Celebrating International Women’s Day
Tuesday, I had the honor of speaking at a company in Tolland, CT, that was celebrating its female employees for International Women’s Day.
The audience was about 35 women (on site), (4 brave men showed up), and others joined in virtually from around the world. The theme of the event this year was “Give to Gain.”
As we began the conversation, I validated how much we all give each and every day.
I believe that women are natural givers. Every day we show up for our families, our workplaces, our communities, and our friends.
We care, we organize, we support, we encourage, we listen, and we lead. In many ways, the world runs on the quiet contributions of women who simply keep showing up and doing what needs to be done. Oftentimes without reward.
But there is an important truth we don’t talk about enough.
The problem isn’t giving.
The problem is about giving without replenishing ourselves enough.
During my presentation, I shared a framework called the Six Human Needs, which helps explain what motivates us as humans.
Some of you may be familiar with this model as I’ve shared it before.
We have needs for certainty, variety, significance, love and connection, personal growth, and contribution. While the first four are essential to our everyday lives, the last two — growth and contribution — are where many people find deep fulfillment and meaning.
For many women, contribution sits very high on the list.
We want to help. We want to make a difference. We want to support others and leave things better than we found them.
And when all our needs are met, we can give from a healthy place. Then we really do gain from giving. We gain energy, purpose, and connection.
But when we give from an empty place — when we ignore our own needs for rest, connection, or personal growth — we eventually find ourselves running on fumes. That’s when burnout begins to creep in.
One of the most powerful moments in my talk was when we discussed receiving.
I got to use this new polling tool during the presentation so audience members could be polled, and you could see updates to the data coming in live on the screen. So cool.
Many women admitted that when they are struggling, the hardest thing for them is either to ask for or accept help.
Yet receiving support is part of the natural cycle of giving.
When I was growing up, my family experienced a devastating house fire. I shared this story during my talk and recalled that we lost so much, and it felt like the worst day of my life.
But what I witnessed that day changed my perspective forever. Friends, neighbors, and strangers showed up with meals, clothing, furniture, and donations in all forms. The outpouring of generosity was overwhelming.
That experience taught me something profound at a young age: people want to help.
Contributing to the well-being of others is deeply human. When we allow others to support us, we are actually giving them the gift of being able to contribute.
At times, life will throw a curve ball.
Many women today are navigating transitions while raising children, caring for aging parents, changing careers, moving, or facing unexpected life challenges.
During these seasons, it becomes even more important to take good care of yourself and ask for help when you need it.
That means being willing to slow down and take time for yourself.
It means prioritizing rest and personal growth.
And sometimes it means allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to ask for help and gracious enough to accept it.
Sustainable giving comes from a full cup, not an empty one.
When we care for ourselves well, our ability to contribute expands. Our leadership improves. Our relationships deepen. And our impact grows.
So wherever you are right now in your life, I hope you remember this:
You don’t have to give everything or all the time.
But when you give from a place of balance and intention, the benefits ripple outward — to your family, your workplace, your community, and to you.
Your contribution matters.
If you are in a season of transition or want to better understand what motivates you and how to meet your own needs more effectively, I invite you to connect with me.
I offer coaching, personality assessments, and hypnotherapy designed to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful changes in your life.
Because when we grow, we gain — and when we contribute, the whole world benefits. That may sound trite, but I really believe it. So keep growing, changing, and making an impact!
All my best,
Maureen
