!